Those Were The Days (1991)

In the heart of Paris, 1994, under a veil of night, the soulful strains of "Those Were the Days" echo from the Leningrad Cowboys. A lone wanderer and his donkey, rejected at the doors of a bustling restaurant, find their way to La Maison du Vin. Although the establishment boasts a clear "no donkeys" policy, the pair defiantly make their entrance. The man, in a display of endearing dedication, proceeds to nourish his donkey with supplies from his bag. The scene captures the attention of a woman, a singer with the house band, who is touched by the man's unusual display of affection. A connection sparks between the two, a quiet understanding that transcends the noise of the bar. But the question remains - if they indulge in this budding connection, who will stand guard over the donkey? As the night unfolds, the visitor's shoes and the hair of almost everyone present, save for the donkey's, are pointed towards the future, signifying a journey yet to unfold.

Those Were The Days is a music movie featuring Silu Seppälä and directed by Aki Kaurismäki.

Those Were The Days is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.