Likaiset kädet (1989) : distribution, intrigue et streaming

Released in 1989, Likaiset kädet is a drame and téléfilm film directed by Aki Kaurismäki, running about 68 minutes.

What it’s about. A political drama set in the fictional country of Illyria between 1943 and 1945, the story is about the assassination of a leading politician. The country, an ally of Nazi Germany, is on the verge of being annexed to the Eastern Bloc. Kaurismäki's TV adaptation of Jean-Paul Sartre's play Les Mains Sales (Dirty Hands) tells the story of Hugo (Matti Pellonpää) who has just been released from prison. Before going to prison, he has worked as a journalist at his party's newspaper. This timid journalist, who uses the pseudonym Raskolnikov, wants to advance in his career and gets his chance when Hoederer (Sulevi Peltola), the leader of the party, has to be eliminated.

Who’s in it. Likaiset kädet stars Sulevi Peltola as Hoederer, Matti Pellonpää as Hugo Barine, Kati Outinen as Jessica Barine and Kaija Pakarinen as Olga, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.3/10, Likaiset kädet has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Likaiset kädet page.

If you liked it. Fans of Likaiset kädet tend to enjoy Les Évadés, Le Parrain, La Liste de Schindler and Le Parrain, 2e partie.