Level: high schools and vocational schools

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Kielletty hedelmä

Forbidden Fruit is a story of breaking boundaries and seeking freedom. The film tells the tale of two young girls on the threshold of adulthood who experience the adventure of their lives. Raised in the tranquility of the countryside within a religious family, the girls escape from home to the summery capital city in search of freedom and their first major experiences — to encounter a world that had previously been forbidden to them.

Starring:
Marjut Maristo
Amanda Pilke
Joel Mäkinen
Jarkko Niemi

Director:
Dome Karukoski

The film was awarded the Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actress (Amanda Pilke).

Available on DVD (not Blu-ray).

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Muukalainen

A young boy lives with his mother on a remote farm, deep in the forest. His violent father is incarcerated, and the boy occasionally visits him in prison. Life is simple until one rainy evening, a stranger arrives at the homestead — carrying a message from the boy’s father and a bullet in his side. Reluctantly, the mother and son provide refuge to the stranger.

Jukka-Pekka Valkeapää’s debut feature film is an enigmatic and powerful story of loyalty, betrayal, and love. Valkeapää’s cinematic talent gives rise to an exceptional work, whose artistic — stylistic and narrative — merits have been recognized internationally as well.

Director:
Jukka-Pekka Valkeapää

Starring:
Pavel Liska
Jorma Tommila
Vitali Bobrov
Emilia Ikäheimo

The film was awarded three Jussi Awards: Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.

Available on DVD (not Blu-ray).

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Käsky

Recently returned to Finland from training in Germany, young jäger Aaro Harjula witnesses cruel events. As an idealist, he believes that he can promote legality and the realization of justice through his actions, so he reluctantly sets out to take the red female prisoner, Miina Malini, to a court he believes in. Miina and Jäger Harjula find themselves on a journey to a deserted island. Their shared experience changes and deepens their relationship. “The Court Martial” is Harjula’s coming-of-age story. The world, divided into good and evil, right and wrong, gains more nuances. Harjula meets the reputable Emil Hallenberg and believes that this man will surely make a fair decision regarding Miina.

Director:
Aku Louhimies

Starring:
Pihla Viitala
Samuli Vauramo
Eero Aho

The film was awarded the Jussi Award for Best Cinematography.

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Ganes

Remu grows up in humble conditions. As a teenager, he drops out of school and becomes a criminal by profession. The fate of the family is unfolding, and the expected story is looming: prison, alcoholism, and a violent death. However, when Remu encounters rock music, he becomes inspired, especially when he realizes that even black people have succeeded with rock in America. Remu learns to play the drums and inserts himself into various bands. However, the bands are wary of Remu’s straightforward approach and fear his reputation. His first trip to prison interrupts his musical career. Upon his release, Remu forms his own band, which he names Hurriganes. With persistence, Remu styles and trains the band to top form. Through tenacity and even unconventional methods, Remu gets his band to work together, and their popularity begins to grow. However, before the final breakthrough, Remu must come to terms with the ghosts of his past.

Director:
JP Siili

Starring:
Eero Milonoff
Jussi Nikkilä
Olavi Uusivirta
Timo Tikka

The film won awards for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design at the Jussi Gala.

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The Prince of Soap

Ilona is a penniless amateur actor who, due to a misunderstanding, ends up working for the scriptwriting team of a soap opera. At the company’s party, she falls for the lead actor of the series, Kalle, and begins writing scenes based on the existing situation. The series producer, Raakel, becomes jealous of Kalle, and soon Ilona and Raakel engage in a battle for the heart of the leading star through the script. In this whirlwind, Kalle’s reality and the series intertwine, and the soap opera is ready! It’s outrageously funny!

Starring:
Pamela Tola
Mikko Leppilampi
Outi Mäenpää
Teijo Eloranta

Available only on DVD (not Blu-ray).

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Courageous

“Courageous” is a Christian drama film released in 2011, directed and produced by Alex Kendrick. The film follows four policemen who attempt to find a balance between their family lives and careers while facing various challenges and difficulties. It emphasizes the role of fathers in families and their responsibility in raising children. Additionally, it highlights the significance and impact of faith in life.

The film has received mostly positive feedback for its messages regarding family values, fatherhood, and faith. It provides viewers with the opportunity to contemplate and discuss these themes.

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Miracles from Heaven

The movie is based on a true story and follows Christy Beam, whose daughter Anna is diagnosed with a rare and serious digestive disorder. Christy fights desperately for her daughter’s healing and faces a crisis of faith. When Anna experiences an almost fatal event followed by a miraculous recovery, the family’s life takes incredible turns. The film explores the strong bond of family, hope, and miracles amidst adversity, offering a touching and uplifting story.

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Breakthrough

“Breakthrough” is a drama film released in 2019, based on a true story. Directed by Roxann Dawson, it stars Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, Topher Grace, and Mike Colter.

The movie recounts the events following the near-tragic drowning of John Smith, a young boy from St. Louis. John fell through the ice of a local lake and was submerged for over 15 minutes. When he was finally rescued and taken to the hospital, he was without a heartbeat for over an hour. Doctors were preparing to inform the family of John’s passing, but after his mother’s fervent prayer, a miracle occurred: John’s heart began beating again.

“Breakthrough” follows the story of John and his family, their faith, despair, and ultimately hope. The film explores the significance of faith, community support, and the miracles that can happen amid adversity. It is a heartwarming tale deeply rooted in real events and human experiences.

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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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The Prince of Egypt

The movie is based on the story of Moses from the Bible. It follows Moses’ life as he faces challenges and trials while trying to free the Hebrews from slavery under the rule of the Egyptian Pharaoh.

The story begins when young Moses is saved from Pharaoh’s decree and grows up as a prince in Pharaoh’s palace. However, he eventually learns the truth about his origins and sets out to lead the Hebrews to freedom and the promised land, despite facing conflict with the Pharaoh and enduring challenging trials in the wilderness.

Themes of religion, identity, the pursuit of freedom, and accepting fate are explored in the movie. Its stunning animation and impactful music make it visually and emotionally compelling. “The Prince of Egypt” has proven to be popular among both children and adults, continuing to have an impact for decades.

The film won an Oscar for Best Original Song for “When You Believe”.