An Acquired Taste
- The Other Side of Hope review by JR
The most recent visit to the weird world of Kaurismaki. It is a kind of dream world that never left the sixties behind, although the story concerns a refugee from Aleppo, Syria who claims asylum in Finland. The super saturated colour of old movies, unusual or grotesque human faces, old Country and Western derived songs performed in Finnish, deadpan humour: these are the hallmarks of Kaurismaki. It all adds up to an acquired taste .
3 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
Watch it please
- The Other Side of Hope review by BE
What an absolute gem of a movie this turned out to be. Categorised as a drama but peppered throughout with wry humour plus a delightful musical soundtrack. Great acting, an unusual storyline and well directed by Aki Kaurismaki. Perfect.
1 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
The Other Side of Hope
- The Other Side of Hope review by CP Customer
I liked this film for two reasons. Firstly, good to follow this story about civil disobedience on the part of a number of Finnish residents in order to help an asylum seeker newly arrived in the country. Secondly, a fascinating comment, albeit exaggerated and stereotypical, on the characteristic behaviour of Finnish people. Although there is a very strong comic element in this film, the ugliness of racism and violence is nevertheless present.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Good film
- The Other Side of Hope review by JC
Very good film, enjoyed it a lot. Unusual and with a comic touch. The actors were good. We have seen something by this director before and he is an excellent director.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
An unfunny mess of an alleged comedy + very preachy too
- The Other Side of Hope review by PV
This was like a cartoon caper. The baddies (the racist cartoon character skinheads BOOOOOO!) versus the goodies (Finnish hippies and non-white asylum seekers). It is all two-dimensional cartoon characters If I'd wanted a lecture or sermon I'd have gone to a church. This pc preachiness is not all, however.
As a film which claims in its pose to be against racism and liberal-minded, it does a rather great job of promoting offensive stereotypes against the Japanese (in a point section of the film which has no reason to exist, like others too - all the alleged 'comedy' scenes which are not comedy as I define it).
The plot is not credible and the story does not flow at all.
I suspect the usual adore this film as it is woke and on trend, because that is their way.
However, looking at the film objectively, it is an utter mess. Badly written, with tacked-on musical interludes to pad it all out, and alleged comedy sketches. Time REALLY dragged when watching this mess. It felt like 5 hours. Never again.
No stars.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Kaurismaki at the best
- The Other Side of Hope review by NR
An understated gem. Very droll and very relevant. Off-beat in the most charismatic way. You are sure to enjoy this film if you are new to Kaurismaki or a long time fan. He definitely has his own directorial style and the actors abide nicely to his minimal, yet affecting, ethos. Guaranteed to make you smile and, perhaps, a few tears as well
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.