Arriving in Helsinki, a nameless man is beaten within an inch of his life by thugs, miraculously recovering only to find that he has completely lost his memory. Back on the streets, he attempts to begin again from zero, befriending a moody dog and becoming besotted with a Salvation Army volunteer.

Included in
Aki Kaurismäki’s Finland Trilogy
Position 2
Included in
September 2021
Position 54

Credits

Crew

DirectorAki Kaurismäki

WriterAki Kaurismäki

CinematographerTimo Salminen

EditorTimo Linnasalo

ProducerAki Kaurismäki

Cast

Markku Peltolaas M

Kati Outinenas Irma

Juhani Niemeläas Nieminen

Kaija Pakarinenas Kaisa Nieminen

Sakari Kuosmanenas Anttila

Annikki Tähtias Manager of Flea Market

Anneli Saulias Bar Owner

Elina Saloas Dock Clerk

Outi Mäenpääas Bank Clerk

Esko Nikkarias Bank Robber

Pertti Sveholmas Police Detective

Matti Wuorias Layer

Aino Seppoas Ex-wife

Janne Hyytiäinenas Ovaskainen

Antti Reinias Electrician

Marko Haavistoas Salvation Army Band Member

Jukka Teerisaarias Salvation Army Band Member

Jyrki Teliläas Salvation Army Band Member

Jouni Saarioas Salvation Army Band Member

Risto Korhonenas Mugger

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Drifting Clouds1996

Both directed by Aki Kaurismäki, and both starring Kati Outinen, Markku Peltola and Sakari Kuosmanen

Or

Shadows in Paradise1986Both directed by Aki Kaurismäki, and both starring Kati Outinen and Sakari Kuosmanen
The Other Side of Hope2017Both directed by Aki Kaurismäki, and both starring Kaija Pakarinen and Sakari Kuosmanen

The Man Without a Past (2002) | Criteria