
A Finnish man goes to the city to find a job after the mine where he worked is closed and his father commits suicide.
Directed by Aki Kaurismäki, Ariel leans on a strong ensemble — Turo Pajala, Susanna Haavisto, Matti Pellonpää — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1988.
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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.
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