La Vie de Bohème (1992)

Amidst the vibrant yet unforgiving cityscape of modern-day Paris, three impoverished yet passionately creative souls form an unlikely camaraderie. Rodolfo, an Albanian artist with no legal papers, Marcel, a playwright and magazine editor bereft of a publisher, and Schaunard, a composer crafting an avant-garde symphony of sound, are united by their shared struggles and artistic endeavors. A whirlwind romance ensues when Rodolfo becomes enamored with Mimi, a charming barmaid. On the very day he invites her into his humble abode, however, fate intervenes; Rodolfo is deported. Six months later, he defies the odds and returns to Paris, only to find Mimi entangled with a new lover. Their reunion ignites a spark, leading Mimi to abandon her current beau and rekindle her romance with Rodolfo. However, the harsh realities of their shared poverty soon disrupt this idyllic reunion, causing rifts not only between Mimi and Rodolfo but also between Marcel and his own paramour, Musette. The three men, despite their dwindling resources, concoct a makeshift feast to commemorate All Saints' Day. The celebration takes a somber turn when Mimi arrives, visibly ailing. Their camaraderie and shared hardships are put to the ultimate test: Can they nurse their dear friend back to health? And, amidst the trials and tribulations, can the flicker of love once again ignite into a blazing flame?

La Vie de Bohème is a comedy movie featuring Matti Pellonpää and directed by Aki Kaurismäki.

La Vie de Bohème is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy La Vie de Bohème on Amazon Video and Apple TV.