Overview
Two lonely hearts collide in a charming karaoke bar, navigating the ups and downs of modern romance.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- deadpan
- melancholic
- wistful
- quiet evening
- rainy day
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a compact, soulful, life-affirming romance that combines Kaurismäki's deadpan style with emotional sincerity and sharp social observation.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ansa and Holappa's courtship unfolds through laconic dialogue, awkward pauses, and sincere affection without mocking their feelings.
Both lonely protagonists face precarious employment, poverty, and social isolation while seeking companionship.
The Helsinki setting has an intentionally old-fashioned, highly composed look even as radio broadcasts reference the Russia-Ukraine war and contemporary life.
Lost phone numbers and mistaken addresses repeatedly obstruct Ansa and Holappa's attempts to meet again.
Films like Fallen Leaves, and why
Shadows in Paradise
deadpan romantic comedy about lonely working-class outsiders, with restrained sentiment and social warmth
The Match Factory Girl
minimalist finnish romance centered on marginalized workers, dry humor, and understated emotional connection
Brief Encounter
quiet, bittersweet romance built from chance encounters, missed connections, and melancholy urban intimacy
Movie Details
- Director
- Aki Kaurismäki
- Release Date
- 2023-09-14
- Runtime
- 81 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (774)
Cast
- Alma Pöysti
- Jussi Vatanen
- Janne Hyytiäinen
- Nuppu Koivu
- Mia Snellman
- Mikko Mykkänen
- Sherwan Haji
- Karar Al-Bazoon
- Toni Buckman
- Mika Nikander
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Fallen Leaves about?
- Two lonely Helsinki workers stumble toward love through dry humor, bad timing, and the stubborn kindness of ordinary life.
- What is Fallen Leaves like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Fallen Leaves as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Fallen Leaves violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Fallen Leaves.
- What did critics think of Fallen Leaves?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a compact, soulful, life-affirming romance that combines Kaurismäki's deadpan style with emotional sincerity and sharp social observation.
- Which films are like Fallen Leaves?
- Films with a similar feel include Shadows in Paradise, The Match Factory Girl, and Brief Encounter.
- How long is Fallen Leaves?
- Fallen Leaves runs 81 minutes.
- Where can I watch Fallen Leaves?
- In United States, Fallen Leaves streams on MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel.
