Dirty Hands

Set in the fictional country of Illyria from 1943 to 1945, Dirty Hands delves into the assassination of a prominent politician. The narrative follows Hugo, portrayed by Matti Pellonpää, who has recently been released from prison and seeks to climb the ranks within his party. Through his pseudonym, Raskolnikov, he becomes entangled in a plot to eliminate the party leader, Hoeder, played by Sulevi Peltola.

The film is based on Jean-Paul Sartre's play Les Mains Sales, showcasing Kaurismäki's unique storytelling style. With a runtime of 68 minutes, it provides a compact yet intense exploration of political intrigue during the Nazi occupation. The performances by the cast, including Kati Outinen and Pertti Sveholm, add depth to this drama.