For those familiar with the oeuvre of Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki, you’ll know that his deadpan films aren’t quite made to be cut into a conventional trailer. We preface this post in such a way because this writer has seen — and adored — “Le Havre” and while this new trailer for the film serves as a pleasant reminder of the film’s numerous low key joys, if you don’t get the tone of it right away, don’t let that put you off seeing the film.
Starring Andre Wilms, Blondin Miguel, Jean-Pierre Darroussin and Kaurismaki regular Kati Outinen, the film centers on a retired Parisian bohemian, Marcel Marx (Wilms), who takes in a young illegal immigrant (Miguel) who has managed to evade the authorities after they seize the cargo container he was transported in from Africa. What emerges is less a political diatribe and more of a lovely, humanist story bursting with heart and humor that was an enormous crowdpleaser at Cannes. Kaurismaki paints an optimistic portrait of a very small community that helps the young boy, who Marcel vows to protect in his own unique way in a film that is as often moving as it is hilarious. It’s definitely one of this writer’s favorite movies of the year. Go see it (and if you missed our Cannes review, check it out).
“Le Havre” premiered at Cannes and hits TIFF next month, and will be released later this year by Janus Films. Synopsis, trailer and a few images from the film below.
An elderly working-class couple living in the famous Norman port city find themselves harbouring a young African illegal immigrant from the authorities as he tries to make his way to England. The local police inspector suspects that they are protecting illegals and a cat-and-mouse game ensues.
