Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment

Year: 1983

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: Finnish

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

CrimeDrama

In Helsinki, a former law student now working in a slaughterhouse commits a senseless crime that plunges him into isolation. A woman who happens to be at the scene becomes obsessed with him, but both are haunted by guilt and a tightening police investigation that casts a dark shadow over their desperate, fragile romance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Crime and Punishment (1983)

Trace every key event in Crime and Punishment (1983) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Murder at the slaughterhouse

Antti Rahikainen kills a man at the slaughterhouse, ending the routine of his day. The act immediately introduces danger into his life. A catering-service witness, Eeva Laakso, arrives to set up a party and becomes the only witness, but she refuses to call the police and tells Rahikainen to leave.

Day of the murder Helsinki, slaughterhouse
2

The police close in

Police begin to hunt Rahikainen as he dodges work and wanders Helsinki. A newspaper article about the murder surfaces, drawing public attention. His colleague urges him to take the week off.

The day after the murder Helsinki
3

A warning for Eeva

Rahikainen tracks down Eeva Laakso and asks her to meet after her shift. He tells her to remember the words 'Silver Lining Hostel', hinting at something she will recall. The encounter underscores his intent and willingness to control the narrative around the murder.

That evening Eeva's workplace, Helsinki
4

Subpoena arrives

Rahikainen returns home to find he has been subpoenaed for the murder. The looming legal threat increases the pressure on him and ties him to the case.

That evening Rahikainen's home
5

Interrogation and backstory

At the police station the next day, Rahikainen is questioned about his whereabouts and his link to Kari Honkanen. He reveals that Honkanen killed his fiancée in a drink-driving crash three years earlier and escaped punishment, fueling his vow of revenge.

The following day Police station, Helsinki
6

Eeva's testimony

Eeva arrives at the station but again does not identify Rahikainen as the killer, forcing the police to release him. The case remains unresolved for the moment.

Same day Police station
7

Night ferry confession

Rahikainen and Eeva meet on a ferry at night, where he confesses that he killed Honkanen because he found him disgusting. He says he wanted to show that things are more complicated than people think. The conversation deepens Rahikainen's conflict and intent.

Night Ferry, Helsinki–Stockholm route
8

Plans to flee and gun discovery

Rahikainen plans to leave the country with a fake passport, and Eeva locates the gun in his apartment and pockets it, pulling herself deeper into his dangerous circle.

Shortly after the ferry encounter Rahikainen's apartment
9

Heinonen's trap and escape

Heinonen, who has been spying on them through the walls, locks Eeva in a hotel room and threatens to go to the police about Rahikainen unless she agrees to marry him. She escapes by threatening him with the gun.

Soon after Hotel room
10

Heinonen dies in a tram

Heinonen goes to confront Rahikainen but is struck by a tram and dies, removing one of the pursuing threats. The tragedy deepens the peril surrounding Rahikainen.

Shortly after City street (tram vicinity)
11

The confession clears Rahikainen, for now

Inspector Pennanen continues to suspect Rahikainen, but another man confesses to the murder and is charged, allowing Rahikainen to be released. The legal case loses its central focus, at least temporarily.

After Heinonen's death Police, Helsinki
12

Decision to surrender

With a fake passport ready, Rahikainen plans to board the night ferry to Stockholm. A final glimpse of Eeva on the quay convinces him to turn himself in instead and face his past.

Before the night ferry Quay, Helsinki
13

Eight-year sentence

Rahikainen is sentenced to eight years in prison for the murder and its aftermath. He accepts the consequence of his actions and the life he has chosen.

After sentencing Prison
14

A grim confession in prison

While imprisoned, Rahikainen tells Eeva, 'I killed a louse and I became a louse myself.' The line expresses his guilt and the transformation born from violence. It serves as a bleak closure to his arc.

In prison after sentencing Prison cell

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 16:00

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Crime and Punishment Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Crime and Punishment

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