Ariel (1990)

Minimalist Masterpiece

"Ariel" is as funny and deadpan as the best movies from the great Aki Kaurismaki. The hero is a victim of unfortunate circumstances, starting with his being laid off from his job as a miner, and continuing during his quest for a better life, both in work and in love. In typical Kaurismaki fashion, he reacts with the same expression (very little) to catastrophic events as he does to minor occurences.

When our hero meets up with Matti Pellonpaa ("Leningrad Cowboys Go America," "La Vie de Boheme") about halfway through the film, they say nothing to each other, but a great partnership begins, taking us to the end of the movie. This movie has quite a bit of action, by Kaurismaki standards. And, as usual, there are no wasted words. Dialogue is at a minimum here.

With "Ariel," the masterful Kaurismaki gives us social commentary, human drama and comedy all at once. June 17, 2000

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