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The Last Temptation of Christ

“The Last Temptation of Christ” is a film released in 1988, directed by Martin Scorsese. It is based on Nikos Kazantzakis’s novel of the same name and explores the life and trials of Jesus Christ.

The film deviates from the traditional biblical narrative, presenting Jesus in a more human light. It delves into Jesus’s internal struggles and temptations, including his relationship with God and humanity. The movie bravely examines Jesus’s uncertainties and conflicting emotions, sparking controversy and debate upon its release.

While initially controversial and met with opposition, the film has also been recognized for its artistic boldness and experimental approach. “The Last Temptation of Christ” is a thought-provoking work that challenges viewers to contemplate faith, divinity, and the complexities of being human.

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Hymypoika

In a tension-filled movie, young Helsinki friends on the brink of adulthood secretly film themselves and each other engaging in sexual activities without their girlfriends’ knowledge. The filming escalates, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

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The Breakfast Club

Shermer High School, Saturday, March 24th, 1984. Five students have been sentenced to detention, under the supervision of Principal Vernon, for the entire long day. Claire Standish, Andrew Clark, John Bender, Brian Johnson, and Allison Reynolds are completely different young individuals who have had no interaction with each other, but the long day changes everything, turning them into best friends.

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Amsterdam

The year is 1933. In the aftermath of the First World War, wounded war veteran friends, Dr. Burt Berendsen, who employs unconventional methods, and attorney Harold Woodsman find themselves accused of murder when their shared clients, a United States senator and his daughter, die. The duo must uncover the true culprit behind the deaths and clear their names. “Amsterdam” is loosely based on real events surrounding the Business Plot conspiracy, where an attempt was made to overthrow U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and replace him with a dictator.

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Ystävät, toverit

The director of a nickel mine, Arno Jurmala, is celebrating his birthday. The workers praise him in their speeches and international business partners have been invited to the party. But behind the scenes, there is another world, led by a ruthless man for whom everything is for sale: nickel, weapons, and women. If someone tries to plot against the autocrat, the traitor will pay with their life. The film is inspired by the Petsamo area, where a northern “wild west” emerged around a nickel mine in the late 1930s. Different nationalities, ruthless people seeking quick wealth, and spies from countries preparing for war met there.

The film was directed by Rauni Mollberg.

Starring: Kari Rydman Pekka Salo Seija Kiiski Timo Lehtonen

Jussi Awards: Best Set Design – Tom Hamberg

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Milka

“Milka – A Film about Taboos” tells the story of a young girl awakening to her sexuality in a village community in Lapland. The film is based on Timo K. Mukka’s story “Tabu” (1965). On a personal level, Milka narrates the relationship between two women: a mother and her daughter. Ojanen, also known as Kristus-Perkele (Christ-Devil), a widowed mother’s helper, is a headstrong, independent laborer and skilled carpenter whom Milka admires. By impregnating Milka and making her a mother, he simultaneously ends both the girl’s childhood and the mother’s hopes of marriage with a new carpenter. When Ojanen disappears, a man takes his place in Milka’s life—a stable figure symbolized by a dark green overcoat and horn-rimmed glasses—the church organist, whom the mother has reluctantly accepted due to a lack of better options. With the arrival of the child and a new life, Milka’s relationship with the village community also undergoes changes.

Starring:
Irma Huntus
Matti Turunen
Leena Suomu

Jussi Award:
Best Producer – Rauni Mollberg

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Maa on syntinen laulu

The film based on Timo K. Mukka’s controversial novel is simultaneously a naturalistic and lyrical depiction of life in Lapland, as well as a broader exploration of humanity and its absence. In “The Tenant,” a farmhand is stabbed at a dance, and the village holds a funeral. Martta takes care of the funeral’s coffee service and immediately becomes infatuated with Oula, a Lapp reindeer herder. During winter, the son of the Kurkela household courts Martta and persuades her to spend a night together. Disappointed by the experience, Martta cannot forget Oula. During the reindeer separation period, she meets Oula again, but their happiness faces several obstacles. The son of the Kurkela household is jealous, and Martta’s father believes Oula is an unworthy man with a string of illegitimate children with different women. Oula lures Martta into running away from home.

Jussi Awards:
Best Producer: Rauni Mollberg
Best Actor: Aimo Saukko
Best Direction: Rauni Mollberg
Best Cinematography: Kari Sohlberg

Starring:
Maritta Viitamäki
Pauli Jauhojärvi
Aimo Saukko
Milja Hiltunen

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Lyrics and Lace

Directed by Matti Ijäs, this stark comedy portrays itinerant poets and the agony of creation.

In a television interview, Tane Lintunen confesses that instead of finding subjects, a poet stumbles upon them: ‘As my old friend Maestro says – when truth walks towards you, skin it.’

The man embarks on an eventful poetry tour with the debut poet Tomi Rusko (played by Mikko Reitala), who comes from a university background. The poets read their poems and give lectures at various events. Lintunen teaches his colleague to observe women.

Paavo Pentikäinen received the Best Actor Jussi Award for his role.

Starring:
Paavo Pentikäinen
Mikko Reitala
Kristiina Elstelä
Irma Junnilainen

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Spandex Sapiens

The lonely son of a Canadian preacher man, Michael, builds the first professional boxing league far away in Finland. Transgender boxer Jessica joins, competing against Michael both physically and ideologically. Anger and frustration affect Michael, now 40 years old and still seeking a partner. He yearns for love, but first, he must learn not to hate. After finding true love online, Michael redefines his values and reinvents himself as a boxer in love.

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Bordertown: The Mural Murders

At the Pasila train station, a mural painted in blood depicting Finland’s most notorious serial killer, Lasse Maasalo, is discovered on a concrete wall. The mural’s phrase “Let’s make the world a better place” connects to a social media poll about individuals whose absence would improve the world. Soon, the first body is found, and Detective Kari Sorjonen must uncover the person who has named themselves “The Judge.”