The Other Side of Hope

The Other Side of Hope

Year: 2017

Runtime: 100 min

Language: Finnish

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

Echo Score: 78
DramaComedy

A Syrian refugee seeking a new life unexpectedly finds himself in Helsinki, while a weary businessman leaves his old life behind to purchase a struggling restaurant. Their separate journeys unexpectedly converge, forging a connection that explores themes of hope, loss, and the search for meaning. The film portrays the challenges and quiet moments of connection as they navigate their individual circumstances and find solace in an unlikely friendship.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Other Side of Hope yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Other Side of Hope (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Other Side of Hope (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie presents a contemporary narrative reflecting current challenges faced by refugees and societal issues, devoid of a specific historical timeframe. It portrays the lives of individuals navigating through personal struggles and cultural clashes in today's world.

Location

Helsinki

Helsinki is the vibrant capital of Finland, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque waterfront. The city offers a blend of modernity and history, with a rich cultural scene that includes museums, galleries, and theaters. It serves as a backdrop for personal transformations and poignant life events.

🌆 City 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:36

Main Characters – The Other Side of Hope (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Other Side of Hope (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Waldemar Wikström

Waldemar is a complex character, depicted as a traveling salesman looking to reinvent his life after a failing marriage. His journey involves courage and vulnerability as he navigates the challenges of running a restaurant and supporting a refugee. Through his choices, he symbolizes hope and redemption.

👔 Salesman 🍽️ Restaurant Owner 🤲 Compassionate

Khaled

Khaled is a determined Syrian refugee who exemplifies resilience in his quest for family and belonging. His journey is fraught with peril as he faces bureaucracy and personal loss. Khaled's character highlights the struggles of many refugees, showcasing his strength and hope against overwhelming odds.

🌍 Refugee 💪 Resilient 🔍 Seeker

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:36

Major Themes – The Other Side of Hope (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Other Side of Hope (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Hope

Hope is a recurring theme, depicted through Khaled's pursuit of his sister and the bond he forms with Waldemar. Their relationship illustrates how compassion and kindness can flourish even in dire circumstances. The film emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

🤝 Friendship

The film explores the theme of friendship, particularly the bond between Khaled and Waldemar. Their unlikely relationship showcases how individuals from different backgrounds can support one another. This friendship serves as a lifeline for both characters, highlighting the importance of connection in overcoming life's challenges.

⚖️ Social Justice

The movie touches on issues of social justice, reflecting the struggles faced by refugees amidst a backdrop of xenophobia and racism. Khaled's experiences present a critical lens on societal attitudes towards immigrants, urging a dialogue about empathy and understanding for marginalized communities.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about quiet resilience like The Other Side of Hope

Stories of characters finding hope and connection in the face of adversity.Discover movies like 'The Other Side of Hope' that explore themes of human resilience, unlikely friendships, and finding hope in difficult circumstances. These films share a similar steady pacing and bittersweet tone, often focusing on quiet, character-driven dramas about overcoming adversity.

hopefulmelancholicquietreflectiveresilientsomberthoughtful

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow characters navigating significant hardships, such as being an outsider, starting over, or grappling with loss. The plot is driven by character interactions and quiet moments rather than high drama, often culminating in an ending that acknowledges the struggle but affirms the possibility of human connection.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a specific emotional mix: a blend of somber reflection with resilient optimism. They possess a similar pacing—steady and thoughtful—and a medium intensity that allows for a deep, empathetic engagement with serious themes without being overwhelming.

Movies about unlikely friendship and found family like The Other Side of Hope

Mismatched characters forming deep connections that change their lives.If you liked the friendship in 'The Other Side of Hope', explore these movies about unlikely bonds and found family. These films feature characters from different backgrounds who form deep connections, often with a bittersweet feel and a focus on themes of belonging and starting over.

heartfeltbittersweethopefulthoughtfulunlikely duofound familyconnection

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves two or more separate character arcs—often individuals who are isolated or lost—that slowly converge. Their initial interactions may be tentative or even antagonistic, but through shared experiences or a common goal, a profound and transformative friendship emerges, offering a new direction in life.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core focus on the 'found family' trope and the specific dynamic of unlikely friendships. They share a thematic heart, exploring how connection can bridge cultural, social, or personal divides, and they typically deliver this with a mix of earnestness and gentle humor.

Unlock the Full Story of The Other Side of Hope

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Other Side of Hope in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Other Side of Hope is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Other Side of Hope Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Other Side of Hope, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Other Side of Hope Summary

The Other Side of Hope Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Other Side of Hope with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Other Side of Hope Timeline

The Other Side of Hope Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Other Side of Hope that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Other Side of Hope Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Other Side of Hope

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Other Side of Hope: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Other Side of Hope