Calamari Union

Calamari Union

81 mins | Comedy | Feb. 8, 1985

Calamari Union is an allegorical movie that tells the story of sixteen men all of whom are called Frank (inspired by Frank Armoton) apart from a single confrere, Pekka. Collectively the Franks and Pekka are unhappy with the perceived oppression they face in their district of Helsinki, Kallio, and decide to move to another, Eira, imagining it to be an unspoiled place where people can live lives of dignity. The journey is an ironic one given that both districts are not so far apart. In this spirit, their journey across the city takes on epic proportions with each of the travellers gradually falling by the wayside due to such travails as marriage, work, and death. In its entirety the film is a wry discussion of humanity within a system that regards humans as subservient components.

Calamari Union

81 mins | Comedy | Feb. 8, 1985

Calamari Union
Calamari Union is an allegorical movie that tells the story of sixteen men all of whom are called Frank (inspired by Frank Armoton) apart from a single confrere, Pekka. Collectively the Franks and Pekka are unhappy with the perceived oppression they face in their district of Helsinki, Kallio, and decide to move to another, Eira, imagining it to be an unspoiled place where people can live lives of dignity. The journey is an ironic one given that both districts are not so far apart. In this spirit, their journey across the city takes on epic proportions with each of the travellers gradually falling by the wayside due to such travails as marriage, work, and death. In its entirety the film is a wry discussion of humanity within a system that regards humans as subservient components.
IMDb rating 6.9
Producers Villealfa Filmproductions
Original title Calamari Union
Directors Marjaana Mykkänen, Marja-Leena Hukkanen, Aki Kaurismäki
Writers Aki Kaurismäki

Cast

Timo Eränkö

as Frank

Kari Heiskanen

as Frank

Asmo Hurula

as Frank

Sakari Kuosmanen

as Frank Armoton

Dave Lindholm

as Man on Beach

Mikko Mattila

as Frank

Pate Mustajärvi

as Frank

Tuomari Nurmio

as Cabby

Pertti Sveholm

as Frank

Martti Syrjä

as Frank

Pantse Syrjä

as Frank

Markku Toikka

as Pekka

Mato Valtonen

as Frank

Puntti Valtonen

as Frank

Kari Väänänen

as Frank

Erkki Astala

as Driver

Ida-Lotta Backman

as Bank Clerk

Erja Dammert

as Woman in Restaurant

Sanna Fransman

as Widow

Antonio Gomez

as Gangster

Erkki Haapanen

as Subway Driver

Heinäsirkka

as Liisa

Heimo Holopainen

as Passer-By

Pirkko Hämäläinen

as Secretary

Hannu Lauri

as Saastamoinen

Susanna Laurola

as Barber

Luis Luna

as Gangster

Marjaana Mykkänen

as Woman in Movie Theater / Woman in Car

Anssi Mänttäri

as Tied Man

Paula Oinonen

as Woman in Movie Theater

Paavo Piskonen

as Psychiatrist

Mari Rantasila

as Hotel Servant

Sohvi Sirkesalo

as Bartender

Pekka Sutinen

as Hotel Receptionist

Mikko Vainio

as Member of Parliament

Heikki Ortamo

as Man in Movie Theater (uncredited)

Jouko Lumme

as Cook (uncredited)

Aki Kaurismäki

as Hearse Driver (uncredited)

Mikko Lyytikäinen

as Businessman (uncredited)

Harry Päiväläinen

as Businessman (uncredited)

Ilkka Kylävaara

as Businessman (uncredited)

Jyrki Hämäläinen

as Businessman (uncredited)

Mikko Piela

as Businessman (uncredited)

Kari Happonen

as Customer (uncredited)

Tanja Talaskivi

as Woman in Audience (uncredited)