Fallen Leaves (2023)

[bunniefuu]

[Ethereal melody;

Soothing, bell-like percussion]

[Delicate violin plucking]

[Sustained, warm violin tone joins]

[Music fades]

AND

[Low clattering]

PRESEN[Till scanner beeps]

AN AKI KAURISMKI FILM

FALLEN LEAVES

[Indistinct PA announcement]

See you tomorrow.

[Tram rattles]

[Light switch clicks;

Keys drop]

[Footsteps approach]

[Lightbulb buzzes]

[Microwave hums]

[Radio newscaster] One of the latest

news stories is the air strike

on a maternity

and children's hospital in Mariupol.

About 17 people were wounded,

and the President of Ukraine stated...

[Microwave bell dings]

...that Russia has committed

a w*r crime.

How exceptional is this strike?

[Interviewee] It is regrettably

quite normal for the Russians.

They destroyed the whole city

of Grozny in Chechnya,

sites protected under international

law were destroyed.

In Syria, they have specifically

targeted hospitals

to destroy the health infrastructure

to prevent...

[Radio tunes to Takeda's Lullaby

by Toshitake Shinohara]

[In Japanese] But I don't have

A nice dress

Or shoes to wear

This baby cries so often

And I can't sleep too well tonight

[Light switch clicks]

[Water runs]

[Brushing]

[Loud blowing]

[Blowing stops]

[He sighs]

[Tools clank nearby]

NO SMOKING

That will be the death of you.

No. The black lung will get me first.

I see. You know best.

The number of vices is constant.

For instance, you are a babbler.

- I'll think about that at your grave.

- A sympathy card will do.

That costs money.

[City hums; train rattles]

[Radio newscaster] In Ukraine, Russian

attacks on civilian targets continue.

A m*ssile hit a shopping centre

in Kremenchuk in Central Ukraine.

18 people were k*lled

and dozens injured.

[Door creaks]

Salaam.

Bye.

[Radio newscaster] At least 18

people are dead,

around sixty are injured.

The death toll could rise as workers

are still clearing the rubble.

The shopping centre was packed

with more than a 1,000 people,

says President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Let's go.

- Where?

- To karaoke. It's Friday.

What has that got to do with me?

Tough guys don't sing.

You are not a tough guy.

I could be.

Somewhere abroad, perhaps.

In Denmark?

I enjoy it here.

I like the solitude.

You will change your mind

when you reach my age.

I won't live to be that old.

You're the only one.

If we leave now,

we can catch the last taxi.

[Radio continues in the background]

[Music plays - Get On by Hurriganes]

Just a sweet Carolina

Just a rockin' little mama

Just to leave my baby in old Alabama

Rockin' in the evenin'

In the southern round

Mean guitar,

That's a swingin' old town

Rockin' and a-rollin'

Just a little while

Ain't got no rollin',

Ain't got no holdin'

Get on, get on baby, get on

Get on, get on baby, get on

Well, let me be, rock and roll with me

Well, old Alabama

Just a sweet Carolina

Just a-rockin' and rollin'

Make me a town

Got to be a scoogie

Lay down own my boogie

Let me hear you say

You got my whole around

Got to be a scoogie, bing bong bang

Ain't got no rollin'

Ain't got no holdin'

[He sings along] Get on

Get on baby, get on

Get on, get on baby, get on...

You don't dare to sing.

I do, but I can't.

- I have no voice.

- You talk a lot regardless.

I have a good voice,

a bass-baritone.

[Song continues in the background]

What would I sing?

Don't sing anything.

Or perhaps Paranoid.

Preferably something

Finnish National Romantic.

Just a-moving your arse

Rocking and fast

Woo!

[Song ends]

Listen and appreciate.

[Indistinct chatter]

Hi.

Autumn under the Rowan Tree.

- What's your name?

- Hannes Huotari.

Next up is Hannes and

Autumn under the Rowan Tree.

[Audience applauds, sparsely]

[Music plays karaoke version of Autumn

under the Rowan Tree by Arvo Koskimaa]

[In Finnish] The berries of rowan trees

Glow crimson as blood

Chevrons of cranes have flown

Away over my head

They didn't take me along

To far-off lands

Those without wings stay bound

To this grey cold ground

My sister is the night wind

Singing me her songs

As the cold teardrops in the rain

Beat against the windowpane

Many a traveller I can see

Hurrying past me

I too waited for someone

Will she never come

[Song ends]

Thank you.

You are a soprano.

A tenor, at least.

You did well,

you'll make a record yet.

I need to be discovered first.

[Woman] You sang so beautifully.

It was easy,

I was just watching you.

Your voice is well-preserved

for such an elderly man.

I trust it will gain depth

once I turn 50.

That train has already gone.

Do you have any ID?

[Huotari] You are suspicious.

Shall I sing you a nursery song?

[Karaoke hostess] Next up is Markus

with Schubert's Lied Serenade.

[Music plays karaoke version

of - Serenade by Franz Schubert]

[In German] Softly my songs plead

Through the night to you

Down into the silent grove

Beloved, come to me!

Slender treetops whisper and rustle

In the moonlight

In the moonlight

My darling, do not fear

That the hostile betrayer

Will overhear us

That the hostile betrayer

Will overhear us!

[Music fades]

[In Finnish] Can I take something?

Go ahead.

Thanks.

I have to ask you to open your bag,

Miss Grnholm.

Why?

[Manager] Certain suspicions have

been raised, you have been under watch.

You should be grateful

we're not taking this to the police.

That's past its date, you can't sell it.

It doesn't matter.

It belongs in the waste bin.

I suppose I do, too.

You are fired, without notice.

We don't have a notice period.

We're on a zero-hour contract.

Your wisecracking will

only make things worse.

Then I guess you will want this too.

It expired yesterday,

but it was still on the shelf.

- Someone could have died.

- Due to your own negligence.

Not hers, mine.

I have been in the dairy section,

I missed it. I'm sorry.

Since you confessed, you are forgiven.

You can stay.

I don't think I want to.

You get the same wages in a soup line.

You'll go far yet.

I was just following orders.

Stand aside!

[Thick thud]

You're late.

Four minutes.

Third time this week already.

Today's Monday.

Very well then.

But step on it,

the client's breathing down our neck.

I would, if the compressor wasn't

breaking down every two hours.

We have to get a new one.

And a company car?

That can wait.

No driver's license.

I'd like to go and work now.

[Engine revs]

[He sighs]

[Radio newscaster] Russia has launched

a massive series of m*ssile strikes

against Ukraine.

According to a Ukrainian

Air Force spokesman,

more than eighty missiles

were fired into Ukraine.

About half of them

were successfully shot down.

Russia also attacked the capital, Kyiv.

The Red Cross International Committee

will suspend its activities

in Ukraine due to the Russian strikes.

The Norwegian Refugee Council

has also paused

its aid operations in Ukraine

until it is safe to resume work.

During one week,

Russia has fired into Ukraine

almost 150 missiles...

[Radio broadcasting stops abruptly]

[Door bell chimes]

[Door closes]

- You have a computer here.

- Yes.

How much does it cost?

Ten euros per half hour.

Rather expensive.

[He sighs]

They are expensive

and wear out in use.

Ours are the best quality.

I didn't want to insult.

Is eight euros enough?

I can bring the rest later.

You didn't mean to insult,

but you did anyway.

That's what's wrong with you people.

[He sighs]

The discount is included in the price,

so is the coffee.

Thank you.

One minute has passed already.

Money is time.

HELSINKI EMPLOYMENT OFFICE

JOB VACANCIES

KITCHEN ASSISTANT VACANCY,

CALIFORNIA PUB

[Light buzzes]

[Paper rustle]

What do you want?

You needed a kitchen assistant.

[He inhales]

Still do, the previous one died.

Can you do the dishes?

I can.

[He sighs]

You'll have to do, though you look weak.

What are these?

A hygiene pass and an income-tax card.

- I thought...

- You won't get paid for thinking.

Keep them.

I'll pay in cash every Monday.

Take it or leave it.

Can you start right away?

The work has piled up.

Where can I get changed?

There's a toilet down by the bar.

Shared.

[Music plays - Mambo Italiano

by Olavi Virta]

[In Finnish] A maid hurried

To Naples town

Its nature calling her to dream

The native dances and its songs

But wait a minute

From everywhere comes

Hey Mambo, hey Mambo Italiano!

This is how sings the Siciliano!

Signor Borsalino

Does the Mambo latino!

Hey Mambo, no more tarantella!

Hey Mambo, no charms in mozzarella!

Hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano!

Getta happy in the feets-a when you

Hopla now!

It's the dawn of a new dance!

But remember, paisano

It's time for the Mambo

If you wanna go dancing

You gotta do the Mambo!

Hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano!

h* h* h*, you're a real Giovanno!

Getta happy in the feets-a when you

Mambo...

[Muffled] Italiano!

[Song continues in the background]

[Telephone rings]

Raunio.

How much?

Come round the back.

Don't stand there like the wife of Lot,

there's work to be done in the bar.

Hopla now!

It's the dawn of a new dance

But remember, paisano

It's time for the Mambo

If you wanna go dancing

You gotta do the Mambo!

Hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano!

h* h* h*, you're a real Giovanno!

Getta happy in the feets-a when you

[Muffled] Mambo Italiano!

[Song continues in the background]

[Music ends]

[Music plays - Arrabal amargo

by Carlos Gardel]

[In Spanish] Bitter neighbourhood

Woven into my life

Like the sentence or a curse...

[In Finnish] What is wrong with you?

You make me fall asleep.

I'm depressed.

Why?

Because I drink so much.

Why do you drink, then?

Because I'm depressed.

Circular reasoning.

What's that?

Forget the whole thing.

- Don't drink if you don't like it.

- I do like it.

But...

Forget it.

Let's talk about football.

[In Spanish] Everything lights up

When she comes back to see you

- And my old honeysuckles...

- [Song stops abruptly]

[City hums;

Train rattles]

- [In Finnish] He's got nothing.

- [Footsteps approach]

Is everything alright?

[Tram approaches]

[Romantic, classical music]

[Music fades;

Footsteps approach]

Hello, Ansa!

Take a week off! Or two!

With full pay.

I heard they sold drugs there.

Hashish, too.

[Engine revs]

- [Raunio] You won't get me alive!

- I guess the bar is closed.

- [Policeman] Stop!

- It is. And will be.

I would've liked a small beer.

[Policeman 2] Stop! On the ground!

[Bashing and grunting]

Would you like a coffee?

Somewhere close by,

if you have the time.

- I have the time but not the money.

- [Raunio] f*cking pigs!

Today was meant to be payday.

I worked there.

I'd be happy to buy you one.

[Siren blares;

Tires screech]

Yes, let's go.

It hasn't rained in a while.

No.

Not in a while.

If you haven't been paid

you must be hungry?

A little.

Have some pastry.

[Ansa] Cinnamon roll.

[Liquid pours]

Now what?

Would you like to go to the cinema?

That would be nice.

What would you like to see?

You choose.

[Eerie instrumental music;

Zombies growl]

[Narrator, in English] I guess

they've been zombies all along.

[He grunts]

[Narrator] Nameless miseries

of the numberless.

[Growling]

Frank! Hey!

You got this coming.

[Zombie grunts]

[Narrator] Goodbye, Frank.

You reap what you sow.

- [Loud thud]

- [Police chief] All right, who's next?

[In Finnish] Great film.

Reminded me of Bresson's

Diary of a Country Priest .

I was thinking of Godard's Bande part

[Indistinct chatter in the background]

There was no way the cops

could have handled it.

There were simply too many zombies.

Did you like the film?

I did.

I've never laughed so much.

So, we'll meet again?

Would you like to?

Very much so.

I'll give you my number.

I don't even know your name.

Can I walk you home?

I will tell you next time.

I live nearby.

Good night.

[Passionate, classical music]

[Gentle kiss]

[Wind blows]

[Music continues]

[Music fades]

[Radio newscaster] More than 20 people

were k*lled in a Russian strike

on a railway station in Central Ukraine,

at least 50 are wounded.

Last night Russia launched

rocket strikes on the Kyiv suburbs.

Ukraine says that Russia

has stepped up its attacks

yesterday on Ukraine's Independence Day.

[Ukrainian woman speaks indistinctly]

[Radio newscaster] My tears will spread

across our land,

says Tetyana to the BBC.

A Russian m*ssile strike

on the Chaplyne railway station

in Central Ukraine k*lled more

than 20 people and injured 50.

Sergei's home was razed to the ground.

[Sergei moans]

[Radio newscaster] He cries

over the body of his little son.

There is a massive hole in the yard,

and the house is in ruins.

[Woman and man speak Ukrainian]

[Radio newscaster] There was no sound,

just the expl*si*n...

[Radio tunes to Etk Uskalla Mua

Rakastaa by Helena Siltala]

[In Finnish] Don't you dare

To love me?

Why won't you answer me?

Is your heart unhappy

When it is with me?

Don't you dare love me?

Why do you hide behind a wall?

Did you forsake this little heart

[Audience laughs]

Having set it aflame?

[Song fades]

[Light buzzes]

[Footsteps approach]

[Soft, high-pitched note]

[Machinery whirrs in the background]

Holappa has repeatedly said

that the hose should be replaced.

We change them every four years,

it should have lasted.

Should have, but didn't.

How much did you save?

That's at least a week's sick leave,

where do I find someone for this?

The job goes to sh*t.

Let's do this too.

Do we have to?

Always when an ambulance

comes to a scene of an accident.

[He tuts] Right.

Let's have a blood test right away.

[Footsteps approach]

Damned drunk,

don't bother coming back!

And empty your bunk by tomorrow night.

[Machinery whirrs;

Train rattles]

You can inherit that.

Stories for the children.

Can you keep this

until I find a place to stay?

Sure. I'll sell anything of value.

[Holappa sighs]

What will you do?

You can work on a building site

with no education

as a handyman, if you accept a pay cut.

What will the Union say?

Nothing.

I belong to the Metalworkers' Union.

Come to the bar?

Or I may turn mean

and pick a fight with the jukebox.

[He exhales, sharply]

[Huotari] Let's go.

[Footsteps recede]

[Indistinct chatter;

Lights buzz]

Listen, Huotari.

Speak.

Remember the night you sang karaoke?

And sang well.

And sang well.

I'm still waiting for the record company

and the tour manager to call.

Maybe they weren't around.

Such a performance

should have the word spreading.

There were the two...

women.

Dames, gals, skirts, Sheilas.

I wasn't good enough.

Too old, I was told.

I met the smaller one later.

We almost got married.

Why didn't you?

Pretty girl, though a quiet one.

I lost her phone number.

[Huotari] Why don't you ask the

directory?

I don't know her name.

That certainly is a slight problem.

Did the other one say

where they worked, or anything?

In some supermarket, I guess. Perhaps.

I don't really remember what she said

after I wasn't good enough.

Shall we have another one?

They are our sixth.

- [Holappa gulps, sighs]

- Irma!

[Machinery whirrs]

[Siren blares]

[Melodic, romantic song plays] In the

early morning rain

With some coins in my hand

With an aching in my heart

And my pockets full of sand

Hardly knowing where I am

I miss my loved one so

In the early morning rain

With no place to go

I wonder why I ran away

Choosing liquor and drugs

Now I see my mistake

I want you by my side

The rain pours down

A cold feeling paining me

[Drilling and rattling]

I try to doze off for a while

Lay my head on the grass

[Music volume decreases,

Construction rattle]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Music volume increases]

I would get up again

But it's just too hard

[Lift rattles]

[Footsteps approach]

You never called.

I lost your number the minute I got it.

I've been looking for you everywhere.

I thought you found

someone you liked more.

Do I look like a weatherwane?

You want to insult.

Look at my shoes,

this is the third pair already.

You're lying.

Will you come to my place for dinner?

I will.

When?

Tomorrow night at eight o'clock.

Give me the address.

I'll be five minutes early.

Why would I?

You will lose it anyway.

Don't get robbed.

[Tram rattles]

[Inaudible dialogue]

Thank you for the flowers.

Have some salad.

This something will be ready soon.

[Cutlery clanks]

[Footsteps approach]

[Holappa gulps]

What was this?

Sparkling wine.

[He sighs] Such a small glass.

It's called an apritif.

[Cutlery clanks]

[Clock ticks]

Nice apartment.

The bed is rather narrow, though.

You're so playful.

It's enough for one.

I inherited the flat from my godmother

and painted it myself.

So you are an heiress.

The food was very nice.

So was that...

apritif.

Any more of it?

All gone.

We have no digestif either.

What is that?

I'll put some music on.

You can smoke if you want.

[Radio newscaster] Rescue efforts

of the theatre strike victims

in Ukraine's Mariupol continue.

The exact number of victims

is not yet known.

The Mayor of Mariupol has said

that up to 1,200 people

had taken shelter in the theatre.

[Radio stops]

[Angrily] Bloody w*r.

[Dishes clank]

[He gulps]

[He sighs]

My father died of drink.

So did my brother.

My mother died of grief.

I like you a lot,

but I won't take a drunk.

And I don't take orders.

[Door opens, closes]

[Music plays - Kylm Rakkaus

by Olavi Virta]

[In Finnish] Your love is so cold

Cold like winter and ice

Your heart can never feel

The heat of a warming fire

Only autumn thrives in your heart

As if the flowers of the earth

Were dead

No glow of loving can give

One who received only cold love

[Song continues;

Train rattles]

[Drilling]

[Song fades;

Drilling continues]

[Man] Holappa!

- [Drilling obscures speech]

- You've been drinking on the job.

We won't have it.

You're fired.

Eat sh*t.

[Birds squeak]

[Indistinct chatter in the background;

Glass clanks]

You're quiet tonight.

Because of that scoundrel?

First he thinks my flat is a pub.

Then he doesn't even call to apologise.

I thought he would've been...

different.

[Friend] In what way?

In some way, at least.

They are all cast in the same mould.

Sadly, it was broken.

That was well said.

All men are swine!

They're not.

Swines are intelligent and sympathetic.

You're right.

Let's drink to them.

[Footsteps approach]

Go home Holappa,

so you can be back in the morning.

[Foghorn blows]

[Heavy, muffled thuds]

[Factory whistle blows]

Where did that come from?

She's been here looking for food

for a couple of weeks now.

- What will happen to her?

- [Man] I guess she'll be put down.

She can't stay here,

she might get run over by the machines.

- Could I take her?

- [Man] Why not?

I'd take her myself,

but I've already got six.

Plus the kids and a wife.

[She giggles]

Dog.

Dog!

[Ansa] And so.

There. Good.

[She giggles]

[Music plays - Syntynyt suruun ja

puettu pettymyksin by Maustetytt]

[In Finnish] Mouldy coffee in the pot,

Dirty dishes on the floor

Rain rinses the windows

Don't need to wash them myself

Nothing to stop me from leaving

But I'm like cast in concrete

Up to my knees

With an invisible thousand-weight

Pressing down on me

Even with just one more hurdle left

I don't know if I can make it

To my grave

I'm a prisoner here forever

Even the graveyard has fences

When my earthly term

Is finally done

You'll just dig me deeper

Into the ground

I like you

But can't stand myself

I don't need others,

I don't know about you

If I ever leave this place

I'll be only doing it

For my own sake...

[Song continues]

[Huotari] I didn't bring you any.

It's okay, I don't want it anymore.

Going to the store in the freezing

cold

I'll get a few beers once again

If I need more, I'll have plenty of

time

As I'm just mostly lying around

I won't leave home without a reason

Just forget me, I want to be alone

I was born in sorrows

Dressed in disillusions

I'm a prisoner here forever

Even the graveyard

Is by fences bound

When my earthly term

Is finally done

You'll just dig me deeper

Into the ground

I like you

But I can't stand myself

I don't need others

I don't know about you

If I ever leave this place

I'll be only doing it

For my own sake

[Music continues, muffled]

[Music fades]

PENSION

[Slow ballad plays in the background]

Leave your Scabby wounds alone

Never tear them open again

Let your bitter memories die

Try to slowly let them fade

The zither of my soul is broken

It has a string severed

Its tune so weak and tender

Forever has been silenced

[Liquid sloshes]

[Music volume increases]

Leave your scabby wounds alone

Never tear them open again

Let your bitter memories die

[Music volume decreases]

[Song concludes]

[He sighs]

[Rain patters]

[Thunder rumbles]

[Romantic, orchestral music]

[Wind rustles]

[Music fades]

[Footsteps approach;

Rain patters]

[Keypad clicks]

[Mobile rings]

You answer it.

- Ansa.

- [Holappa] It's me.

Who is "me"?

[Holappa] Me.

The drunk you left alone in the street.

Oh, the wino?

The same man.

[Ansa] How are you?

I'm as sober as a desert rat.

I get loyalty discount at the AA club.

What changed your mind?

[Holappa] You did.

Can I come?

Come right away.

[Keypad clicks]

Get to work.

We have to clean up.

[Thick thud]

[Radio newscaster] North and north

easterly winds at 12 metres per second.

A warning to boaters:

Gulf of Bothnia and Bothnian Sea,

north and north-easterly winds

at 12 metres per second.

[Knocks on door]

[Man at the window] Come in.

[Door opens, footsteps approach]

Will you lend me your coat?

I have an important meeting

and I'm not presentable.

A woman?

She must be desperate.

Just take it.

I don't need it anymore.

[Door opens, closes]

[Train rattles]

[Train whistles]

[Train brakes squeal stridently;

Loud thud]

[Piercing scream]

[Siren blares]

[Machinery whirrs]

Oh, hello.

Hello.

You still remember.

You sang so beautifully.

Honest talk is so seldom heard,

it makes me happy.

My friend was looking for you.

I haven't heard of him.

I would think not.

He was hit by a train.

What happened? Did he die?

Not quite, but they are still

keeping him in a coma.

- Which hospital?

- The Deaconess Institute.

What's his name?

Holappa.

I don't know his first name.

Don't go yet.

Coma patients can wait

for five minutes or more.

Your friend misunderstood my age.

I'd like to correct that.

I'll give you Liisa's number.

HOSPITAL

You have a patient here called Holappa.

First name?

I don't know that.

Are you a relative?

I am his sister.

In faith.

Very well.

Tonja will take you.

Room 13.

Here it is.

He's still in a coma,

but try to talk or read to him.

Sometimes it helps.

[Door handle rattles]

[Slow-paced beep]

"Licentiate ate his girlfriend.

"He was caught when

the chopped-up body was found...

in his freezer."

Finland has sensationally made it

to the World Cup finals.

The opposing team will be Brazil,

but betting agencies have Finland

as the clear winner.

[Beep slightly accelerate]

[Train rattles]

[Machinery hums]

[Slow-paced beeps]

Danger. Six letters.

Threat.

O positive.

Ten letters.

Blood group.

[Pencil scribbles on paper]

[Train rattles]

[Mobile rings]

Ansa.

So he is waking up.

I'm glad.

Tell him I'll be right over,

I'll just get the dog.

Thank you, Tonja.

[Hospital's telephone rings]

[Slow-paced beep]

Am I dead?

[Ansa] On the contrary.

I've been waiting for you.

In my dream we walked towards

the Marriage Office together.

You're still confused.

[He sighs]

[Button buzzes]

[Liisa] What time will he get out?

Will you take a taxi?

He can already walk on his own.

Maybe even think.

[She chuckles] That remains to be seen,

but it doesn't take two.

Did the Karaoke King call you?

Yes. I'll see him tomorrow.

He's had rejuvenation surgery

and is eating Ginseng root.

It is time.

Go, you're making me nervous.

Come.

[Door opens]

These are my ex-husband's.

I don't know if they fit.

Thank you.

I'll return them

as soon as I can go shopping.

That's all right, he won't be back

either.

I hope. I changed the lock.

[Door closes]

- Thanks for the clothes.

- Farewell.

[Footsteps approach]

[He pants]

[Holappa] Does the dog have a name?

[Ansa] Yes.

Chaplin.

[Chaplin barks]

[Music plays - Les Feuilles Mortes

by Olavi Virta]

When autumn falls,

The leaves in the park

With bright splendour glow...

[Song continues]

[Song concludes]

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF HARRI MARSTIO