When a worker at the docks notices unusual sounds coming from a container shipped in from Gabon, he isn’t entirely shocked to find out its contents are people—and headed for London. After being stopped by immigration authorities, the youthful and quick "Idrissa" (Blondin Miguel) manages to escape and runs into "Marcel" (André Wilms), who seems to be having a bit of a hard time. The older man feels sorry for this anxi…

For his 2011 film LE HAVRE, Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki shifted locations from Helsinki for the initial installment in a planned trilogy centered on port cities throughout Western Europe. Consistent with his tendency to champion those facing hardship, Kaurismäki’s focus extends beyond the usual marginalized city dwellers to an even more vulnerable group: undocumented immigrants. The story follows Marcel (André Wi…

The narrative is straightforward, presented with a delicate touch that’s typical of Kaurismäki’s filmmaking.