This is the first movie of Kaurismäki I saw (I watched it without even knowing who he was) and it was one I particulary liked: this is a character driven, mostly dramatic but at times funny films, which portarys the everyday lives and struggles of the middle-lower class Finnish people in a crisis-struck country. The film's weight is carried by the excellent (and minimalistic) script and direction, but, mainly, by the awesome interpretations of the main actors. Both Kati Outinen and Kari Väänänen give a very convincing portrayal of a loving, yet somewhat reclusive, couple. The director shows off again with is mastery of the visual art of cinema, conveying feelings and plot points with minimal dialogue and a lot of visual cues. In the end, the film ends up being a very pleasant and smooth experience to watch: you will certainly empathize with the characters (including the seconday ones) and you will we really happy with the ending, if you make it there. A calm film you would like to watch alone in a winter evening.
Review of Drifting Clouds
