Genre: drama

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Calvary

Irish drama film directed and written by John Michael McDonagh. The film is known for its profound themes, dark humor, and strong performances. Calvary explores deep subjects such as faith, forgiveness, guilt, and the meaning of life. The title refers to Golgotha (Calvary), the place where Jesus was crucified, which emphasizes its symbolism of sacrifice and suffering.

The film also addresses scandals within the Catholic Church and their impact on communities, particularly cases of clerical abuse. These themes, however, are handled subtly, and the story focuses more on personal soul-searching and the complexities of human relationships.

Calvary tells the story of Father James Lavelle, a Catholic priest working in a small Irish village. One day in the confessional, someone threatens to kill him in a week’s time. This person does not want revenge for James’s sins but for the past wrongdoings of the Catholic Church. Under the shadow of this death threat, Father James tries to carry on with his life and help the villagers, though his own faith and purpose are put to the test. The film focuses on Father James’s journey toward his potential fate and the moral choices he faces along the way.

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Näkemiin, hyvästi

The film tells a comedic story about a brief phase in the lives of two people, focusing on single mother Tuula (Aino Seppo) and her ex-husband Jorma (Juuso Hirvikangas).

When a new man enters Tuula’s life, Jorma can’t bear the thought and begins to long for his ex-wife. This leads to a situation where both are faced with a major decision that will have far-reaching consequences for the rest of their lives. Adding to the mix is Tuula’s father, Lauri (Lasse Pöysti), who works as a doctor, making the decision even more difficult. Both are forced to break ties that have previously been very important to them.

Starring:
Aino Seppo
Juuso Hirvikangas
Lasse Pöysti

Production company:
VLMedia Oy

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Kuningas lähtee Ranskaan

A domestic historical adventure film based on Paavo Haavikko’s book of the same name. The story is set in future England, on the brink of a new ice age, fighting against total freezing as all energy sources have been depleted. Desperation spreads, and a young king decides to use his last resort to prevent the loss of power and the spread of anarchy. He declares war on France and sets out to follow in the footsteps of King Edward, who made a similar campaign six hundred years earlier. Initially, the campaign progresses smoothly, and Calais is conquered without much difficulty. Eventually, however, the ice age catches up with the troops, who suffer from the cold and thirst, and even the frozen wine offers no comfort.

The film emphasizes humanity’s recurring historical mistakes and how people fail to learn from history, repeating the same errors over and over again. It portrays the absurdity of human behavior, violence, and the abuse of power, along with the destructive consequences of these actions.

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Viimeiset rotannahat

The main character of the film, the Man in the White Suit, is by no means an ordinary Finn. On the contrary, he is a Marxist-bearded, Bukowski-like drifting romantic, wandering through the streets of Helsinki, in bars, cars, beds, and in a song. After the entire cast of “The Last Rat Skins,” it is even easier to agree with Buñuel’s statement that human life is, in principle, no more valuable than the life of insects.

Director:
Anssi Mänttäri

Starring:
Kauko Laurikainen
Anssi Mänttäri
Sarina Röhr

Anssi Mänttäri’s low-budget films with their intimate content have become classics. In this black comedy set in summer Helsinki, the main character (Mänttäri himself) jumps from one bar and bed to the next. The film contains especially crude black humor.

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Inside Out 2

Once again, a major overhaul is underway in the mind headquarters of a teenage girl, Riley, who had previously found emotional balance, to make room for an unexpected surprise: new emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, who have successfully managed Riley’s mind for a long time, are unsure what to think when Anxiety shows up. And he might not even be the only newcomer!

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A Beautiful Mind

Awarded with four Oscars, the film tells the story of Nobel Prize-winning economist John Nash, who suffers from schizophrenia. The brilliant mathematician stood out from his peers during his studies and began to develop his groundbreaking game theory. After graduating, Nash starts teaching at a technical university, but gradually, mental health issues and severe paranoia begin to take control of him.

Simson ja Delila elokuvan juliste.

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Samson and Delilah

Samson and Delilah (original title in Finnish Simson ja Delila) is a historical adventure film released in 1949, directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The film is based on the Old Testament story of Samson, a Jewish warrior, and Delilah, the woman who betrayed him to the Philistines.

The story of the film revolves around Samson, who possesses supernatural strength, with his long hair being the source of his power. Samson battles the enemies of Israel, the Philistines. Delilah, who serves the Philistines, seduces Samson and makes him reveal the secret of his strength. When Delilah cuts Samson’s hair, he loses his strength and is captured. In the end, Samson prays to God to restore his strength, and he succeeds in destroying the Philistine temple at the moment of his own death.

In the film, Samson is portrayed by Victor Mature and Delilah by Hedy Lamarr. Samson and Delilah was a major success in its time and won two Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. The film is especially known for its epic scenes, colorful costumes, and impressive sets, which were typical of Cecil B. DeMille’s grand cinematic style.

The film is a classic example of the “biblical epic” genre that was popular in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s.

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Where hope grows

Where Hope Grows is an inspiring story about Calvin Campbell (Kristoffer Polaha), a former professional baseball player whose career ended prematurely due to panic attacks at the plate. Even though he had all the talent for the big leagues, life threw difficult challenges his way. Nowadays, Calvin drifts through his days and struggles to raise his teenage daughter (McKaley Miller). As Calvin’s life spirals downward, it is unexpectedly revitalized by a young man named Produce (David DeSanctis), who has Down syndrome and works at the local grocery store.

Gradually, Calvin begins to let go of his bitterness and starts to see the world through Produce’s eyes. As their friendship deepens, Calvin’s life regains purpose and meaning. This unlikely duo becomes intertwined in a way that gives Calvin a new perspective on the future. However, their friendship is tested when an unexpected tragedy strikes, rooted in a decision from Calvin’s past. Where Hope Grows is a film about finding redemption through faith, hope, and love.

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All Saints

A movie based on an inspiring true story about salesman Michael Spurlock, who changed careers and became a pastor. When he is assigned to close his small church, where he shelters refugees from Southeast Asia, they come together and put everything on the line to create a better future.

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The Robe

The Roman centurion Marcellus Gallio, played by Richard Burton, oversees the crucifixion of Jesus and wins his robe in a dice game at the foot of the cross. Marcellus, who has never been a man of faith, begins to experience disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions when his slave Demetrius flees with the robe. Convinced that destroying the robe will free him from his torment, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius – and in the process, discovers his Christian faith. This biblical epic, one of the greatest on the silver screen, was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1953, including Best Picture and Richard Burton’s nomination for Best Actor. The film went on to win two Oscars.