Aki Kaurismäki (Drifting Clouds, Le Havre) is a world master of cinema. His legendary deadpan humour and always-humanistic perspective frequently depicts difficult situations in society, and of people coming together to help overcome them. This joyous, internationally-acclaimed new film is no different, as it drolly reflects the modern day experience of one immigrant in Finland.
Wikström is a man wanting to change his life, and decides to invest in an unprofitable restaurant. Meanwhile, a Syrian refugee named Khaled arrives in Helsinki, desperate to seek asylum. After his application is rejected, Khaled decides to remain illegally and seeks refuge behind Wikström’s business, sleeping in the storage space. When eventually discovered, an unlikely friendship is formed, one that will change both of their lives irrevocably…
The Other Side of Hope is both important and hugely entertaining, providing a fundamentally optimistic vision of a troubled world.
Please note: The Perth Opening Night Selection is The Man.
Screamingly funny. Gorgeous, marbled with melancholy and warmed through with an irresistible sense of compassion. Simply sublime.