Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms) and Arletty (Kati Outinen) as seen in LE HAVRE, a film by Aki Kaurismaki. Photographer: Marja-Leena Hukkanen. Picture courtesy Janus Films. Image © Sputnik Oy.
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Le Havre (2011)
Opened: 10/21/2011 Limited
| Theaters | 10/21/2011 | |
| IFC Center | 10/21/2011 - 01/19/2012 | 91 days |
| Lincoln Plaza | 10/21/2011 - 12/08/2011 | 49 days |
| Laemmle's Play... | 10/21/2011 - 11/03/2011 | 14 days |
| Laemmle's Roya... | 10/21/2011 - 11/03/2011 | 14 days |
| Laemmle's Town... | 10/21/2011 - 10/27/2011 | 7 days |
| Claremont 5 | 10/21/2011 - 10/27/2011 | 7 days |
| Music Box Thea... | 11/04/2011 - 11/24/2011 | 21 days |
| Laemmle's Moni... | 11/04/2011 - 11/10/2011 | 7 days |
| Sunset 5/LA | 11/11/2011 - 11/17/2011 | 7 days |
Trailer: Click for trailer
Websites: Home
Genre: Finnish Comedy/Drama
Rated: Unrated
Synopsis
In this warmhearted portrait of the French harbor city that gives the film its name, fate throws young African refugee Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) into the path of Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms), a well-spoken bohemian who works as a shoeshiner. With innate optimism and the unwavering support of his community, Marcel stands up to officials doggedly pursuing the boy for deportation. A political fairy tale that exists somewhere between the reality of contemporary France and the classic cinema of Jean-Pierre Melville and Marcel Carne, Le Havre is a charming, deadpan delight.
Director's Statement
The European cinema has not much addressed the continuously worsening financial, political, and above all, moral crisis that has lead to the ever-unsolved question of refugees; refugees trying to find their way into the EU from abroad, and their irregular, often substandard treatment.
I have no answer to this problem, but I still wanted to deal with this matter in this anyhow unrealistic film.
-- Aki Kaurismaki
Director's Biography
Aki Kaurismaki, born in 1957, grew up in "the age terrorized by television," and has tried and managed to stick to the inseparable realities of the real world and the "deep screen" that only 35 mm film - light against electronic machinations, the beauty of artisanal tradition against technological overkill - makes possible. He has never used any other material, least of all video, and is very proud for having continued the tradition of "real cinema."
His minimalist style is all his own (and that of the great cinematographer of all his films, Timo Salminen); he never entered the Finnish Film School (as he was suspected to be "too cynical"). At the same time, his films are full of allusions, but always invisible ones, parts of a constant dialogue wherein particles of film culture reveal realities of human environment, society and psyche: as it is now, and as it was during the tender years of Aki's childhood.
Cast Biographies
Andre Wilms
From his start as a housepainter and stagehand, Andre Wilms has become a distinguished actor in French film, theater, and television, appearing in six of Kaurismaki's films, as well as titles by Agnieszka Holland and Gerard Depardieu. Wilms was the winner of the Best Supporting European Actor award at the 1992 European Film Awards for his work in Aki Kaurismaki's La Vie de Boheme.
Kati Outinen
Frequently described as Aki Kaurismaki's muse, Kati Outinen has appeared in nine of Kaurismaki's films, including The Man Without a Past, for which she won the award for Best Actress at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. Outinen is also well known in her home country for her work in theater and television.
Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Jean-Pierre Darroussin is a prolific French actor who has appeared in over 60 films, including A Very Long Engagement by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Same Old Song by Alain Resnais, and L'Eau Froide by Olivier Assayas. Le Havre is his first film with Aki Kaurismaki.
Blondin Miguel
Newcomer Blondin Miguel holds his own against an experienced adult cast in Le Havre. He was discovered during auditions in the Parisian suburb where he lives with his family and hopes to act again the future.
Little Bob
Originally from Italy, Roberto Piazza a.k.a. "Little Bob" formed French cult band Little Bob Story in 1974 - a new wave / garage band with rock 'n' roll and blues influences. The band has toured with The Inmates, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and Motorhead. A legend in France, he continues to tour and record.
Laika
Laika, the Kaurismaki family dog, is a fifth-generation canine actress in a line of dogs that have appeared in many of Aki Kaurismaki's films over the years. Laika's relative Tahti won the coveted Palm Dog in 2002 for her role in The Man Without a Past.
Trailer
