In these economic times, it almost seems appropriate to watch an Aki Kaurismaki film, especially if you need a laugh. An early deadpan gem by Kaurismaki, this established what was to be his trademark: working class, dry humor, and cigarettes. Timo Salminen provides wonderful color cinematography, and is complemented by lovely lounge jazz/tango/rocknroll music; and great low-key performances by all the Kaurismaki regulars, but special mention goes to Matti Pellonpää: levätä rauhassa, no one could light a cigarette and smoke it on screen the way you could.

työkaveri: I’ve got a slogan already. “Reliable Garbage disposal since 1986.”

Nikander: But that’s now.

työkaveri: That’s why it catches the eye.

Nikander: Pretty smart.

työkaveri: Isn’t it?

Yes it is. Marvelous.