This film, full of tenderness and humour, is a parabole about the rebirth of a person and the birth of a community. Thrown into a situation of extreme poverty, a man without a past finds solidarity and builds a life of dignity. Through the art of Aki Kaurismäki, we experience a moment of grace.
55th International Film Festival Cannes
15.05.2002 to 26.05.2002
Cannes
The Ecumenical Jury Cannes 2002, from left: Ezio Alberione, Julia Helmke, Bruce Girard, Anca Berlogea, Michèle Debidour, Revaz Nicoladze (photo: © Daniel Beguin)
Awards
The Man Without a Past
Der Mann ohne Vergangenheit
Directed by:
2002
Der Sohn
The Son
Directed by:
2002
Rich in humanity, this film is about overcoming the need of revenge. While learning a skill and learning about human relationships, a future is made possible. The intensity of the film fully captures and maintains the viewer´s attention.
My Mother's Smile
Die Religionsstunde
Directed by:
2002
This film reflects a modern doubt about the existence of God. The main character, who opposes all compromise, provides an example of a search for identity and truth.
More about the festival
Viewed from the critical side, the 55th Cannes International Film Festival will unfortunately be remembered by critics and professionals for its faulty jury decisions, judges Ron Holloway at the beginning of his extensive report about the Cannes film festival 2002.