Level: middle schools

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Published:

Lee

Lee is a compelling biographical drama in which Kate Winslet delivers a powerful performance as photographer Lee Miller. Directed by Ellen Kuras, the film tells the extraordinary story of Miller’s life—how she transitioned from the fashion world and art circles of the 1920s into a fearless war photographer. Her work on the frontlines of World War II was not just about documentation but also a profound journey toward confronting the horrors of war and her own past.

The film portrays Miller’s relentless pursuit of exposing the brutal reality of war and its impact on people. One of history’s most famous war photographs—Miller in the bathtub of Hitler’s residence—holds special significance in the film. The cast also includes Alexander Skarsgård, Josh O’Connor, and Marion Cotillard. Lee is a powerful story of courage, the search for truth, and the lasting scars of war.

Published:

Yesterday

Jack Malik is a singer-songwriter trying to break into the music industry, but he struggles to gain attention—whether at pub gigs or festival side stages. The only people who seem to believe in him are his longtime friend, manager, roadie, and driver Ellie, who has supported him since their teenage years, and a couple of other loyal friends. Just as Jack is about to give up, a mysterious global blackout and a minor accident lead him to wake up in a world where The Beatles never existed. However, Jack remembers all their hits and begins performing the legendary band’s songs as his own. The music industry takes off at such a speed that he can no longer stop it. On his way to the top, he realizes he is losing the one person who has always believed in him—his friend Ellie. To find true happiness, he must return to his roots and prove to himself that The Beatles were right: all you need is love.

Published:

The Wild Robot

An epic adventure follows robot ROZZUM unit 7134, more familiarly known as Roz. When the robot is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island, she must learn to adapt to the harsh environment and build relationships with the island’s animals. Eventually, she becomes the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

Published:

Into the Wild

The film tells the story of young Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who, after graduating from university, abandons his privileged background, donates his money to charity, and sets off on a journey across the United States in search of freedom and the meaning of life. His ultimate destination is the Alaskan wilderness, where he plans to live self-sufficiently, entirely at the mercy of nature. Along the way, he meets many people who influence his worldview.

The film is based on Jon Krakauer’s book of the same name and explores themes such as individual freedom, social criticism, and the significance of nature. Its atmospheric soundtrack, particularly the songs composed by Eddie Vedder, enhances the film’s melancholic tone.

Published:

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Beetlejuice still haunts Lydia, whose life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers a mysterious miniature model of the town in the attic, accidentally opening a portal to the afterlife. As trouble brews in both worlds, it’s only a matter of time before someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times—and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his own brand of chaos.

Published:

Madame Web

Cassandra Webb is a New York paramedic who begins to show signs of clairvoyance. Forced to confront revelations from her past, she must protect three young women from a mysterious adversary determined to kill them.

Published:

Ordinary Angels

Based on true events, Ordinary Angels is a story of compassion and the desire to help others. The Schmitt family has endured many hardships: mother Theresa passed away from a terminal illness, and now their youngest child, Michelle, is battling a severe liver disease. Father Ed struggles with financial problems and cannot keep up with the mounting bills. Sharon, a hairdresser, enjoys partying in bars and, as the life of the party, doesn’t understand her colleague’s concerns—even when she wakes up feeling unwell and covered in bruises. However, Sharon’s stubbornness proves to be a strength when she stumbles across a local news story about the Schmitt family’s struggles. She forces her way into the life of recently widowed Ed and sets out not only to sort out his finances, which have been devastated by their misfortunes, but also to find treatment for Michelle.

Note: Not available on DVD or Blu-ray.

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Tulen morsian

Based on true events, The Bride of Fire tells the story of a brave and headstrong young woman, Anna, in Åland in the year 1666. Raised by the midwife Valpuri, Anna is being trained to become the village’s next healer. However, she chooses to work as a maid for the new district judge, Psilander. Psilander has been tasked with eradicating pagan practices and black magic from Åland once and for all. Both Valpuri and Anna find themselves in the eye of the storm.

Young Anna is determined to find true love. She sets her sights on Elias, who is already married, but his passion for her fades quickly. Left heartbroken and consumed by jealousy, Anna accuses Elias’s wife, Rakel, of witchcraft. Altogether, 16 women are imprisoned on charges of consorting with the devil, including Rakel, whom Anna has denounced. This marks the beginning of Anna’s solitary struggle to atone for her terrible deed.

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

Published:

Maata meren alla

Land Beneath the Sea tells the story of Ida, who trained as a seamstress and still lives with her adoptive mother, Kati. Ida struggles to find a job with little success, and the last thing this outspoken young woman wants is the help of her proactive activist mother. However, encouraged by her friend Ville, Ida discovers within herself the strength and desire to take a leap—traveling to Berlin—to prove to her mother that she can make it on her own. Ida wants to become independent, fall in love, find her place, and build her life, but in the end, what will she have left to hold onto?

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

Published:

Syke-elokuva: Hätätila

Iiris is trying to recover from a difficult breakup with Artturi when she unexpectedly meets Anton, who offers comfort and sparks her interest. However, their relationship fails to progress beyond the initial stages when Iiris’s son Niilo suddenly falls ill. Niilo requires only a minor operation, but as he enters the operating room, the hospital becomes the target of a cyberattack. The power goes out, ventilators stop, and access to patient records is blocked. The nurses are forced to prioritize whose life is the most valuable.

The film won the People’s Choice Jussi Award.

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