Genre: history

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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.

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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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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.

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Hidden Figures

An inspiring true story of three relentless African-American female geniuses who made groundbreaking contributions to NASA. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were the brilliant minds behind a pivotal mission that sent astronaut John Glenn into orbit for the first time. This transformative achievement not only restored national confidence but also established the United States as a formidable competitor in the space race alongside the Soviet Union.

These human “computers” broke barriers of gender and race during a time of significant social inequality, paving the way for future generations to dream big and challenge societal norms.

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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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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.

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Back to Black

Back to Black tells the story of Amy Winehouse’s journey to stardom before her untimely death at 27. It follows the young woman behind the phenomenon and the turbulent relationship, heavily scrutinized by the tabloids, that gave birth to her iconic songs. Amy Winehouse poured everything into her lyrics—her love, her sorrow, and her soul

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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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Sukunsa viimeinen

“The Last of the Line” tells the story of change, upbringing, and the theft of identity. Set on the Jamal Peninsula during the Soviet era, the film is based on true events in director Anastasia Lapsui’s childhood environment.

A young Nenets girl named Neko is forcibly taken from her home to a boarding school in a Russian village against her will. Forced into a foreign culture and new customs, Neko rebels against Russification and becomes the target of bullying by her classmates and scrutiny from her teachers. Together with a Nenets boy from the same school, Neko escapes to return to the safety of her own family and familiar customs. However, their escape across the wintry tundra is short-lived, and the inevitable return to school and new Russian life is unavoidable.

The film’s story is told through the memories of an elderly Neko. School has taught her much new knowledge, and Russian culture has become a natural part of her. But something important has permanently changed; as the last representative of her family, Neko has grown estranged from her own roots and lost the ability to continue her family’s age-old traditions.

Directors:
Markku Lehmuskallio and Anastasia Lapsui

Starring:
Aleksandra Okotetto
Nadezhda Pyrerko
Anastasia Lapsui
Jevgeni Hudi