Ariel
1988 · Movie · NR · 73 min
★ 7.1(379)unSUB Rating
After the mine where he worked closes, a Finnish man heads to the city searching for steady work. As he drifts through unemployment, bad luck, and trouble, his life takes unexpected turns that also lead him toward a hopeful romance and the chance to start over.
Where to watch
Streaming on The Criterion Channel.
1 hour to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
unSUB does not host or stream any content. Every link above goes to a licensed provider.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1988
- Release date
- 1988-10-21
- Language
- FI
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 73 min
- TMDB rating (input)
- 7.1/10 (379 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy Ariel if you like deadpan, emotionally restrained stories with hope in tough circumstances, and crime-comedy energy; Not for you if you want big feelings, straightforward plotting, or nonstop entertainment—try The Man Without a Past or Drifting Clouds instead.
Pros: deadpan dark humor; tender love story; memorable bleak charm | Cons: minimal dialogue; bleak mood; inconsistent for some viewers
Themes
- prison
- underdog
- helsinki, finland
- factory worker
- prisoner
- falling in love
Cast & crew
Turo Pajala
as Taisto Kasurinen
- SH
Susanna Haavisto
as Irmeli Pihlaja
Matti Pellonpää
as Mikkonen
- EH
Eetu Hilkamo
as Riku
- EP
Erkki Pajala
as Miner
- MJ
Matti Jaaranen
as Mugger
- HV
Hannu Viholainen
as Accomplice
Jorma Markkula
as Tallyman
- TK
Tarja Keinänen
as Woman in Harbour
- EK
Eino Kuusela
as Man on Beach
Directed by Aki Kaurismäki