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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Minimalist Masterpiece, June 16, 2000
This review is from: Ariel [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"Ariel" is as funny and deadpan as the best movies from the great Aki Kaurismaki. The hero is a victim of unfortunate circumstances, starting with his being laid off from his job as a miner, and continuing during his quest for a better life, both in work and in love. In typical Kaurismaki fashion, he reacts with the same expression (very little) to catastrophic events as he does to minor occurences. When our hero meets up with Matti Pellonpaa ("Leningrad Cowboys Go America," "La Vie de Boheme") about halfway through the film, they say nothing to each other, but a great partnership begins, taking us to the end of the movie. This movie has quite a bit of action, by Kaurismaki standards. And, as usual, there are no wasted words. Dialogue is at a minimum here. With "Ariel," the masterful Kaurismaki gives us social commentary, human drama and comedy all at once.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow ..." One of Kaurismaki's Earlier and Best Works, September 21, 2007
Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki made many films during 80s and 90s and "Ariel" (1988) is one of his earliest. It is made with confidence and original style that has made him one of the most famous and unique filmmakers today.
The simple story follows a coalminer Taisto (Turo Pajala) living in northern Finland, who has lost his job and his father too, the latter having committed suicide in front of him. Taisto drives a huge white convertible to the south seeking for job. In the city he meets and falls in love with a middle-aged traffic officer Irmeli (Susanna Haavisto), but that does not stop the downward spiral of his luck, and he finds himself in prison for what he is not exactly responsible.
Using the conventions of old Hollywood film noir with his minimalist approach, Kaurismaki has created a curiously enticing world of his own, where a convertible travels with its roof down in the cold snowfield as if it is nothing unusual. His story is shorn of all sentimental moments. Characters act very clumsily. Moreover, they don't speak much, nor show emotions, apparently, but what they feel can be felt under the dead-pan faces of actors. Kaurismaki's regular Matti Pellonpää as Mikkonen, Taisto's partner is a stand out. It is sad he passed away in 1995. He was only 44 years old.
"Ariel" is part of the films Kaurismaki would make about the "losers," followed by "The Match Factory Girl" and "I Hired a Contract Killer" (both in 1990). His film is acquired taste, not for everyone, but if you like his more recent films "The Man without a Past," those films and "Ariel" is a must to see.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Road Movie, January 4, 2007
This is the best road movie ever. It is, in fact, one of the 100 greatest movies of all time. I am totally bummed that no one has put it out on U.S.-compatible DVD machines. I just may have to move to Norway ...
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