Watch This: Aki Kaurismäki’s DOGS HAVE NO HELL

It’s tempting to compare Finnish writer/director Aki Kaurismäki (born on this date in 1957) to Jim Jarmusch or the Coen Brothers, but, to be perfectly honest, there is no satisfying comparison. He, like those stateside peers, is sui generis.

There’s great joy in discovering Kaurismäki, and in fact his characters are always experiencing discoveries. Much of the comic tension in Kaurismäki comes from the deadpan way his protaganists receive the wonders of the universe. Dip into his work anywhere. It’s a rare and fine spirit you will find.

Here is a short film from Kaurismäki, created as part of an omnibus film, THE TRUMPET & THE CELLO – TEN MINUTES OLDER from 2002. It features a wonderful Kaurismäkian hero and, another trademark, a great rock song.

Enjoy.