Watch Autumn Ball

Autumn Ball is a 2007 Estonian drama film directed by Veiko Õunpuu. The film stars Rain Tolk, Taavi Eelmaa, and Juhan Ulfsak. The story is set in an apartment building located in Tallinn, Estonia, where different characters live different lives, and their stories are loosely intertwined with each other. The film revolves around the struggles and loneliness of its characters, each of whom is trying to find happiness and love in their own way. The film is divided into several chapters, each of which focuses on a particular character.

The first chapter is about a lonely cashier, Laura (Lieneke Leppik), who lives in the apartment building. She is infatuated with a man named Mart (Taavi Eelmaa), who barely notices her. Laura's loneliness leads her to engage in sexual activity with a schoolboy, Johannes (Sulevi Peltola).

The second chapter introduces us to an alcoholic writer named August (Rain Tolk), who has writer's block and is struggling to finish his novel. He spends his days drinking and wandering around the city searching for inspiration. August's life changes when he meets a beautiful woman named Marie (Silja Miks), who is also struggling to find love in her life.

The third chapter is about a young security guard, Maurer (Juhan Ulfsak), who is one of the few characters in the film who seems content with his life. He spends his days playing chess with his elderly neighbor, who is suffering from dementia.

The fourth chapter introduces us to a young couple, Teele (Netti Nüganen) and Fred (Sulev Luik), who are struggling to make ends meet. Teele works in a factory, and Fred is unemployed. They dream of leaving Estonia for a better life elsewhere.

The final chapter brings all the characters together at an Autumn Ball, which takes place in the apartment building. At the ball, some of the characters find happiness, while others are left with a feeling of emptiness.

Overall, Autumn Ball is a poignant and beautifully shot film that explores the themes of loneliness, yearning, and the search for love and happiness. The film's non-linear narrative structure and ensemble cast create a powerful sense of interconnectedness between the characters, making their struggles and hardships all the more poignant. The film's visual style, which emphasizes the bleakness and emptiness of the apartment building and the city, adds to the film's melancholic tone.

The performances of the cast are all excellent, with Rain Tolk, Taavi Eelmaa, and Juhan Ulfsak all giving standout performances. The film's soundtrack, which includes a haunting piano score, perfectly complements the film's mood and atmosphere.

In conclusion, Autumn Ball is a must-watch for fans of arthouse cinema and those who appreciate a quiet, contemplative film. The film's meditative tone and thoughtful exploration of the human condition make it a truly memorable cinematic experience.