The Other Side of Hope 2017
Directed by
Aki Kaurismäki
Made by
Janus Films
Plot Summary
In Helsinki, the story unfolds with Waldemar Sakari Kuosmanen, a traveling shirt salesman who has a heated argument with his wife, leading him to abandon her. Determined to change his life, he liquidates his remaining stock and gambles his earnings during a poker game, where fortune smiles upon him as he wins a substantial sum. With his newfound wealth, he takes a bold step and purchases a restaurant, but his three employees are initially skeptical of his strategies to breathe new life into their establishment.
Meanwhile, Khaled Sherwan Haji, a Syrian refugee, arrives in Helsinki clandestinely aboard a cargo ship. Once he disembarks, he promptly turns himself into the authorities and files for asylum. At the refugee processing center, he forges a friendship with Mazdak, an Iraqi refugee. Desperate to locate his sister, Miriam, who went missing during their perilous journey across the Balkans escaping the Syrian Civil War, Khaled turns to Mazdak for assistance. When Khaled’s asylum request is abruptly denied, he decides to take matters into his own hands and escapes.
Destiny brings Khaled to Waldemar’s doorstep, where he finds shelter from the storm. Waldemar not only takes him in but also offers him a job within his restaurant. With the support of Waldemar and his team, Khaled navigates the complex process of obtaining new identification papers. Eventually, Mazdak drops a glimmer of hope when he learns of Miriam’s whereabouts. Together, Waldemar and Khaled arrange for a trucker to smuggle her out from a refugee facility in Lithuania. The long-awaited reunion between Khaled and Miriam occurs, filled with emotion and relief.
However, tragedy strikes when Khaled faces horrific racism upon his return to Waldemar’s apartment. A brutal thug confronts him, leading to a violent attack where Khaled is stabbed, leaving him on the verge of death. Returning home, Waldemar is met with a shocking sight—pools of blood that send him racing outside, where he discovers Khaled nestled under a tree by the riverside, smiling peacefully as a small dog playfully licks his face. This striking moment encapsulates the themes of resilience and hope amid despair, demonstrating the bond formed between these two men from vastly different worlds.
Timeline
Waldemar's Argument
In Helsinki, Waldemar has a heated argument with his wife. This conflict leads him to make the drastic decision to abandon her and change his life entirely.
Gambling Victory
Determined to turn his luck around, Waldemar liquidates his remaining stock and uses the money to gamble at a poker game. Fortune smiles upon him as he wins a substantial sum, reigniting his ambition.
Purchasing the Restaurant
With his newfound wealth, Waldemar takes a bold step and purchases a restaurant. However, his three employees express skepticism about his strategies to revitalize their struggling establishment.
Khaled's Arrival
Meanwhile, Khaled, a Syrian refugee, arrives clandestinely in Helsinki aboard a cargo ship. After disembarking, he turns himself in to authorities to file for asylum.
Friendship with Mazdak
At the refugee processing center, Khaled forms a friendship with Mazdak, another refugee from Iraq. Their bond grows as they discuss their challenging journeys and share hopes for a better future.
Searching for Miriam
Khaled is desperate to locate his sister Miriam, who went missing during their perilous journey across the Balkans. He seeks Mazdak's help in finding her, driven by his longing to reunite with family.
Asylum Denial
Khaled's asylum request is abruptly denied, plunging him into despair. Faced with the reality of his situation, he decides to escape from the refugee center to take control of his fate.
Finding Shelter
Destiny brings Khaled to Waldemar's restaurant, where he seeks shelter from the storm. Waldemar kindly takes him in and offers him a job, recognizing a chance to help someone in need.
Support for Khaled
With the support of Waldemar and his employees, Khaled navigates the intricate process of obtaining new identification papers. This assistance is crucial for Khaled's attempt to establish a new life in Helsinki.
Hope for Miriam
Mazdak brings Khaled promising news about his sister Miriam's whereabouts. Together, they devise a plan with Waldemar to arrange for her smuggling from a refugee facility in Lithuania.
Reunion with Miriam
The long-awaited reunion between Khaled and Miriam finally occurs, filled with tears of relief and joy. This emotional moment underscores the sacrifices made during their harrowing journey.
Encounter with Racism
Tragedy strikes when Khaled faces horrific racism upon returning to Waldemar's apartment. Attacked by a brutal thug, Khaled suffers a violent stabbing that leaves him fighting for his life.
Waldemar's Shock
Upon returning home, Waldemar is met with a shocking sight of blood in his apartment. Horrified, he rushes outside to find Khaled gravely injured but still holding onto a sense of peace.
Final Moments
As Waldemar finds Khaled nestled under a tree by the riverside, he witnesses a heart-wrenching moment. Despite the severe injuries, Khaled smiles peacefully as a small dog licks his face, symbolizing hope amid despair.
Themes of Resilience
The film concludes by encapsulating themes of resilience and hope. The bond formed between Waldemar and Khaled serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Characters
Waldemar Wikström
Waldemar is a complex character, depicted as a traveling salesman looking to reinvent his life after a failing marriage. His journey involves courage and vulnerability as he navigates the challenges of running a restaurant and supporting a refugee. Through his choices, he symbolizes hope and redemption.
Khaled
Khaled is a determined Syrian refugee who exemplifies resilience in his quest for family and belonging. His journey is fraught with peril as he faces bureaucracy and personal loss. Khaled's character highlights the struggles of many refugees, showcasing his strength and hope against overwhelming odds.
Setting
Time period
The movie presents a contemporary narrative reflecting current challenges faced by refugees and societal issues, devoid of a specific historical timeframe. It portrays the lives of individuals navigating through personal struggles and cultural clashes in today's world.
Location
Helsinki
Helsinki is the vibrant capital of Finland, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque waterfront. The city offers a blend of modernity and history, with a rich cultural scene that includes museums, galleries, and theaters. It serves as a backdrop for personal transformations and poignant life events.
Themes
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Hope
Hope is a recurring theme, depicted through Khaled's pursuit of his sister and the bond he forms with Waldemar. Their relationship illustrates how compassion and kindness can flourish even in dire circumstances. The film emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Friendship
The film explores the theme of friendship, particularly the bond between Khaled and Waldemar. Their unlikely relationship showcases how individuals from different backgrounds can support one another. This friendship serves as a lifeline for both characters, highlighting the importance of connection in overcoming life's challenges.
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Social Justice
The movie touches on issues of social justice, reflecting the struggles faced by refugees amidst a backdrop of xenophobia and racism. Khaled's experiences present a critical lens on societal attitudes towards immigrants, urging a dialogue about empathy and understanding for marginalized communities.
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