The Grump: In Search of an Escort at Nordic Nights
Mika Kaurismäki’s foray into what is by now a Grump franchise will be seen on November 7 in a hybrid screening as part of the Nordic Nights –series.
Nordic Nights is presented in co-operation with the Icelandic
Canadian Club of Toronto and the Honorary Consulate of Finland in Toronto. We are delighted to be working with Professor Anu Muhonen from the Finnish Studies program at the University of Toronto. She will join us immediately following the screening for a discussion and Q&A.
The Grump: In Search of an Escort (2022) is third film based on the popular stories and radio plays by Tuomas Kyrö . There is just something so familiar in the character who is ready to point out the disappointments in life – the smaller the better, and definitely not enthusiastic about adjusting to change. There may even be times when we recognize ourselves letting off steam about the minutiae of life that manages to annoy us.
The cinematic starter was The Grump (2014), directed by Dome Karukoski, followed by Happier Times, Grump (2018) by Tiina Lymi. As Tuomas Kyrö spins his tales about the cranky old man always ready to find something to complain about, the latest adventure of The Grump was born. It has been embraced by Finnish audiences and is the most watched film of all domestic films that premiered in 2022.
The Grump’s beloved 1972 Ford Escort is heading to the scrap yard and he simply wants to have one exactly like it again - nothing else will do. With a little help from the internet, one is found in Germany. He sets off to the dealership but as fate will have it, he will unexpectedly come face to face with Tarmo, his estranged brother. Decades earlier, Tarmo had left Finland for Germany without saying goodbye or ever keeping in touch.
The two brothers will have to get to know each other all over again.
Mika Kaurismäki is an award-winning prolific filmmaker who has directed over 40 films, including documentaries. He is a graduate of the Munich University of Television and Film
Mika Kaurismäki Interview in Cineuropa
Screening Tuesday, November 8 at 7 pm.
Admission is free online and in-person (with limited seating), registration required for both options.