Calamari Union

'Peculiar' is not enough to explain this early film in Aki Kaurismäki's filmography, following a group of men all (except one) called Frank on an exodus to a fabled place in Finland, which tries too hard to be cool - with its jukebox music and men in sunglasses and smoking - and comes off as alienating instead.

Cute "absurdist travelogue" as FitFortDanga called it. Really, don't expect the involving drama or the shy satire found in most of Kaurismäki's stuff. This appears to just aim for the absurd, and it doesn't go anywhere else in particular. The soundtrack is nice.

Absurd, even by Kaurismäki's standards.

Kaurismäki is the best director/writer ever imo and this one is just as good as the other ones.

A masterful piece of stupid moments, Calamari Union doesn't really count as a movie. Or maybe it does. Impossible to say. Most of the scenes say something, or maybe they don't. Excellent late-night movie material for film enthusiasts.

This movie does not have a special story, but it's feeling is pretty good. Movie is loaded with 80's hottest music and young (men) actors. Funny piece.

Aki Kaurismäki #1

More deadpan absurdity from Kaurismaki. For such an early film of his, his aesthetic is surprisingly fully-formed. That said, it lacks the subtle warmth and emotion of his best work due to the overt and total (albeit it very amusing) absurdity of the premise. It's really "just" funny, but it's a good joke. The overall effect is not unlike one of Fassbinder's very early films except completely unserious.

The appeal of this cool, urban and stylised dark comedy hasn't eluded with the gradual maturity of the viewer. Yet, as it depends heavily on a relatively light construct, the overall merits don't amout to a degree compatible with the potential Kaurismäki has.

anarchist movie

About 15 guys (all named Frank, except one) embark on an epic journey to get to... the other side of town. It's not as easy as it sounds. It reminded me a lot of Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie. And like Kaurismaki's later film, Leningrad Cowboys Go America, it's essentially an absurdist travelogue, with a little more "absurd" and a little less "travel". Not quite as funny, as some of the monologues call a halt to the comedy. But otherwise a really fun time.

on class

Viewed February 24, 2021. Only Aki Kaurismaki would be brave enough to make a movie about 15 guys named Frank. Very fun.