"Finnish Legend Aki Kaurismäki's 'Fallen Leaves': A Sentimental Rom-Com Fable for Dark Times"

Aki Kaurismäki's latest film, Fallen Leaves, tells a simple yet magical story of two lonely souls in present-day Helsinki. Clocking in at 81 minutes, the film is a melancholy romantic comedy that captures the tedium of dead-end jobs and the yearning for love. With its rigorously dry style and droll one-liners, Fallen Leaves avoids sentimentality while delivering a heartfelt connection between its characters. Kaurismäki's signature cinematic style shines through with crisp shots, intensified colors, and tight editing. The film is a testament to the director's evolution towards a more humane and sympathetic approach, capturing the plight of the forgotten in society.