Movie rating: 4 Star

The Man Without A Past

Poignant, evocative and occasional hilarious comedy in which Markku Peltola plays a man (later to become known simply as 'M') who gets a severe beating soon after arriving in Helsinki in search of gainful employment. Rushed to hospital, M is initially pronounced dead but comes back to life and, with his bandages still on; he discharges himself, despite being unable to remember who he is or what he's doing in the capital. A family living in a converted container at the city's docks take pity on 'M' and let him stay with them while he tries to piece his life back together again.
If that description of The Man Without a Past sounds a little odd that's because Aki Kaurismaki's movie is one of the strangest, most downbeat comedies that you're likely to see this year. Highly economical when it comes to dialogue and language, Kaurismaki gambles somewhat with his reliance on his actors' faces to give full dimension to his characters. However, it's one that pays off as Markku Peltola and his foil, the wonderful Kati Outinen, are highly convincing in their roles in this quiet, assured but deeply optimistic picture. It may not be to everyone's tastes, but The Man Without a Past is a film which rewards those with patience

Review by Garreth Murphy | 09:00 | Thursday 23rd January 2003 | Movie Review