Calamari Union
1985 Finnish film
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Calamari Union is a 1985 Finnish surreal comedy film[1] written, directed, produced, co-edited, and co-scored by Aki Kaurismäki. It stars numerous well-known Finnish actors and rock musicians.
- Timo Eränkö
- Kari Heiskanen
- Asmo Hurula
- Sakke Järvenpää
- Sakari Kuosmanen
- Dave Lindholm
- Mikko Mattila
- Pate Mustajärvi
- Tuomari Nurmio
- Pirkka-Pekka Petelius
- Matti Pellonpää
- Pertti Sveholm
- Martti Syrjä
- Pantse Syrjä
- Markku Toikka
- Mato Valtonen
- Puntti Valtonen
- Kari Väänänen
| Calamari Union | |
|---|---|
Film poster | |
| Directed by | Aki Kaurismäki |
| Written by | Aki Kaurismäki |
| Produced by | Aki Kaurismäki |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Timo Salminen |
| Edited by |
|
| Music by |
|
Production company | Villealfa Filmproductions |
| Distributed by | Finnkino |
Release date |
|
Running time | 81 minutes |
| Country | Finland |
| Language | Finnish |
Plot
15 desperate men, all named Frank, band together to escape the repressive Kallio district of Helsinki for the city's upscale seaside borough of Eira. Joined by an English-speaking man named Pekka, they sneak through dark alleys and the tunnels of the Helsinki metro, all the while avoiding the use of surnames to outsmart obstructing forces.
Cast
- Timo Eränkö (Lapinlahden Linnut)
- Kari Heiskanen
- Asmo Hurula
- Sakke Järvenpää (Sleepy Sleepers, Leningrad Cowboys)
- Sakari Kuosmanen (Juice Leskinen Grand Slam)
- Dave Lindholm
- Mikko Mattila
- Pate Mustajärvi (Popeda)
- Tuomari Nurmio
- Pirkka-Pekka Petelius
- Matti Pellonpää
- Pertti Sveholm
- Martti Syrjä (Eppu Normaali)
- Pantse Syrjä (Eppu Normaali)
- Markku Toikka
- Mato Valtonen (Sleepy Sleepers, Leningrad Cowboys)
- Puntti Valtonen (Juice Leskinen Grand Slam)
- Kari Väänänen
Reception
The film is considered to be a satirical cult classic.[2][3] Caryn James of The New York Times described the film as "gleefully absurdist", adding that Kaurismäki "takes over the American gangster film and flavors it with his improbable humor".[4] Others have drawn connections between The Saimaa Gesture and Calamari Union and the Finnish punk movement.[5]
Film references
One scene features the characters watching the 1918 film Father Sergius in a movie theater.
