Le Havre (2011)

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Even though I have seen a couple of movies directed by Aki Kaurismaki, I'm far from being an expert on his work but since this movie (like most of the other movies he has done) received some very good reviews, I was really eager to check it out. On top of that, the action was set in France which made it even more intriguing to me. Eventually, like all the other movies directed by this guy, I adm... read more

Description: Aki Kaurismäki doesn’t lose his own style. Eccentric, expressive heroes, sparse, well prepared shots and strong, explicit gestures are the distinguishing features of his works. But in Le Havre, which was awarded the FIPRESCI award in Cannes, the Finnish director abandons his grim vision of society. He proposes to the viewers a universal story about the power of goodness. Refugees deserve a voice in the cinema – said the director. – I can’t make realistic films about society, so I tell a fable. I don’t have faith in a better future. But others can still regain it. A shoeshiner, with a story to tell lives in the epony Aki Kaurismäki doesn’t lose his own style. Eccentric, expressive heroes, sparse, well prepared shots and strong, explicit gestures are the distinguishing features of his works. But in Le Havre, which was awarded the FIPRESCI award in Cannes, the Finnish director abandons his grim vision of society. He proposes to the viewers a universal story about the power of goodness.
Refugees deserve a voice in the cinema – said the director. – I can’t make realistic films about society, so I tell a fable. I don’t have faith in a better future. But others can still regain it.
A shoeshiner, with a story to tell lives in the eponymous Le Havre, in which people from all around the world mix. He’s taking care of his incurably sick wife, whom he desperately needs. But when he meets a small Black boy – an illegal immigrant from Africa – he decides to help him.
Kaurismäki’s film is a tribute to a community. The solidarity of selfless simple people who are ready to help others because of the internal need for decency and justice. They all face adversities together. In Le Havre, it seems that the bitterly experienced inhabitants of the port city retain beautiful faces despite their scars. Thus, they bring hope to the viewers. ... (more) (less)