The Match Factory Girl [Tulitikkutehtaan tyttö] **** (1989, Kati Outinen, Elina Salo, Esko Nikkari, Vesa Vierikko) – Classic Movie Review 3565

Finnish cult writer-director Aki Kaurismäki’s dark 1989 comedy drama stars Kati Outinen as Iiris, the poor Match Factory Girl of the title, wearily looking after her grumpy mother and stepfather.

Love and joy come into her life momentarily at least with a rich man, Aarne (Vesa Vierikko), but when, after a one-night stand, he leaves her pregnant and her parents evict her, she plans revenge on one and all.

This bleak but gripping, convincing and stylish movie proves one of the great Aki Kaurismäki’s best, and it is nicely shot too by cinematographer Timo Salminem.

Also in the cast are Elina Salo as Mother, Esko Nikkari as Stepfather, Outi Mäenpää as Iiris’ co-worker and Silu Seppälä as Iiris’ brother.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3565

Link to Derek Winnert’s home page for more reviews: http://derekwinnert.com/