Home > Films > 1981-1989

Varjoja paratiisissa (Shadows in Paradise)

  • colour, dolby stereo, 75 mins.
  • Finnish premiere October 17, 1986
  • directed by Aki Kaurismäki
  • screenplay Aki Kaurismäki
  • cinematography Timo Salminen
  • sound Jouko Lumme
  • design Pertti Hilkamo
  • edited by Raija Talvio
  • production Aki Kaurismäki / Villealfa Filmproductlons
  • cast
    • Matti Pellonpää (Nikander)
    • Kati Outinen (Ilona)
    • Saku Kuosmanen (Melartin)
    • Esko Nikkari (Nikander's workmate)
    • Kylli Köngäs (girlfriend)
    • Pekka Laiho (shop steward)
    • Jukka-Pekka Palo (third man)
    • Svante Korkeakoski (policeman)
    • Mari Rantasila (Nikander's sister)
    • Safka (pianist)
    • Antti Ortamo (2nd pianist)
    • Mato Valtonen (Pelle)
    • Sakke Järvenpaa (Staffan),
    • Ulla Kuosmanen (Melartin's wife),
    • Neka Haapanen (cook)
    • Riikka Kuosmanen


Matti Pellonpää's face is clearly visible in a half-torn poster for Varjoja paratiisissa on the wall of a city workers' hut on a Paris street. The time is close to the 1988 presidential election, verified by the lamp post on the right that carries a Jacques Chirac support notice. The location is 6, Rue du Fouarre, Paris 5e, quite near Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame.

Our rating: Four