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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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Bob Marley: One Love

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE depicts the life and music of the icon who inspired generations with his message of love and unity. For the first time on the big screen, we see Bob’s compelling story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

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Veljeni vartija

Veljeni vartija tells the story of Jare and Jere Tiihonen, twin boys from a broken family where violence is a learned norm from their father. Known as tough guys in their youth in Lahti, the brothers take different paths. Jare seeks street credibility and succeeds in the Finnish rap scene, creating an alter ego – Cheek. Jere ends up behind bars for assault and promises to end the cycle of violence. Jere settles down and starts a family. As Cheek’s popularity grows, Jare experiences a tearing conflict: should he remain the streetwise and selfish artist Cheek, or become the caring boyfriend spending safe, normal life with his beloved Noora. Jare’s inner turmoil eventually finds an explanation – bipolar disorder – and the solution lies in psychiatric medication. What does it take to break all expectations or curses and take control of one’s life?

Director:
JP Siili

Starring:
Antti Holma
Armi Toivanen
Saga Sarkola
Alina Tomnikov

The film won the Audience Choice Jussi Award.

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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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Badding

A fairytale-like depiction of the shy hero of Finnish rock, Rauli ‘Badding’ Somerjoki, portrays the whirlwind of a sensitive country boy amidst the harsh touring life. According to the director’s own words, the movie ‘is neither true nor false,’ but rather a fantasy that allows for various interpretations. Based on flashback sequences, the narrative begins with moments preceding the aging rock star’s comeback concert. The stage-frightened Badding-Rauli hits the road, fleeing. An old friend, Ossi, becomes Rauli’s chauffeur, although his motives are not entirely sincere. The road to Somero is burdened with memories, but the most crucial element, friendship, is discovered after all.

The film splendidly earned four different Jussi Awards: Best Film, Best Actor (Janne Reinikainen), Best Cinematography (Kari Sohlberg), Best Production Design (Minna Santakari), and Best Costume Design (Tiina Kaukanen).

Starring:
Janne Reinikainen
Peter Franzén
Karoliina Blackburn
Puntti Valtonen

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Sibelius

“Sibelius” is a story about the life and career of the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The film follows Sibelius from his youth to adulthood, showcasing his musical achievements, and creative process, as well as his personal challenges and internal conflicts.

The movie takes the viewer through Sibelius’ life stages: the development of his youth and musical talent, artistic exploration, the significance of love and family, and his struggle with his own musical identity.

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Rentun ruusu

The film tells the colorful story of Irwin Goodman and Vexi Salmi, two iconic figures in Finnish music. The film follows the journey of the wildly popular folk artist through the highs of tremendous success and the subsequent downturns.

Martti Suosalo was awarded the Best Actor Jussi Award.

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Kulkuri ja joutsen

After the war, Finnish entertainment legends Tapio Rautavaara and Reino Helismaa live the life of touring entertainers, where glamour is distant but a bottle is close. Esa Pakarinen also joins their company. A rift between Rautavaara and Helismaa overshadows the men’s lives, almost until the latter’s death. This film depicting the music scene of the 40s and 50s is an important subject. In Koivusalo’s style, however, it’s more of a collection of stories than a cohesive drama.

Martti Suosalo won the Best Actor award at the Jussi Awards gala.

Ringside elokuvan juliste.

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Ringside

“Ringside” is a dramatized documentary about boxer Tarmo Uusivirta as he prepares for the final and most crucial fight of his career. This match ultimately becomes a battle within himself amidst the crossfire of changing life values.

At 34 years old, the athlete has risen from rock bottom back into the boxing ring. He is on the path towards a world championship through an European Champion title fight. However, love transforms his mindset, and at the most critical moment of his career, he is ready to give up for the sake of life.

(Source: Art Films production)

Valo varjon takaa elokuvan juliste.

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Valo varjon takaa

“Light Behind the Shadow” is a portrait of hurdler Arto Bryggare. The film follows Bryggare’s life for a year and a half after his Achilles tendon ruptured in 1988.

Desperately, Bryggare attempts a comeback to hurdling and reaching the top despite his legs no longer being able to endure. The relentless and stubborn battle of Bryggare against time and physical limitations intertwines with glimpses of his past athletic achievements. These moments portray both the persistent struggle of Bryggare and the highs and lows of an athlete’s journey. (Source: Art Films production)