In Aki Kaurismäki's film, two lives come together in Helsinki: Khaled, a Syrian refugee, arrives in the Finnish capital by chance and applies for asylum. With little hope of success and after his application is rejected, he lives on the streets, where he experiences both racism and unexpected kindness. His fate intersects with that of Wikström, a former men's clothing salesman who gives up his old life after separating from his wife. After a big gambling win, he acquires a restaurant, "Zum goldenen Krug". When Wikström finds Khaled sleeping in a dark backyard, he offers him a job and a place to stay. The story shows how Khaled settles into his new surroundings, helped by Wikström and other benevolent figures he meets in Helsinki. Despite the challenges Khaled faces, including the loss of his sister on the Balkan route and confronting prejudice, he finds a place of refuge and solidarity in Wikström's restaurant. Kaurismäki's film is a sensitive portrait of humanity and hope in the midst of deprivation and loss. It paints a picture of a community coming together in difficult times and shows that compassion and understanding can build bridges. The characters, their interactions and the quirky moments of everyday life weave together into a narrative tapestry that not only highlights the challenges of refugees, but also the possibility of a better world where empathy and support prevail.
In Helsinki, two destinies intersect in the midst of racism and loss: Cohesion and humanity can overcome everything.
In Aki Kaurismäki's film, two lives come together in Helsinki: Khaled, a Syrian refugee, arrives in the Finnish capital by chance and applies for asylum. With little hope of success and after his application is rejected, he lives on the streets, where he experiences both racism and unexpected kindness. His fate intersects with that of Wikström, a former men's clothing salesman who gives up his old life after separating from his wife. After a big gambling win, he acquires a restaurant, "Zum goldenen Krug".
When Wikström finds Khaled sleeping in a dark backyard, he offers him a job and a place to stay. The story shows how Khaled settles into his new surroundings, helped by Wikström and other benevolent figures he meets in Helsinki. Despite the challenges Khaled faces, including the loss of his sister on the Balkan route and confronting prejudice, he finds a place of refuge and solidarity in Wikström's restaurant.
Kaurismäki's film is a sensitive portrait of humanity and hope in the midst of deprivation and loss. It paints a picture of a community coming together in difficult times and shows that compassion and understanding can build bridges. The characters, their interactions and the quirky moments of everyday life weave together into a narrative tapestry that not only highlights the challenges of refugees, but also the possibility of a better world where empathy and support prevail.