DRIFTING CLOUDS |
| CREDITS: Director: Aki Karismaki. Cast: Kati Outinen, Kari Vaananen & Elina Salo.
Finland (Subtitled) 1996 (PG) INTRODUCTION: Cult Scandinavian director Karismaki launches another of his black-comedies onto the world stage and so, in a desperate attempt to get in touch with my distant Viking heritage, I raped and pillaged my way down to my local arthouse. SYNOPSIS: We follow the lives of two recently laid-off Fins, as they attempt to piece their shattered lives back together via a series of shitty jobs, and brushes with their cities seedier side. REVIEW: Fear not, for it is not as depressing as it sounds, well not quite, as Karismaki injects a healthy dose of dark humour into the proceedings. Indeed after taking us deep into the hinterland of recession hit Finland and following the lives of a couple who's squalid depressing lives seem to be leading nowhere, the ending comes as something of a cop-out, a bit too trite for my liking. Outinen and Vaananen are truly charming as the put-upon couple and get you rooting for them right from the get-go despite their all too human flaws. Ably assisted by a strong supporting cast the performances are one of this movies strongest features. Karismaki has quickly established himself as one of the leaders of Scandinavia's new wave of black-comedy directors. He shows a rare visual flair for filming the less pleasant aspects of Finland hitherto unexplored underbelly. A little too depressing in the middle and way too happy at the end, Karismaki's little film is enthralling but lacks balance. Flawed but nonetheless charming, much like its lead characters. Mutt's Rating: *** |