2011 Cannes Critics’ Panel: Day 7 – Aki Kaurismaki’s Le Havre

Insert a dog, a shoeshiner by trade Bohemian who takes a stand against the system/local police force to help an illegal refugee in the shape of a child (Cannes major theme this year is about protecting them) and add the trademark Kaurismaki humor and according to the warmest applause reserved for a film yet in the Main Competition and we have ourselves a true contender and audience favourite in Le Havre.

We still have some grades to receive, but so far this is jousting with the Dardennes and Malick for the top critic grade average on our list. With a predictable formula, a see it by a mile narrative, climax and conclusion, and a Miracle in Milan-esque sensibility, this charmer’s winning cast of a rugged-looking Andre Wilms, a perfectly cast Jean-Pierre Darroussin and Kaurismaki-club member Kati Outinen will surely be Finland’s Oscar entry despite the almost all in the French language text. In other news, perhaps a lack of interest in the titles, zapped out energy levels or simply some reserving the strength for tomorrow’s Melancholia 8:30a.m screening, but looks like Alain Cavalier’s Pater and Naomi Kawase’s Hanezu might, at the end of the fest be the least watched film titles…here’s the most current version of the grid which include a pair of 4 star stamps of approval for Le Havre coming from Spain and France.