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The Other Side of Hope 2017

A Syrian refugee seeking a new life unexpectedly finds himself in Helsinki, while a weary businessman leaves his old life behind to purchase a struggling restaurant. Their separate journeys unexpectedly converge, forging a connection that explores themes of hope, loss, and the search for meaning. The film portrays the challenges and quiet moments of connection as they navigate their individual circumstances and find solace in an unlikely friendship.

A Syrian refugee seeking a new life unexpectedly finds himself in Helsinki, while a weary businessman leaves his old life behind to purchase a struggling restaurant. Their separate journeys unexpectedly converge, forging a connection that explores themes of hope, loss, and the search for meaning. The film portrays the challenges and quiet moments of connection as they navigate their individual circumstances and find solace in an unlikely friendship.

Does The Other Side of Hope have end credit scenes?

No!

The Other Side of Hope does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Other Side of Hope

Explore the complete cast of The Other Side of Hope, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Other Side of Hope

See how The Other Side of Hope is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Other Side of Hope stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

78

The Other Side of Hope excels with its distinctive style and emotional undercurrents. Many critics highlight Kaurismäki’s signature dry humor and understated mise-en-scène, while some note the film’s measured pacing and conceptual shagginess. User reactions are split between admiration for its uplifting flourishes and criticism of the deadpan motif’s emotional distance. On balance, the film leaves a lasting net impression of thoughtful restraint and quiet humanity.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Other Side of Hope

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of direction and cinematography, the film presents a deliberate and unadorned visual approach. Reviews note the muted color palette, flat close-ups, and Tati-style sets that emphasize ironic humor without distracting flair. The production design consistently reinforces the austere atmosphere, and the editing maintains the film’s signature deadpan rhythm. Overall, the art direction establishes a cohesive visual identity that supports the narrative’s tonal balance.

85
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

Regarding character depth and emotion, the film offers nuanced performances anchored by a touching central relationship. Critics praise the quiet chemistry between the protagonists and the sincerity in portraying refugee anxieties alongside everyday decency. While one viewer found the deadpan acting too restrained, most responses commend the sympathetic portrayal of personal struggles. Ultimately, the character interactions deliver a resonant emotional core without resorting to overt sentimentality.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

When it comes to story and flow, the narrative unfolds with deliberate pacing and thematic ambition. Several reviewers note the initial sag in momentum as the two storylines run independently for over an hour, though the eventual collision yields a simple, persuasive metaphor. The mixture of humor and stark monologues occasionally creates tonal shifts that feel uneven. In summary, the plot exhibits originality and engagement despite moments of shagginess.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the film’s sound design and visual cohesion work in tandem to reinforce its deadpan style. Observers emphasize the understated soundtrack and the quasi-documentary approach that lend authenticity to the setting. The sparse use of music serves as a counterpoint to occasional running gags, while the visual framing and set design sustain a consistent aesthetic. Overall, the sensory elements effectively support the film’s ironic and humanistic tone.

75
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Regarding rewatch factor, the film presents subtleties that may reward subsequent viewings. The layered humor and interplay of comedy and tragedy reveal new shades upon revisiting key scenes, and the minimalist presentation encourages attention to thematic detail. Some viewers may find the pacing less conducive to repeated watches, but others appreciate the lasting resonance of its quiet moral stance. Ultimately, the film offers sufficient depth to merit further exploration.

Metacritic

84

Metascore

6.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

92%

TOMATOMETER

review

76%

User Score

TMDB

69

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.8

From 45 fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.07/5

From 14 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Other Side of Hope Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Other Side of Hope with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Exploring The Other Side of Hope: Test your knowledge about the poignant themes and characters in 'The Other Side of Hope'.

What occupation does Waldemar have at the beginning of the film?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Other Side of Hope

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Read the complete plot summary of The Other Side of Hope, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In Helsinki, the story unfolds with Waldemar Sakari Kuosmanen, a traveling shirt salesman who has a heated argument with his wife, leading him to abandon her. Determined to change his life, he liquidates his remaining stock and gambles his earnings during a poker game, where fortune smiles upon him as he wins a substantial sum. With his newfound wealth, he takes a bold step and purchases a restaurant, but his three employees are initially skeptical of his strategies to breathe new life into their establishment.

Meanwhile, Khaled Sherwan Haji, a Syrian refugee, arrives in Helsinki clandestinely aboard a cargo ship. Once he disembarks, he promptly turns himself into the authorities and files for asylum. At the refugee processing center, he forges a friendship with Mazdak, an Iraqi refugee. Desperate to locate his sister, Miriam, who went missing during their perilous journey across the Balkans escaping the Syrian Civil War, Khaled turns to Mazdak for assistance. When Khaled’s asylum request is abruptly denied, he decides to take matters into his own hands and escapes.

Destiny brings Khaled to Waldemar’s doorstep, where he finds shelter from the storm. Waldemar not only takes him in but also offers him a job within his restaurant. With the support of Waldemar and his team, Khaled navigates the complex process of obtaining new identification papers. Eventually, Mazdak drops a glimmer of hope when he learns of Miriam’s whereabouts. Together, Waldemar and Khaled arrange for a trucker to smuggle her out from a refugee facility in Lithuania. The long-awaited reunion between Khaled and Miriam occurs, filled with emotion and relief.

However, tragedy strikes when Khaled faces horrific racism upon his return to Waldemar’s apartment. A brutal thug confronts him, leading to a violent attack where Khaled is stabbed, leaving him on the verge of death. Returning home, Waldemar is met with a shocking sight—pools of blood that send him racing outside, where he discovers Khaled nestled under a tree by the riverside, smiling peacefully as a small dog playfully licks his face. This striking moment encapsulates the themes of resilience and hope amid despair, demonstrating the bond formed between these two men from vastly different worlds.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Other Side of Hope

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Other Side of Hope. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE - Janus Films Trailer

UK Spot

Cars Featured in The Other Side of Hope

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Explore all cars featured in The Other Side of Hope, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Cadillac

1970

DeVille Convertible

Chevrolet

1960

C-Series

Chevrolet

1972

Camaro

Chevrolet

1961

Corvair 95 Greenbrier

Chevrolet

1968

Nova

Chrysler

1965

Newport

De

1968

Tomaso Mangusta

Dodge

1962

Lancer

Fiat

1971

128

Fiat

1972

128 Station Wagon

The Other Side of Hope Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Other Side of Hope across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Den andre siden av håpet Pakolainen 희망의 건너편 L'altro volto della speranza L'Autre côté de l'espoir El otro lado de la esperanza O Outro Lado da Esperança Po tamtej stronie Другата страна на надеждата Друга страна наде Lys I Mørket Die andere Seite der Hoffnung По ту сторону надежды 希望的另一面 Umudun Öteki Yüzü По той бік надії Η Άλλη Όψη της Ελπίδας Druhá strana naděje Cealaltă parte a speranței 希望在世界另一端 הצד האחר של התקווה 希望在彼方 Cerības otra puse Ljus i natten 希望のかなた อีกด้านหนึ่งแห่งความหวัง

Other Names for The Other Side of Hope

Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for The Other Side of Hope. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.


Den andre siden av håpet Pakolainen 희망의 건너편 L'altro volto della speranza L'Autre côté de l'espoir El otro lado de la esperanza O Outro Lado da Esperança Po tamtej stronie Другата страна на надеждата Друга страна наде Lys I Mørket Die andere Seite der Hoffnung По ту сторону надежды 希望的另一面 Umudun Öteki Yüzü По той бік надії Η Άλλη Όψη της Ελπίδας Druhá strana naděje Cealaltă parte a speranței 希望在世界另一端 הצד האחר של התקווה 希望在彼方 Cerības otra puse Ljus i natten 希望のかなた อีกด้านหนึ่งแห่งความหวัง

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