The Worthless (1982)
"Arvottomat" (original title)

A criminal, his friend and his former girlfriend find their lives intertwining with each other.

Director:

Mika Kaurismäki

Writers:

Aki Kaurismäki (dialogue), Aki Kaurismäki (screenplay),

Stars:

Matti Pellonpää, Pirkko Hämäläinen, Juuso Hirvikangas

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matti Pellonpää	...	Manne
Pirkko Hämäläinen	...	Veera
Juuso Hirvikangas	...	Harri
Esko Nikkari	...	Hagström
Jorma Markkula	...	Mitja
Asmo Hurula	...	Väyry
Aki Kaurismäki	...	Ville Alfa
Ari Piispa	...	Vasili
Aino Seppo	...	Tiina
Veikko Aaltonen	...	Juippi
Elina Kivihalme	...	Anna-Kaarina
Pentti Lahti	...	Sax Player
Pentti Auer	...	Boss
Aarre Karén	...	1# Poolshark
Kauko Laurikainen	...	2# Poolshark

Storyline

A criminal, his friend and his former girlfriend find their lives intertwining with each other.

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Plot Keywords:

criminal | outsider | road movie | paris france

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

Finland

Language:

Finnish

Release Date:

15 October 1982 (Finland)

Also Known As:

The Worthless

Filming Locations:

Helsinki, Finland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Villealfa Filmproduction Oy

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min 119 min (original)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Manne: How's business.
Manne: Lousy. Every time I manage to sell something some pig sells me more. I never make any money.
Manne: Buy cheaper and sell dearer.
Ville Alfa: Good idea! Very good idea! Would you do so?
Manne: Not me, but other dealers.

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Crazy Credits

Matti Pellonpää's character's name Manne is falsely credited as Matti in the end credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Levottomat palat: Episode dated 14 October 1982 (1982)

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Soundtracks

"Kestääkö siivet"
Composed by Asmo Kärkkäinen
Lyrics by Asmo Kärkkäinen
Performed by Mike Skinner

User Reviews

Work of the young Geniuses

As the first longer film by the Kaurismaki brothers, this film establishes the subtle, minimalistic and yet intellectual dialogue set in the unlikely backdrop of lower middle-class crime drama. The "Time rushes like a moose" -type of line said in a monotone voice is the stuff that the brothers became known for, and they use the dialogue deliciously. While the dialogue is already in place, the pace is a lot faster than in the future films - or maybe it is because of Mika's directing. But the basic Kaurismaki themes of lower middle-class honor, independence and friendship are there. Due to its faster pace (Kaurismaki films are usually criticized for being too slow), witty dialogue and certainly unusual theme of Finnish unorganized crime (outside Finland, at least), I hope that this film will be picked up by some independent film channels. This movie is actually entertaining! It really deserves wider exposure. Another point worth mentioning is the soundtrack. The movie has some Finnish rock classics from the 70's - it's definitely worth checking out if you get a chance.