Level: preschools

Published: February 9, 2024

Emperor’s Secret

“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.

Published: February 1, 2024

Urpo & Turpo – Johtolangan jäljillä

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.

Published: January 16, 2024

Ella ja kaverit 2: Paterock

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).

Published: January 2, 2024

Risto Räppääjä ja Sevillan saituri

Ricky Rapper is in for an astonishing surprise! He learns that he’s the future heir to a distant relative’s fortune. The miserly man residing in Seville has amassed a colossal wealth with grand castles, and soon all of it would belong to Ricky. Consequently, the rambunctious Ricky needs to be groomed into a sophisticated young gentleman whose behavior would befit even the court, but that’s not quite easy. However, Nelli starts to suspect that things aren’t quite as they seem and decides to take action. The grand, mysterious house where Ricky goes to meet his relative is filled with hair-raising secrets and peculiar servants. This delightful adventure pulls Aunt Peace, Elvi, and Lennart into thrilling twists and turns.

Published: December 27, 2023

Kahdet kasvot

Kahdet kasvot (transl. Two Faces) is a short animated film. It tells the story of the immutability of human nature and the legacy of revenge that passes from one generation to another.

The story begins in the Stone Age and progresses to modern times, narrating the cruelty of humans and their inability to break free from the burdens of their past.

Director and Screenplay: Arto Halonen (Source: Art Films production)

Published: November 24, 2023

Risto Räppääjä ja Liukas Lennart

The highly popular ten-year-old, red-haired Risto Räppääjä and his friend Nelli Nuudelipää dive into new adventures. Aunt Rauha thinks she has a brilliant idea: they need to find a man who would be a suitable father figure for Risto. Risto is not excited about the idea at all, and neither is their neighbor Lennart, who is himself interested in Rauha. Therefore, Lennart tries to create the perfect man who would meet Rauha’s constantly changing expectations of what a decent man should be.

Lennart soon realizes that trying to be many different people at once is not easy. When even Aunt Elvi falls for one of the father figures created by Lennart, things hilariously get tangled up. Unforgettable summer is full of incredible twists and lively misunderstandings.”

Published: November 23, 2023

The Peanuts Movie

The Peanuts Movie follows the adventures of familiar characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy van Pelt, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. The story focuses on Charlie Brown’s attempts to win the heart of a new girl, the Little Red-Haired Girl.

The film chronicles Charlie Brown’s adventures and mishaps at school, at home, and with his friends. Meanwhile, Snoopy, his loyal dog, embarks on adventures in his imaginative world.

The movie is filled with humor, warmth, and lessons about the importance of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance in life. It retains the spirit of the original comic strip and takes viewers on a nostalgic journey into the Peanuts universe.

Published: October 5, 2023

Elemental

Disney and Pixar’s new animated film, Elemental, tells the story of Element City, where different elements such as fire, water, earth, and air take on human-like forms and coexist. The main character is Ember, a brave and intelligent young woman who befriends Wade, a water spirit who is fun-loving and a bit goofy. Ember and Wade’s friendship changes Vellu’s perception of the world.

Published: August 3, 2023

Peter Pan

Peter Pan is an animated film produced by Walt Disney, based on J.M. Barrie’s play and story of the same name. It tells the story of Peter Pan, who is stuck in eternal youth and lives in a fantasy world called Neverland, where he enjoys adventures with his friends, such as the Darling children and Tinker Bell. Peter Pan can fly, and one night, he takes three children to Neverland to help them escape the burden of growing up.

On their journey, they encounter Captain Hook, the leader of the pirates, who seeks revenge against Peter Pan. The children also meet the Lost Boys, Native Americans, and the fierce Tiger Lily, who protects the inhabitants of Neverland. Throughout the film, the children and Peter Pan experience many exciting adventures. The movie addresses childhood, adulthood, friendship, love, and dreams. It emphasizes the importance of imagination and playfulness in life, as well as the significance of growing up.

Peter Pan is a classic adventure film that has enchanted generations with its unforgettable characters and story.

Published: June 15, 2023

Lady and the Tramp

“Lady and the Tramp” is a Disney animated film that tells the beloved story of Lady, an aristocratic and beautiful but lonely princess dog, and Tramp, a charming and free-spirited stray dog. The story begins with Lady, who feels like an outsider in her life. One day, she meets Tramp, who helps her escape the misery and boredom of the city. A special bond develops between them as they experience adventures together, and Lady learns to see the world in a different way.

Lady and the Tramp encounter many obstacles on their journey. They have to face cruel dog catchers, dangerous dogs, and other hardships. At the same time, they also discover the seed of romance in their hearts. They share a romantic dinner in a famous restaurant, and in the film’s most famous scene, they share a heartwarming moment while eating a shared plate of spaghetti. Eventually, their journey leads Lady back home, but this story remains forever in their hearts.

This is a classic film that has enchanted audiences for decades with its story of love, adventure, and life’s little joys. The film emphasizes overcoming prejudices and bringing together different worlds, leaving the viewer pondering how small moments can change the course of life and bring together people who are meant for each other.