Genre: drama

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Joker: Folie à Deux

The Joker, who once incited anarchy, has once again been crushed by his circumstances and society, reverting to Arthur Fleck. Still imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, he awaits his trial. Yet, deep inside, a small spark remains—a spark that finds glimpses of beauty even in the harsh routines of the asylum. That spark ignites, quite literally, when he happens to meet Lee Quinzel (Harleen Quinn) during a visit to the lower-security wing of the institution. These two unhinged souls quickly form a deep connection, one that also draws them into the embrace of music. But as their love grows, it inevitably becomes a problem. Is it truly the flame of love, or merely an uncontrollable wildfire?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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95

Set during the weekend of Finland’s 1995 Ice Hockey World Championship victory, 95 tells interwoven stories that explore why Finland became world champions and how it impacted the entire nation.

Rakkaudella Maire elokuvan juliste.

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Rakkaudella, Maire

Maire, trapped in a sham marriage with her husband Esa, has spent years collecting newspaper clippings and identifying with the tragedies of strangers. A news story about Kirsi-Mari, a woman who lost her police officer husband, and her daughter begins to captivate Maire, who gradually inserts herself into their lives. In Maire’s imagination, everything seems to go well—until Kirsi-Mari admits that she has moved past her tragedy and wants to forget. But Maire does not want to forget. In her view, the killer has not yet paid for their crime.

Minna Haapkylä received the Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actress, and Eeva Litmanen was awarded Best Actress.

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Letters to Father Jacob

A story about Leila, a pardoned life-sentence prisoner, who is sent to assist a blind priest, Jacob, living in a remote area. Leila’s task is to read prayer request letters that arrive for Jacob. The hardened Leila considers this pointless, but for Jacob, it is the essence of his life. When the letters stop coming, Jacob’s world falls apart, and the dynamics shift.

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Pikkusisar

Katri’s husband has died in the Finnish Winter War. When the Continuation War begins, Katri volunteers to work in a military hospital in Helsinki. She is courted by a patient, a poetry-reciting countryman about to be discharged from service. At the same time, she dates her old school friend Eero, who even goes AWOL to be near her. As the war continues, Katri must make difficult decisions about her life.

Merja Väisänen was awarded the Jussi Award for Best Costume Design.