86
Metascore
30 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90The New York TimesManohla DargisThe New York TimesManohla DargisFallen Leaves is consistently funny, but its laughs arrive without fanfare. They slide in calmly, at times obliquely in eccentric details, offbeat juxtapositions, taciturn exchanges, long pauses and amiably barbed insults.
- 85TheWrapSteve PondTheWrapSteve PondThroughout, Kaurismäki shows his usual complete control of a delicate tone that could easily go awry if it didn’t work so well.
- 83The Film StageRory O'ConnorThe Film StageRory O'ConnorAs a film, Fallen Leaves could hardly be simpler––two people living separate, lonesome lives meet and maybe fall in love––but there is beauty in that simplicity and, as ever, Kaurismäki’s characters live far richer inner lives.
- 83IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichAn 81-minute film that’s as crisp and bittersweet as a late autumn breeze, Kaurismäki’s latest might amount to little more than a bauble in the end, but it offers a stirring reminder — both with its story, and through the experience of watching it — that life can only be so bleak so long as you can still go to the movies and escape it for a little while.
- 80The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawFallen Leaves is another of Kaurismäki’s beguiling and delightful cinephile comedies, featuring foot-tapping rock’n’roll. It’s romantic and sweet-natured, in a deadpan style that in no way undermines or ironises the emotions involved and with some sharp things to say about contemporary politics.
- 80Time OutDave CalhounTime OutDave CalhounIt finds genuine humour in its characters’ almost down-and-out lot, but it’s fully on their side – the side of those trampled on by modern times.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyRunning just 81 minutes, Fallen Leaves is slight compared to many of Kaurismäki’s more complex narratives, but its well of feeling creeps up on you and it delivers a good share of laugh-out-loud lines with droll aplomb. Besides, who are we to quibble about any gift from one of world cinema’s greatest treasures?
- 80Screen DailyJonathan RomneyScreen DailyJonathan RomneyFallen Leaves may not set the film world on fire, but is guaranteed to cast a warm glow.
- 70VarietyOwen GleibermanVarietyOwen GleibermanIt’s a nice but exceedingly minor movie. It leaves little imprint.
- 70Paste MagazineJacob OllerPaste MagazineJacob OllerBone-dry yet filled with yearning, Aki Kaurismäki’s Finnish rom-com is a charming tale of persistence amid chaos.