Solar Films Inc presents
An Aku Louhimies film
FROZEN CITY
I wish it would snow.
A real blizzard that would cover all this shit.
It makes me sick to look at all this.
Hookers, junkies, winos, sickos,
small-time crooks, punks.
Sometimes I think really ugly.
I'd like to beat the shit out my customers.
Hit their face against the asphalt.
I have three kids.
For the last two months, I've been a single parent.
My wife took a holiday and didn't say when she'd be back.
A lot to do. I drive in three shifts. This ain't easy.
What's wrong with people?
What's stopping us from changing?
This city is drowning in shit.
A real snowstorm would cover all this. Make everything white.
I watch birds. I've done that since I was a boy.
Now I've started watching licence plates.
You start from one and proceed in numerical order.
Ten first ones are the toughest ones.
When it gets to triple numbers, it gets easier.
There's cars everywhere.
That's one thing you get to see in this line of work. Cars.
- Wake up! - What's up?
- I thought I'd lie down for awhile. - I want to read this book.
- Come here then. - I'm hungry. Can we have porridge?
Can do. What's it to be, book or food?
Let's read first.
Can't do both. Come here then.
Who's cut this hole?
- Ada did it. - No, I didn't.
Everyone gets a lump.
Squeeze it to make the yeast work.
Let's make a bun boy.
- I'll make a bun girl! - Why not? But don't eat the dough raw.
- There's granny. - Are you off to work again?
I have to go. Granny will finish that with you. Hi!
Hi. Don't be late today. A friend has her dissertation party tonight.
- That's OK. You finish the baking. - No sign of the wife?
Let's talk later. Viivi's asleep.
She's eaten. There's milk in the fridge.
Granny, come here.
Why do they call me granny?
- Because you are. - Because you call me that!
Leena is watching over your baking.
Remember. Don't be late!
- I won't! Call if you need something! - See you.
Leena's tired. I'm going to read the paper.
Besides, I've done my share.
- Why does daddy always work? - Because your mother took off.
- What's that letter? - E.
- And that? - W.
- And this? - L.
What does this say?
- Welcome. - Yes.
Home, mommy.
Welcome home, mommy.
- When is she coming? - Someone's coming now.
Look! There's mommy!
Mommy! Hello.
Mommy. I've missed you.
- Should we put them in their own bed? - Probably should.
What's next?
How about if we just go to sleep?
Yes. Let's do that.
Why have you needed these?
While I've been away?
What are you talking about?
Do you think I shouldn't use protection?
I'm going to sleep with Ada.
Hey! That sort of thing doesn't mean anything.
Hanna! Honestly! Hanna!
- Daddy makes good food. And pancakes. - I'm sure he does.
- His friend made a bison out of a rat. - Actually a jacket.
- Do you mean a fur? - No, a jacket.
She slept here.
In your bed.
- So daddy had a lady over? - Yes.
- For breakfast? - Yes.
- Hi. Long time no see. - Mmm.
Nice that you could make it.
- Sure is. I could use a relaxing drink. - This is all I have. Sorry.
Decent of you to finally come home.
It's been really tough on everyone.
I need a drink!
- Buy your own. - Don't say that...
I'm here to watch over things. In case wifey hits the road again.
- What are your plans? - I don't know.
A friend of mine has an empty flat.
Maybe I should move over there.
- That might be a good idea. - It'll be vacant pretty soon.
- Do you have another woman? Already? - Not a chance.
- Were there a lot while I was away? - None.
You can tell me. It's OK.
We have to talk if we want to move on.
Let's give the new system a try.
You can take your tarts to your new flat!
- It doesn't even have any furniture. - So fucking what? Who cares!
Be realistic. I'll need furniture.
Our relationship is more important!
Relationship! I'm behind on our bills...
- How come? - Because I've had to cancel shifts.
- There hasn't been a babysitter. - Now she's back! Full-time!
Don't be so sure about that.
I'm pretty fucking sure.
- Joint custody or what? - I don't know.
We have to set up a schedule.
- What? - Yes.
You could have the kids every second weekend.
That's unreasonable. It should be week on, week off.
That's too long away from me. Kids need their mother most.
During the summer, maybe a week or two.
They've just been without their mother for two months.
- That's different. - Yeah? How?
Fifty-fifty, and we both take responsibility, like we should.
You work such long hours!
I can fix it, if I know in advance.
Limit the work every second week.
I want to be a father to them. Fifty-fifty.
They can't spend a week without me. Think of Viivi! She's tiny.
- She needs her mother! - You're so fucked up.
You're the one who's fucked up!
Your head is all fucked up! Fucked in there!
Let's settle this in court.
That's fine by me! Let's fucking go to court!
Let's see what happens! We'll see who gets to keep the kids!
Fuck!
Daddy here. I just wanted to talk to you.
I'll try again later. Bye now.
- Hello there. - I'm off-duty. Get out.
I'm trying to make a phone call.
What the fuck? Your light is on!
Look! Plenty of taxis over there. I'm having a break.
- I'll call the union. I'll get you fired. - See if I care. Call the police!
- Don't fuck with me. - Fuck off yourself!
My watch cost more than you make in a year!
Go get a life, asshole.
Six-fifty for half an hour.
- Any movie? - Any movie.
Thanks.
- Mommy. I'm going to miss you. - I'll miss you too.
You're going to be just fine.
Vellu, can I have the house key?
- What? - You heard me. The key.
Shouldn't I have a spare as back-up?
- I don't want you to have one. - Why do you want it?
You don't need it any more. It's mine.
Bye, bye!
Off we go.
Come on in!
What's this? How come the lights don't work?
- Daddy. I'm afraid! - No need for that.
Come on in.
Let's see what this is all about.
Which way does this go?
The fuses seem to be OK. Wait a moment.
Well, we'll just have to make do.
No problems. This is an adventure.
Look. This is our new home.
How come there's no electricity?
- Haven't had the time to pay the bill. - What are we going to do?
- Just see this a field trip. - Like bird watching! Yippee!
- Might be a bit tricky to see. - I saw a flying ruby!
- What's that? - Lovely purple color!
This is going to be a yummy pancake.
Way to go, daddy!
- I'm a master pancake maker. - Yes.
Let's keep the adventure a secret.
And be as nice to mum as to me.
- How was it? - It was great.
We slept in sleeping-bags.
Soft ones.
Come on. Hurry up...
- Something you're not telling me? - Let's just go inside, it's cold.
- I've made an appointment with child custody. - Is that so?
We need some ground rules. Fitting visits in between
- your taxi shifts doesn't work. - So let's sort it out.
- No need to get so uptight. - I'm not!
- I must go now. - So go.
Bye-bye. Gotta go.
I just thought if I could pay it in installments
to make some sort of deal...
It's not so nice to be without electricity.
Thanks, bye.
- Here. - Don't worry about it.
- What's up? Everything ok? - Not too bad.
- How do you like your new flat? - It's ok.
- Have you had time to decorate? - Small details missing.
Curtains and so on.
Good movie on tonight.
- Starring De Niro. - Don't have a TV yet.
"Talking to me? Are you talking to me?"
It's about a taxi driver.
I know. I've seen it.
"I'm the only one in the room. You must be talking to me".
I'm just trying to cheer you up.
Hanna. Do you hear me?
- Can I come up? - Can't you call me?
You never take my calls. I need to talk to you. Please.
If you have something to say, go ahead.
Please. Let me in. Just for a sec.
- The kids can hear you. Go on. - Are all the kids there? Viivi too?
- Could I talk to Santtu or Ada? - What the fuck is going on?
- You give us a ride or not? - Just a second.
Is Ada and Santtu there?
Do you want me to file a complaint?
- Viivi is here. - Could you get Ada and Santtu?
- We're filing a report. - Go on. Take a hike!
Santtu?
Hanna. Do you hear me? Hanna!
Let me in!
- Good thing that you're taking them. - They're mine.
The kids told me the kind of trash you watch around the clock.
They watch a bit with you, too.
Sure, suitable stuff, nature programs.
- And how about next weekend? - Just like we agreed, Friday.
- The custody meeting is next week. - Don't you trust me at all?
How will you manage in your tiny flat?
We did OK for two months without you.
It's impossible to talk to you. Or even to reach you.
I can't use the taxi phone for private calls.
- Who checks on you? - I've had several warnings.
And you don't take my calls. Or even let me in.
Here's the electricity bill.
- Am I supposed to pay all the bills here as well? - Not all the bills.
- You're talking so loud. - You're all pale. Do you have a fever?
- Come to daddy. - You're burning hot.
Let me take your temperature.
Why are you so loud?
She's not dressed warmly enough when she's outside.
I'm taking the video camera, by the way.
If it's so important to you.
Santtu, Ada... Come to daddy, before I have to go.
My friend told me that he died on the day he was born.
- Who said that? - Oskari.
He was telling tall tales.
Where's the thermometer?
- Well, where could it be? - It's in the kitchen cupboard.
The kids know more about this place than you do.
Your mommy forgets things.
- I miss you. - I miss you both.
When will you come back home?
I'll see you on Friday. You'll come to my place.
Videos, and a nice dinner.
It's time for you to go.
Can't I stay a little while longer?
- Let's take your temperature. - Bye, bye Ada.
I must go now.
Bye.
Take the camera if belongings are so important to you.
Go on. Take it!
PAWN SHOP
God damn it.
- Yes? - Sorry to barge in like this.
It's about your curtains. They're ghastly.
They easily make the whole building look sordid.
Is that so?
Yes. It makes the whole building look bad.
I just moved in, I'm not settled yet.
Just to let you know.
- What's with the finger? - Bit of an accident.
They do happen. No way of stopping them.
OK.
- Welcome to the neighborhood. - Thanks.
- How about wetting the whistle? - No thanks.
Gotta deal with the car.
Just one. We could go out tonight and unwind a bit.
I don't think so.
- Why not? You're a single man. - I have the kids tonight.
We'll hit on a couple of women and...
Gimme a break.
Have some intellectual talk.
Can't do.
- Hi. - Hi.
To Kulosaari.
- Look at the little bundle. - That's not easy. I'm driving.
- Boy or girl? - A handsome boy.
3 kilos, 270 cm. What am I saying?
270 cm! Quite a giant.
I haven't slept for three nights.
- Do you have kids? - No.
When you love your wife, you want to do it for her.
You can see she's in pain, 18 hours in labor,
you can see it in her facelook.
- Not right now. - Yes, look!
- Yes? - It's me.
- You're late. - I know.
I was tied up with work.
Kids been waiting all day. Now they're staying in.
I'm really sorry. I can take them now.
Come back tomorrow.
Hanna, open the door. Let me in.
- What? - Viivi's asleep.
- Why didn't you let me in? - Come tomorrow.
I'm taking them right now.
Look who's here!
- Where are the rest? - There.
- Excuse me. - You must be Vellu.
Santtu. Pack up. Let's go.
I want to finish playing chess with Jean.
Santtu! Santtu!
Hurry up.
Next time.
Pack the kids' clothes. Ada!
Let's go. I'm all packed.
- It is nice to meet you. - Thank you.
Hurry up.
I've got some vanilla ice-cream.
And tomorrow we'll do something fun.
- What? - We'll figure out something.
- Let's play chess! - We'll see.
Hi. Your linen's been in the window for over a week now.
It's an eyesore.
- Any plans to get some curtains? - I'll take care of it.
ASAP, will ya?
- Lot of junk you got in here. - Bye!
Who was that?
Just the guy from next door. Wanted to talk to me.
In the evening the wind came back and sang to us.
I've found my first friend and really started to live.
End of chapter.
- Bed time. - Why don't we have pajamas?
You don't wear them on adventures.
- Guess what? I'm not tired. - Just close your eyes.
We'll go on with the story tomorrow.
- Good night. - Good night.
Hi. Was this place hard to find?
Really off the beaten track.
Never been somewhere like this.
- Are the kids asleep? - Yes.
Let's keep the noise down. Here. To keep their feet warm.
- D'you want a beer? - Why not?
This is a real dump.
Don't you ever clean up round here?
Looks like someone took a leak in there.
Thanks for this.
Have a seat.
You should get a table and chairs.
Organize things.
I want to see the custody business through first.
- When is it? - Monday.
Maybe I should adopt the kids?
This joint custody won't work out.
Don't say things like that.
You could spend as much time with them as you want.
If there's a dispute, the father doesn't have any rights.
How do you know?
What if she doesn't give you any access at all?
She can't do that, not after two months away.
We just want the best for the kids.
But can you get her to agree on that? Think.
From what I know of her, she's impossible to deal with.
Mom...
- She has a new man. - I knew it.
You can see for miles what a bitch she is.
Wonderful kids but she's like... I won't even say it.
- Who is it? - A French guy. I don't know.
What sort of custody arrangement did you have in mind?
The kids live with me, in their own home.
I don't want any big changes for them.
They should stay with me. Besides, he works all the time.
- You work three different shifts? - Yes, I'm a taxi driver.
- Are you self-employed? - No, I work for the owner.
How have you dealt with the meetings?
- After the father left the home? - It's not exactly like that.
It has been very confusing.
That's why I'd like to have a system.
Every second weekend with him, two weeks in the summer.
Or even three.
How do you feel about this?
I was thinking about a fifty-fifty deal.
That would be disturbing for the kids.
It's more and more common, in Sweden for example...
How about your work?
What we should do now
is to consider their best interests.
Exactly.
The youngest is only six months.
- Are you still breast-feeding? - Like hell!
I did it for three months. Now she's on solid food.
Permanent home address
is still considered the best solution for small children.
There are other views.
True. All kinds of studies.
I can say between us
that in real life
they are mostly unrealistic.
So the mother is automatically the best?
We must think our situation.
It's their home,
their rooms and toys.
They've always lived there.
I just don't see them camping in a studio.
Have you considered the option
that he meets them in their own home?
It doesn't sound good to me.
The position of the father
doesn't look very suitable
from the perspective of the children's interests.
Kids' interests! What about the father's?
Doesn't he have any rights?
The father's rights are the same as the mother's.
The one who leaves the home.
The father did not leave! It was the mother who left.
I see. But you live somewhere else?
She had a two-month fling in France!
And now there's a frog playing daddy in my home.
There's no need to raise your voice.
You need to shut the fuck up!
- That's the wrong attitude. - Shut the fuck up!
Shall I call the security?
This doesn't improve your position.
- How you're doing? - OK.
I'm in 219 now.
No kidding? I've been a week in 351.
I gotta long way to go for that.
- Did you get the curtains? - Yep.
- How's the kids? - Pretty good.
Ada's birthday coming up.
Any gift ideas?
- How's that fur ball for a 5-year old? - Why not.
What's the cheapest?
That one.
Can I pay for it in installments?
- Three installments? - Like head, body and legs?
Quietly now.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Ada. Happy birthday to you.
- Thank you. - Happy birthday, pumpkin.
See what's in there.
- A guinea pig! - Right!
Let's see what he looks like.
- A lot of wood chips. - He needs it.
- Say hi! - Hi!
- He's cute. - Isn't he?
Let's put him back.
Isn't he the best ever? The best present?
I think so too.
Yes?
Sorry but there has been a lot of noise lately.
Babies crying at night.
My mother's going to call child care!
My daughter has had an ear infection.
You can tell your mum that these kids are well looked after.
What's that rodent? Is he running loose?
I'll have you evicted for keeping rats.
- Do you have more of them? - He's not running loose.
He was just momentarily in my lap.
Do you know what sort of damage...
He's a normal pet with a cage. Good bye.
I mean, really...
Just the neighbor. Complaining about the noise.
We don't worry about him.
- What's a good name for the little guy? - Seppo!
He looks like a Seppo. Where did that come from?
Ada. And this is Santtu.
Look at what daddy bought us!
His name is Seppo.
Seppo is cute. But I hate rats.
What if Seppo lived with daddy?
You'd have something to look forward to.
I don't want him to move out too.
Mommy's allergic.
So Seppo has to go to daddy's. You and your ideas!
Can't he stay?
Have you thought about the custody arrangements?
This is not the time or place. Is there someone else in there?
None of your business.
- Do you still insist on the fifty-fifty arrangement? - Yes.
Then we go to court.
Don't you think about the kids at all?
Take the rest of your stuff. Say bye to daddy and Seppo.
Bye. Bye.
Let's go, Seppo.
And thanks.
What on earth?
Can you help me? I can't open the door.
Let's see.
Can I help you?
I bought a guinea pig here a while ago.
I remember. Has something happened?
No. Everything's fine.
I just wanted a mate for him.
It goes to a different family.
Make your choice.
You wouldn't have one that's exactly the same?
One with a short hair?
Not right now. In a week, maybe.
A week? That'll do. Can I reserve one?
Of course. Especially if you pay what you owe me first.
There's talk that you've had a couple of warnings.
Is that so?
Too much private driving, some phone calls.
That's the word.
Of course, I'm on your side, all the way.
Lehtonen! Come to my office! Bring your car keys with you.
One more vodka please.
- Hi. - Hi.
I just had to come over and talk to you.
- You smiled so beautifully. - Thanks.
I'm Veli-Matti.
Nice to meet you.
- Am I disturbing you? - No.
I've driven a taxi for 15 years, without a single accident.
A few problems, and they fire my ass.
- Do you have any kids? - Yes.
- Where are they? - With their granny.
My mother doesn't much do that. I have three, did I tell you?
For Santtu, no, for Ada I just bought a...
It's not a mouse. It's bigger and...
A guinea pig?
It was a birthday present.
I bought it installments.
Head, body and legs.
- What do you want to do? - Do you want a drink?
- My place or yours? - Your place.
OK.
It's 200 euros.
- What? - 200.
All inclusive. Intercourse, oral and foreplay.
Whatever you want.
Just tell me what you like.
Anal? I'm really good at that.
- 150. - I'm sorry.
Thank you. There you are. We don't let your kind in here.
- My husband's in there! - We don't take gypsies.
- Just let the lady in. - Stay out of this!
No way.
Get out of here.
- Out. - God damn it.
Take it easy!
Hi. I saw you staggering down the hill.
Couldn't even look after a mouse.
ONE YEAR LATER
Thank you.
- Veli-Matti Lehtonen. - Do you have an ID?
Thanks.
- Have you been here before? - Yes.
Put your cell phone in there.
It must be this chain.
Doesn't seem to be real gold.
- I have a gift. Should I leave it here? - Yes, leave it with me.
- There's also a drawing. - I'll see that he gets these.
This way.
Hi.
Visiting time is 45 minutes.
I brought a gift.
And one of the kids' drawings. You'll get them later.
- Nothing against the rules? - I've read the list a dozen times.
Let's just give all this up.
- I thought, or the kids thought... - Don't get them involved in this.
I've missed you.
- I don't need your pity. - It's not pity.
- Just let it go. - I'm sorry.
If I could, I'd give you a kiss.
He was lying down?
I took him into the woods and left him there?
That's what the DA said.
DA. What's the difference?
- I just hit him and left him there. - You hit him on the head.
IF I hit him on the head! IF I hit him at all!
- What if you didn't hit him? - Right. What if I didn't?
They wouldn't say that I'm not guilty. No way.
They'll never say that. Because they're afraid.
They think that I can't be innocent.
Because there'll always be someone
who thinks that I did it.
Even if they find evidence that I didn't.
They've just decided that I'm guilty.
- What are you getting at? - At accuracy. To be exact.
- Exact? Are you ok? - I'm just fine.
But you must believe me. I didn't do it.
It doesn't matter what I believe. You're stuck in here.
- No way I could've done it. - But you can't remember anything.
- I'd remember if I had done it. - Why are you here then?
How are the kids?
They're just fine.
You understand, things change over time.
- Of course. What kinds of things? - I like it when you invite me here.
I couldn't meet you all.
Not yet.
- You just have to accept what's happened. - Of course.
I wanted to bring you the packet.
And to let you know that things have changed...
Of course they are...
Some major changes.
What do you mean?
- Big changes. - What are you saying?
- What are you trying to say? - Well...
Well...
I have some commitments as a woman.
- Commitments? - Yes.
To whom?
- To myself. And to the kids. - To you?
Yes. To myself and the kids.
- What do you mean? - As a woman.
- Do you have a new guy? - No. Not really.
- I don't think you want to know. - It doesn't bother me. Tell me.
Is it some foreigner?
No! It's nothing like that.
Do you have a new man? Do you?
- Not a regular one. - Who is it?
- No one. - Who is it?
- There's nothing going on. - A foreigner?
Who is it? Who is it?
Who?
I miss you.
I can't help that. We're running out of time.
I didn't do it. You must believe me. I really didn't do it.
Hanna...
I love you.
Do you hear me?
Good bye.
LOUD NOISE Protect your ears
Hi. Some mail from the civilian world.
Thanks.
Then we go through the gate.
Ada first. I'll open your back pack.
Let's have a look in here.
Mommy's turn.
There you go. We'll bring him in.
Santtu, calm down. Don't make so much noise.
He's teasing me.
Daddy's little one.
That's for you both.
What are those things on the windows?
They're bars.
So crooks don't escape.
My daddy's not a crook.
Where's Viivi?
We left her at home. A bit of a fever.
I see. Next time.
Have you played with the toys?
If we had a ball, we could bowl.
Ada has a ball.
Why are you so sad?
I'm not sad. I'm happy too see you.
Why have you been here so long?
And why didn't you come to my birthday?
You can't get out of here just because you want to.
But I sent you a present.
- Did you like the chess set? - Yes.
Ada. Can you clean up?
Let's go next door.
- I don't know. - Take a little rest.
I don't think that's a good idea.
It's been over a year for me.
I don't think I can.
What do you mean you can't?
The kids are there. We're divorced.
- So? Is there someone else? - No. No one regular.
Let's go while they're happy there.
- I can't. Stop it. - What do you mean?
I can't.
I'm sorry.
- What's wrong? - Nothing.
Let me look at you.
Don't. I don't want this. I can't.
Do it. Take it in your hand. Please.
- Take it. - Okei, okei.
Grab it. Go on.
Yes.
- I hope you don't feel stupid. - I'm fine.
- I know you have a new man. - I do.
- You've met someone. - Yes.
- A foreigner? - No.
Who is it? The law student? Someone you study with?
In a way, yes.
Do you live together?
He lives with me and the kids.
Do I know him? Who is it?
He's just a guy.
- Do I know him? Who is it? - It's none of your business.
I want to know. Tell me.
It doesn't make any difference.
That's why you can tell me.
- Come on. We've finished the jigsaw. - I'll be right there.
- Tell me who is it. - On one condition.
You'll never tell anyone
what happened in this room. Promise?
Promise?
Of course I won't. Who is it?
It's Jean.
We're moving to France with him. Me and the kids.
We're never coming back.