Level: high schools and vocational schools

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Hella W

Everyone is familiar with the characters from the Niskavuori plays, but the tempestuous life story of the playwright Hella Wuolijoki is less well known. She negotiated peace during the Winter War, was sentenced to life imprisonment for treason during the Continuation War, but was pardoned after the signing of the Armistice. The very next year, following her release, she became the director of the Finnish Broadcasting Company and later entered Parliament. Screenwriter Outi Nyytäjä and director Juha Wuolijoki’s joint exploration of Hella Wuolijoki’s past brings the story of the famous playwright, politician, and businesswoman to a wider audience.

Director:
Juha Wuolijoki

Starring:
Tiina Weckström
Hannu-Pekka Björkman
Matleena Kuusniemi

The film won the 2012 Jussi Awards for Best Set Design and Best Costume Design.

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

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How to Fix the World

How to Fix the World is a comprehensive and informative documentary about direct action in the 1990s and 2000s, directed by Jouko Aaltonen. In the documentary, anarchists, climate activists, and squatters openly share their experiences and link them to mainstream societal issues. Extensive archival material sheds light on the continuum of direct action in Finnish society. What do the free city, community, and agency mean? The documentary extensively explores various forms of citizen movements, from squatting to riots and nonviolent civil disobedience. The film portrays critiques of global capitalism, opposition to the discrimination of the Roma population, the downfall of the Stop the Graffiti movement, and today’s climate movement.

Note: The documentary is available only on Yle Areena; no physical copies are in distribution.

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How to Please

Iraqi Wed Al-Asad becomes stuck in the Finnish asylum system. He does his best to fulfill the desires of the machine-like labyrinth, but soon realizes that the only thing harder than getting in is getting out.

Note: The documentary is only available on Yle Areena; no physical copies are in distribution.

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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire continues the MonsterVerse series. In the film, Kong discovers members of his species in Hollow Earth and encounters the dangerous Skar King, who seeks to freeze the world. Godzilla, Kong, and Mothra join forces to stop this new threat. The movie delivers epic monster battles and focuses on teamwork to confront a greater danger.

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Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) is a direct sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The movie follows the Spengler family and the original Ghostbusters as they reunite to combat a new supernatural threat in New York City. This time, the city is at risk of being plunged into a second ice age after the discovery of a cursed artifact that unleashes an ancient evil. Directed by Gil Kenan, the film stars Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, and Finn Wolfhard, with original cast members like Bill Murray returning.

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May December

Gracie and Joe appear to be living a peaceful family life as a married couple and parents of three children, despite the scandal that erupted twenty years earlier when the 36-year-old woman had a relationship with a 13-year-old boy. Their everyday life is disrupted when a famous actress, Elizabeth, moves in to conduct background research for a movie about their lives, in which Elizabeth plays Gracie. Unraveling the inappropriate love story brings long-buried feelings and uncomfortable truths about the couple’s past to the surface.

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Drive-Away Dolls

The film is directed by Ethan Coen, known for being one half of the Coen brothers. This movie is special because it marks Ethan Coen’s first solo project without his brother Joel.

“Drive-Away Dolls” is an action-comedy that follows the wild journey of two women, Jamie and Marian, as they embark on a spontaneous road trip in search of change in their lives. Jamie has just broken up with her girlfriend and is looking for a fresh start, while Marian is her carefree friend who is always on the hunt for new adventures. Along the way, they find themselves caught up in unexpected and often comedic situations that lead them deeper into trouble.

The film’s story blends classic road movie elements with humor and crime film aspects. It is fast-paced and full of surprises, but at its core, it is about the friendship between the characters and their journey of self-discovery. The movie also highlights feminist themes, focusing on strong female protagonists who take control of their own lives.

“Drive-Away Dolls” features an impressive cast, including Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beau Bridges, and Pedro Pascal. The film has garnered attention for its sharp dialogue and quirky humor characteristic of the Coen brothers’ style, while also offering a fresh perspective through Ethan Coen’s personal direction.

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Kung Fu Panda 4

“Kung Fu Panda 4” is a sequel to the popular “Kung Fu Panda” film series and continues the adventures of Po, a panda who has become known as a legendary Kung Fu master.

Po faces new challenges both on a personal level and in battle. He must confront a new, powerful enemy while also finding a way to pass on his teachings and legacy to future generations. The film features familiar characters like Tigress, Monkey, and Mantis, but also introduces new allies and enemies.

The film’s themes are strongly tied to passing down traditions, finding one’s place in the world, and the importance of personal growth. It includes epic battle scenes, vibrant animation, and touching moments.

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Kolmistaan

Tomi Laakso is a 35-year-old man living a happy family life with his wife Maria and their two young children. Despite being married for a long time, Tomi and Maria’s relationship remains tender and passionate. One day, Tomi accidentally meets another woman, Janita. Tomi becomes infatuated with Janita and finds himself thinking about her repeatedly. Janita becomes an obsession for Tomi. He decides to be honest in his life and tells his wife about Janita. To Tomi’s surprise, Maria wants to meet Janita. Maria wants to understand what is going on. When Maria sees how much in love Tomi is with Janita, she flees from home. Shocked by the loss of his wife, Tomi tries to end his relationship with Janita. During her escape, Maria reflects on her life: she realizes she loves Tomi and wants to be with him.

A story about love and the boundaries of love.

Director:
Peter Lindholm

Starring:
Kari-Pekka Toivonen
Liisa Kuoppamäki
Matleena Kuusniemi
Elias Eronen
Taneli Mäkelä

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Presidentintekijät

Presidentintekijät (The President Makers) is a film about Sauli Niinistö’s presidential campaign. It portrays the core of the campaign team and its operations throughout the campaign until Niinistö is elected as the President of the Republic.

The team works under immense pressure. Decisions must be made constantly. Success is immediately measured in the media and polls. The task is not made easier by the fact that the candidate himself does not participate in the team’s activities or even really support it.

The film progresses from the first campaign team meeting towards the second round of the election. The team’s discussions are surprisingly open and bold. The language they use is direct and unvarnished. Director Tuukka Temonen’s access to the heart of the campaign is unique. Presidentintekijät is a film about politics at its rawest. When time is short, communication is direct. And sometimes, you just have to laugh.

The film depicts the work centered around the Secretary-General of the National Coalition Party, Taru Tujunen, Marketing Director Kirsi Piha, Niinistö’s Special Assistant Mikko Kortelainen, Fundraising Director Hjallis Harkimo, Political Advisor Jussi Kekkonen, and Jenni Haukio, who was responsible for marketing and communications at the beginning of the campaign.

Director:
Tuukka Temonen

Starring:
Sauli Niinistö
Pekka Haavisto
Jenni Haukio
Taru Tujunen