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Poster for The Man Without a Past

The Man Without a Past

Seen it?

2002 | 97 min | Drama, Romance

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • It's in another language, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Arriving in Helsinki, a nameless man is beaten within an inch of his life by thugs, miraculously recovering only to find that he has completely lost his memory. Back on the streets, he attempts to begin again from zero, befriending a moody dog and becoming besotted with a Salvation Army volunteer.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress. Also nominated for 1 Oscar. Plus 16 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $1K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 45K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Aki Kaurismäki

  • Markku PeltolaM
  • Kati OutinenIrma
  • Juhani NiemeläNieminen
  • Kaija PakarinenKaisa Nieminen
  • Sakari KuosmanenAnttila
  • Annikki TähtiManager of Flea Market
  • Anneli SauliBar Owner
  • Elina SaloDock Clerk
  • Outi MäenpääBank Clerk
  • Esko NikkariBank Robber