The Man Without a Past

The Man Without a Past

Year: 2003

Runtime: 97 min

Language: Finnish

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

DramaThrillerComedyRomanceCrimeMusic

Following a violent attack that leaves him with amnesia, a man finds himself adrift and without a past. He struggles to rebuild his identity while encountering a group of marginalized individuals living on the fringes of society. Through them, he begins to forge a new life, finding unexpected connection and eventually love with Irma. As he attempts to piece together his forgotten history, he must confront the secrets that shattered his former existence and determine his place in the world.

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Timeline – The Man Without a Past (2003)

Trace every key event in The Man Without a Past (2003) 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

Arrival in Helsinki

A man arrives in Helsinki late at night by train, visibly exhausted from his journey. He finds a park bench and dozes off, unaware of the imminent danger surrounding him.

Late night Helsinki
2

Attack by Criminals

While sleeping on the bench, the man becomes a victim of an attack by three criminals. The violent encounter leaves him severely injured, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Helsinki
3

Coma and Declaration of Death

The man is rushed to a hospital where he is placed in a coma. Despite the medical team's efforts, he is declared dead, casting a grim shadow over his situation.

Hospital, Helsinki
4

Awakening and Escape

Just when all hope seems lost, the man miraculously awakens from his coma. Despite still being bandaged, he escapes the hospital, desperate to escape his past.

Hospital, Helsinki
5

Rescue by the Nieminen Family

The next morning, the Nieminen family, living in an abandoned shipping container, finds the injured man by the sea. They take him in and care for him as he recuperates from his ordeal.

Next morning Harbor, Helsinki
6

Struggles with Amnesia

As the man begins to heal, he grapples with amnesia, unable to remember his own name or past. This loss of identity makes navigating his new surroundings increasingly challenging.

Harbor, Helsinki
7

Support from the Harbor Community

The marginalized community in the harbor rallies around the man, offering him support and encouragement. Their camaraderie provides him with a sense of belonging as he embarks on this new chapter.

Harbor, Helsinki
8

Job at the Salvation Army

An encounter with Irma, a kind-hearted volunteer from the Salvation Army, leads to the man securing a job at their thrift store. He finds fulfillment in helping others and revives a musical spirit among the band members.

Thrift store, Helsinki
9

Recollection of Past Identity

While watching welders at a shipyard, a flicker of memory surfaces, revealing that he was a welder by trade. This realization sparks hope for a potential job opportunity that aligns with his past skills.

Shipyard, Helsinki
10

Witnessing a Bank Robbery

While trying to navigate his new life, the man unintentionally witnesses a bank robbery. Attempting to report this incident to the police leads to his unjust incarceration, complicating his situation further.

Bank, Helsinki
11

Lawyer's Intervention

Fortunately, a lawyer from the Salvation Army intervenes on his behalf, orchestrating his release from custody. This act of kindness restores his faith in those around him.

Police station, Helsinki
12

Encounter with the Bank Robber

At a bar, the man meets the bank robber and learns about the robber’s motivations rooted in despair over his bankrupt business. This encounter adds complexity to the man's understanding of crime and desperation.

Bar, Helsinki
13

Revelation of His Identity

The police finally uncover his identity when his wife from Nurmes recognizes him in a newspaper article about the robbery. This shocking revelation leads to a painful end of his romantic relationship with Irma.

Helsinki
14

Return to Nurmes

Despite the heartbreak, the man returns to Nurmes to reconcile with his wife. He learns that their marriage faltered due to his past gambling addiction, prompting him to reflect on his choices.

Nurmes
15

Confrontation with Criminals

Back in Helsinki, the man faces the same criminals who attacked him initially. The community rallies together, led by Anttila, and they confront the criminals, ultimately triumphing over them.

Helsinki

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:23

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The Man Without a Past Summary

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The Man Without a Past Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Man Without a Past

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Man Without a Past

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The Man Without a Past Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Man Without a Past

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