Age rating: S

Sukunsa viimeinen

Julkaistu:

“The Last of the Line” tells the story of change, upbringing, and the theft of identity. Set on the Jamal Peninsula during the Soviet era, the film is based on true events in director Anastasia Lapsui’s childhood environment.

A young Nenets girl named Neko is forcibly taken from her home to a boarding school in a Russian village against her will. Forced into a foreign culture and new customs, Neko rebels against Russification and becomes the target of bullying by her classmates and scrutiny from her teachers. Together with a Nenets boy from the same school, Neko escapes to return to the safety of her own family and familiar customs. However, their escape across the wintry tundra is short-lived, and the inevitable return to school and new Russian life is unavoidable.

The film’s story is told through the memories of an elderly Neko. School has taught her much new knowledge, and Russian culture has become a natural part of her. But something important has permanently changed; as the last representative of her family, Neko has grown estranged from her own roots and lost the ability to continue her family’s age-old traditions.

Directors:
Markku Lehmuskallio and Anastasia Lapsui

Starring:
Aleksandra Okotetto
Nadezhda Pyrerko
Anastasia Lapsui
Jevgeni Hudi

Punk – tauti joka ei tapa

Julkaistu:

The overall tone of the film is as energetic as punk itself. The movie depicts youth, specifically two generations of youth from the 1970s-80s and the present-day punk scenes. We follow a band formed by four young people from the Tampere region, witnessing their journey through gigs, successes, and setbacks. The film features both old and new punk music, along with intriguing archival footage from the early days of punk veterans. “Punk – A Disease That Doesn’t Kill” is a compelling and engaging documentary about Finnish punk, entertaining yet not toothless or bland.

Director:
Jouko Aaltonen

Starring:
Andy McCoy
Severi Helle
Pelle Miljoona
Pantse Syrjä

Note: The documentary is no longer available on Blu-ray or DVD.

Madam President

Julkaistu:

In the documentary “Madam President,” we follow the everyday life of Finland’s first female president for nearly a year and a half, up until the end of her term. “Madam President” is a film about Finland, about the president as a leader, and the brisk woman behind the institution.

The production team of the film accompanies President Halonen in Finland and abroad, in cabinets and leisure. The documentary captures the routine and celebration from November 2010 to early March, when President Halonen handed over power to her successor. In “Madam President,” the viewer is present in situations never seen before moments just before significant public events and afterward, journeys and transitions, and all the tasks that constitute the work.

Director:
Aleksi Bardy

Starring:
Tarja Halonen
Pentti Arajärvi
Eila Nevalainen
Heli Sariola

Note: No longer available on Blu-ray or DVD distribution.

Emperor’s Secret

Julkaistu:

“The Emperor’s Secret,” completed in 2006, is Finland’s first full-length computer-animated film set in a fantasy world. Although the movie features caricatures of politicians from the “Itsevaltiaat” TV series, it is not directly related to the series’ plot. The story revolves around a small village’s battle against an evil emperor.

The film was directed by Riina Hyytiä, and among its voice actors are Mika-Ala Panula, Anna Bentley, and Jukka Puotila. There are many characters, with several recognizable as Finnish politicians. “The Emperor’s Secret” was produced by Helsinki Film and Anima Vitae Oy.

Kansanvalta

Julkaistu:

Young poet Laura Eklund Nhaga is seeking meaningful ways to influence the surrounding world. She explores various forms of activism, understanding that each of them can be effective in its own way. Eklund Nhaga moves effortlessly from the steps of the Parliament House to British university poetry nights and to the Capitol. The documentary by Greenlit Productions examines some of the biggest questions of the present moment, such as global change, the rise of populism on social media, and grassroots movements. The film is audio-described. (Source: Yle Areena)

Note: Not available in DVD or Blu-ray format.

Urpo & Turpo – Johtolangan jäljillä

Julkaistu:

Two curious toy bears, named Urpo and Turpo, reside on the bookshelf in the children’s room and greatly enjoy reading. They blend everyday life and fairy tales, creating amusing adventures. For instance, they find themselves on a deserted island and are saved by a breadfruit tree, bravely improve others’ appearances, search for clues, break rules, long for silence, and compete to be the best and strongest in the world.

Similarly to the toys in Toy Story, Urpo and Turpo come to life when the family isn’t watching. The Urpo & Turpo movie provides entertainment for both adults and the youngest members of the family. The film is easy to follow as it features good Finnish. It is based on Hannele Huovi’s popular storybooks and is now even more vibrant and lively on the big screen as it has been restored.

Ella ja kaverit 2: Paterock

Julkaistu:

Ella, a second-grader, and her classmates’ teacher insist that Pate, who dreams of a rock star career, must also learn multiplication tables. The friends come up with the idea that if Pete were a rock star, he wouldn’t need to know anything, as the manager would take care of everything. They form a band, and their goal is to perform at the mega concert of the singing star Elviira.

These characters are based on the book series “Ella ja Paterock” (Ella and Paterock).

Christmas Story

Julkaistu:

“Joulutarina” is a Finnish Christmas film released in 2007. The film was directed by Juha Wuolijoki. The story is set in a small Finnish village during Christmas and revolves around a family struggling to find the joy and meaning of Christmas amidst difficulties.

The main character in the film is Nikolas, a young boy whose parents have passed away. Nikolas lives with his grandmother and her daughter Luovi. The village is going through tough times, with many families facing financial difficulties. Nikolas decides to do something special by giving a gift to every child in the village for Christmas.

Nikolas embarks on a snowy journey towards the north, encountering various people and adventures along the way. He receives help from a mysterious character named Iisakki, who shows him the way to the magic of Christmas. Nikolas shares his gifts during his journey, bringing joy to everyone he meets.

The film’s atmosphere is warm and Christmassy, emphasizing community, generosity, and helping others. Watching “Joulutarina” has become a part of many Finnish families’ Christmas traditions, and it has received praise for its visual beauty, touching story, and atmospheric music.

Jussi Awards:
Best Cinematography: Mika Orasmaa
People’s Choice Award

Ajomies elokuvan juliste.

Ajomies

Julkaistu:

A windy summer for a trackmaster. The trackmaster works amidst great forces, heavy machinery, and unpredictable animals, mastering them all. However, one summer involved greater forces – the emotions, both his own and others’.

The driver, played by Matti Laine, lives a quietly steady life: he works at the racetrack, is married, and enjoys sauna sessions at the cottage. After the summer, a move is on the horizon, and the man should train Marita (Elina Ylisuvanto), a vibrant woman, to be the new driver of the starting car. Emotions run high at the racetrack, but having two women in his life becomes overwhelming, leaving an undeniable choice before him.

The movie, executed in every aspect with elegance, unfolds at the Pilvenmäki racetrack. It portrays both the mundane and dramatic setting for the protagonist’s subtly depicted internal struggle.

Towards the end, a revelation in the story offers a new, unexpected perspective on the man’s situation. Passi and Laine navigate stylishly to the resolution, where emotions and reason grapple. Humor and wisdom are brought into the film, especially through the character played by Tapio Aarre-Ahtio.

Director: Jarkko T. Laine, J-P Passi

Starring:
Matti Laine
Elina Ylisuvanto
Tapio Aarre-Ahtio

The Painting Sellers

Julkaistu:

Christmas is already at the doorstep, but the sales just aren’t happening. Collaboration is faltering, and it’s constantly freezing, but that’s not the main issue. The biggest problem is the budding friendship. Juho Kuosmanen’s Cannes award-winning film from 2010.