Shocked and disillusioned by the sudden death of his friend and would-be business partner, a lonely garbage man Nikander (Matti Pellonpaa) finds his hope restored by a chance meeting with a pretty supermarket cashier named Ilona (Kati Outinen). Beautifully realized by celebrated director Aki Kaurismäki, this offbeat tale demonstrates the affect that nuance, subtlety and character development can have on a conventional romantic comedy.