(dir. Aki Kaurismäki, 1986)

Lonely garbageman Nikkander finds himself directionless after losing his friend and co-worker to a sudden heart attack. Unlikely redemption comes in the form of plain supermarket cashier Ilona, with whom he begins a tentative love affair. Boiling down what is essentially a romantic comedy to a series of spare and beautiful gestures, Kaurismäki conjures an unexpected delight that finds hope blossoming even amid gray surroundings.