Their path towards the honourable goal of finding the love of their lives is clouded by life's general tendency to place obstacles in the way of those seeking happiness. Every bit as funny as it is sad, ‘Fallen Leaves’ finds glimmers of humour and hope in moments of tragedy.

Finnish master Kaurismäki produces a soft-spoken and mordant comedy every six years or so and never, ever misses the mark. Even by his high standards, this gentle tragicomedy is close to perfect.