Monday Morning Maybe

Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for Drifting Clouds

Drifting Clouds

Seen it?

1996 | 97 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in another language, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

The ever-poker-faced Ilona loses her job as a restaurant hostess, as her tram driver husband, Lauri, also finds himself out of work. Together they must hit the streets of Helsinki, facing up to hardship and humiliation in their quest for survival, guided through the gloom by a ray of hope.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.6 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    1 win and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Aki Kaurismäki

  • Kati OutinenIlona
  • Kari VäänänenLauri
  • Elina SaloMrs. Sjöholm
  • Sakari KuosmanenMelartin
  • Markku PeltolaLajunen
  • Matti OnnismaaForsström
  • Shelley FisherPianist
  • Markus AllanOrchestra Member
  • Pauli GranfeltOrchestra Member
  • Kari LindqvistOrchestra Member