The Other Side of Hope

An interesting mix of understated human drama, and Scandinavian humour that creates a sense of empathy for the main protagonist that leaves you hoping for better things for him and all those in a similar position.

The structure of the film helps us see how it is we can begin to understand the problems and trials of refugees--not through a general sense of their movements or even through hearing a specific story (first half). Rather, when Wistrom (we) comes into contact with an actual refugee and seeks to extend basic kindness to him does he find true empathy. Kaurismaki warns that empathy cannot protect the Khaleds of the world from the darker forces in our midst--but it will give them a chance.

Kaurismäki's final film is a beautiful statement of empahty in an unpredictable & often disheartening world. Nothing is wasted & every understated gesture is meaningful as in a fable. The lean & dry style borders on self parody which feels slightly weird at times in a story that deals with a contemporary "hot topic" but like most of Kaurismäki, it succeeds through its honesty. He is always able to find comedy & compassion amidst tragedy. Not his funniest or strongest work but a damn fine exit.

Effortlessly marries Kaurismäki's usual, charming storytelling into the message about the humanity of the refugees. It's a fun film right down to the local Helsinkian music but does get too silly at times.

Despite Kaurismäki having a particular style and sense of humor, I can't say his films are my cup of tea. Both films I've seen felt amusing yet lightweight in nature, which given the themes and subjects they explore kept them from hitting harder than it could have.

Kaurismäki saves the very best for last.

to rewatch

Another on point commentary from Kaurismäki on the way in which in our increasingly interconnected world ravaged by warfare etc. we need to care for each other (in particular, caring for those we don't yet know). The alternative is the demise of humanity.

Like it.

I really enjoyed this. The characters are quirky and likeable, with interesting backgrounds and I found myself hoping for the best for the main character, Khaled. We learn about what he's left behind when he talks to people. There are many scenes in which little is said, by way of dialogue but its pretty clear what emotions are meant to be felt by the viewer. Its quite thoughtful - certainly the main theme being about immigration and somewhat about perserverance. I recommend this film.

Good. FIrst Kaurismaki I saw. The fact tehy meet each other so late in the movie is really interesting

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Arabs understood the humor. Go figure

an introspective work about the difficulties and rewards of assimilating not only refugees into finland, but also their stories into kaurismaki's unmistakably finnish brand of cinema. this marriage is knowingly awkward and imperfect ("you confuse me: should i smile or cry?"), even fraught in places, but the overarching tone is one of empathy and gentle optimism. billystevenson's piece is an example of why i consider him one of the most unsung critics on letterboxd (or anywhere), so read it.

Most easy-watching immigration film. Not big fan of Kaurismaki, but his films have charm, good eye for comedy and look like they are stuck out of time. A young man arrives from Syria looking for asylum and a way to get his sister back. He finds friends - a restaurant owner trying to make it after scoring poker money to buy the place - but also sorrow - his request is denied, a fascist group goes after him. Elegant, sometimes uneven, but engrossing tale about humanity in times of despair.

Virgem.

A little too didactic, a little too unsatisfying. Maybe a little too emotionally reserved for the subject matter, despite being significantly more action-packed than the last Kaurismaki I saw. But, in the end, an enjoyable experience, helped along by some cheesy but effective comedy and some lovely compositions.

sanki donem odevi hazirlamis. cok zorlama

A great Kaurismäki experience with a refreshing perspective on the refugee topic.

Realistic optimism is the best optimism. I still struggle with the "Scandinavian" deadpan delivery, but I'm hoping to warm up over time.

Aki Kaurismäki pokes and prods the subject of immigration and the plight of refugees again, managing to find humour in the most unlikely places, and optimism that the downtrodden will always find a way to get by, no matter how grim the situation. The film is full of people doing the right thing by their fellow man in the face of an uncaring system. And the brilliantly stripped down way he conveys information to the audience is a joy to watch.

I'd like to dig this filmmaking style more, but it's so bone-dry, even most of the humour has evaporated. It's such a direct story, that it never feels truly illuminating, but it does effectively put the viewers in these stark situations. The restaurant scenes are where the film finds a more comfortable pace (and better jokes), but the rest of this film feels forced and sluggish.

kaurismaki'nin donukluğunda dahi metnin benzerleriyle yan yana durabiliyor olması, mevzunun vahametini ve üzerine fikir oluşturma sürecinin doğal basitliğini gösteriyor. fakat aynı hikaye ötesinde aynı metni sürekli izliyor olma hali bir noktadan sonra meseleye karşı farklı bir direnç de ortaya çıkarıyor sanki, bu açıdan farklı perspektifler veya yöntemlerin gerektiği daha da netleşiyor zira ortaya çıkan bu ürünler vasatın tanımı.

I'm not sure how I feel about the deadpan delivery here. Sometimes it really works, but it may have caused a slight disconnect for me that didn't allow me to enjoy this like others did. It looks nice, the mood is right on, the comedy only occasionally works and whatever drama is there was insubstantial. I guess the reason I don't think it's great is that while it is technically quite good, it didn't succeed as a dramedy.

Viewed November 12, 2017.

The similarly themed Le Havre was a rather sunny little movie. The Other Side of Hope sees Kaurismaki going back to a somewhat darker tone. All in all a nice job from a reliable auteur.

Kaurismäki keeps his sober style with a plot that tries to address the situation of migrants. It's a political movie; it wants to be relevant. The way the movie portrays finns look too caricatural (it's the intention,but it gets annoying). It's a very reasonable story until Khaled goes to work at the restaurant - from that point on it's just fiction elaboration. There are a couple of embarassing scenes (technically horrible). It was a much more pleasing experience than expected.

2017-05-28 lacking interaction between main characters

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. It's a weird combination of funny, cruel, moving and absurd, but it works well. The few weaker scenes are made up by the great musical choices and the hilarious, deadpan acting.

A charming, simple and touching piece of filmmaking. Kaurismäki may be using some of his old tricks but they are brilliant for telling a contemporary story about refugees and Europe.

Cherishing a simpler time now vanishing doesn't mean bigotry or racism - inequality is universal - some of us struggle to survive, others are only asked of some human decency - it's easy to eat sushi in peace and send people back to die in war - a filmmaker may have said enough, but there are issues he and we should not ignore.

Immigration is surely a hot topic right now, but otherwise this is familiar territory for Kaurismäki: bars, restaurant and people lost in time, delivering ironic dialogue. As a Finn I was a bit irritated by how Kaurismäki made the bureaucracy and system look a lot worse than it is, and there's plenty of drama and injustice even without that taking kind of artistic freedom. Also, at least some kind of motivation for the racists would have been nice. Now they just picked on Khaled for no reason.