Shadows in Paradise (1986 film)

Shadows in Paradise (Finnish: Varjoja paratiisissa) is a 1986 Finnish comedy-drama art film written and directed by Aki Kaurismäki. Starring Matti Pellonpää and Kati Outinen, the film tells the story of a romance between a lonely garbage collector and a supermarket cashier.

This is the first installment in Kaurismäki's "Proletariat Trilogy," followed by Ariel (1988), and The Match Factory Girl (1990). The film is widely regarded as establishing the director's signature style: a blend of social realism, deadpan humor, and minimalist aesthetics. It won the Best Film award at the 1987 Jussi Awards. The film was also screened in the Directors' Fortnight section at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, bringing Kaurismäki international recognition.