Finnish-German feature comedy THE GRUMP – In Search of an Escort at the Marché du Film in Cannes o the big screen!
World Sales screening of The Yellow Affair, Karoliina Dwyer (CEO), karoliina@yellowaffair.com, www.yellowaffair.com, Marché du Film, RIVIERA D8. All German speaking rights (GER, AUS, SUI, LUX, ALDO ADIGE, LUX) are with ATF & Cuckoo Clock Entertainment, Hamburg.
THE GRUMP: IN SEARCH OF AN ESCORT
Directed by: Mika Kaurismäki
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Written by: Daniela Hakulinen and Tuomas Kyrö
Cast: Heikki Kinnunen, Kari Väänänen, Silu Seppälä, Ilkka Forss, Mari Perankoski, Ville Tiihonen, Tiina Lymi
Produced by: Jukka Helle, Markus Selin, Hanna Virolainen, Raoul Reinert
Production Company: Solar Films (Finland), Aspekt Telefilm (Germany), Cuckoo Clock Entertainment
Production year: 2022
Release year: 2022
Country: Finland, Germany
Language: Finnish, English, German
English Synopsis:
The Grump’s everyday life in the deepest of Finland rolls forward according to old routines. He’s busy working on his farm, but memories of his big brother Tarmo are bothering him. Tarmo moved to Germany decades ago, and the brothers haven’t been in touch, even though they were best friends when they were children. One day the Grump crashes his beloved Escort, and the car is taken to the junkyard. But the Grump is particular when it comes to cars; any old car won’t do. The nearest 1972 Escort is found in Germany. The Grump withdraws a suitcase full of money at the local bank and heads to Germany.
The hardships start already on the Reeperbahn. The Grump is robbed and wakes up in a hospital with his brother Tarmo by his bed. The brothers, who later prove to be the total opposites of one another, go look for an Escort together and end up getting to know each other again in the process.
The Grump: In Search of an Escort is a film about healing decades-old wounds. It’s a story about reconciliation and forgiveness.
Press Quotes Germany (small selection)
Mika Kaurismäki directs with laconic humor the Finnish comedians Heikki Kinnunen and Kari Väänänen as estranged brothers and Rosalie Thomass in the whimsical and lovable family story – focus:film
An absurdly laconic road movie with a lot of subtle situation comedy – NDR Journal
The dry humor of the terse dialogues ultimately makes „Grump – In Search of the Escort“ a warm-hearted feel-good film with some depth – dpa, FAZ, Stern, Frankfurter Rundschau
Mika Kaurismäki’s film „Grump“ is like the beloved fur hat of the thoughtful farmer from a rural wasteland: warm and soft – Leipziger Volkszeitung
Lovable little film that makes us smile again and again, but at the same time also makes us think – just typically Finnish… – nochfilm.de
A typical Scandinavian whimsical road movie by Mika Kaurismäki – Hamburger Morgenpost
A whimsical feel-good road movie – Rhein-Zeitung
Mika Kaurismäki has succeeded in making a family-friendly, funny, but also emotional film in which you sometimes don’t know whether you want to laugh or cry – Lübecker Zeitung
Mika Kaurismäki’s road movie, situated between laconic comedy and distinct feel-good moments, is about the wounds of the past and the realization of one’s own misbehavior – tip Berlin
Reconciliation in Finnish – Berliner Morgenpost
German-Finnish road movie absolutely worth seeing until the last minute – kulturkueche.de
A pleasantly restrained film that takes the audience on an entertaining yet relaxing journey. If you like a mixture of laconic humor and contemplation, this is a good address – filmrezensionen.de
GRUMP is an uproarious and feel-good film in one – kulturexpresso.de
An entertaining, warm-hearted comedy – Kulturnews
This film – contrary to its title – puts you in a good mood and makes you realize the value of reconciliation and forgiveness – Szene Hamburg
A decelerated road trip to make you smile – Cinema
One leaves the auditorium smiling. Thanks to Grump and his golden heart – Player Leipzig
This story is peppered with such loving characters and sideplots that it is well worth seeing this film. Without much kitsch it creates a hearty lightness that picks up even not so grumpy people and gives them a good time – Nerdtalk