Sakari Kuosmanen

After arriving in Finland from Syria as a stowaway, Khaled applies for asylum. Things don't look encouraging, but after crossing paths with travelling salesman-turned-entrepreneur Wikström, he finds an unlikely source of kindness and connection.

Liberally reinterpreting Sly Stallone’s inspiring underdog story, Aki Kaurismäki takes his typical deadpan humour to a whole other level with this exuberant 80s short-film satire. Relentless glam-rock guitar riffs soundtrack this pain-and-gain parody—outrageous, outlandish, and a little bit sad!

The chilly landscapes of Helsinki are warmed by the gentle humanism and wry humor of Aki Kaurismäki in the first installment of his FINLAND TRILOGY, a deadpan tale of everyday survival in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Misfortune begets misfortune when, in short order, Lauri (Kari Väänänen) loses his job as a tram driver and the restaurant where his wife, Ilona (Kati Outinen), works announces it is closing to make way for a chain. With few job prospects, the two find themselves facing a crisis that tests the strength of their bond.