Aki Kaurismaki’s 1986 film, *Varjoja paratiisissa* (*Shadows in Paradise*), is an early work from the Finnish director and one of the most unusual romantic comedies I've encountered. The story follows Nikander (Matti Pellonpää), a garbage collector who becomes interested in Ilona, a supermarket cashier with a melancholic nature. We observe their awkward efforts to build a relationship: appointments that abruptly conclude, a supposed romantic trip where they each find separate rooms at the hotel, and infrequent exchanges using only the most essential language. Nikander’s closest companion, Melartin (Sakari Kuosmanen), who he recently met after time in prison, offers some support. The film's music draws from early rock-and-roll; however, unlike Kaurismaki’s later movies where the characters seem to exist within a 1950s world, this one is set in modern Helsinki. I have previously expressed reservations about Kaurismaki’s portrayal of Finland in other films, but *Varjoja paratiisissa* feels like an accurate representation of the quiet, reserved people who enjoy drinking heavily. While it lacks the assurance seen in his later work, *Varjoja paratiisissa* remains enjoyable, and I found the main characters and their difficulties quite endearing. I would suggest watching this film. The performances by Pellonpää (in a role that feels very familiar to his other parts) and Outinen (who seems to transform her persona with each movie) are particularly noteworthy.

Source on TMDB