Playlist: based on a book

Published: December 29, 2023

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Artista Filmi Oy produced two feature films based on Väinö Linna’s ‘Under the North Star’ novels. The books constitute the Northern Star trilogy, narrating the realistic and humane story of the Koskela family. It traces the life of ordinary individuals amidst the significant European changes from the late 1800s to the Second World War, encompassing Finland’s independence and the Civil War. The narrative also focuses on the love story of Akseli Koskela and Elina Kivivuori. The book series was published between 1959 and 1962.

Published: December 29, 2023

Täällä Pohjantähden alla

Artista Filmi Oy produced two feature films based on Väinö Linna’s ‘Under the North Star’ novels. The books constitute the Northern Star trilogy, narrating the realistic and humane story of the Koskela family. It traces the life of ordinary individuals amidst the significant European changes from the late 1800s to the Second World War, encompassing Finland’s independence and the Civil War. The narrative also focuses on the love story of Akseli Koskela and Elina Kivivuori. The book series was published between 1959 and 1962.

Published: November 24, 2023

Miss Farkku Suomi

The story follows 17-year-old Välde, who aims to secure a spot in a band, pursue fame, experience his first drunkenness, and fall in love with Pike, the most beautiful girl in the class. Välde is a teenager without a father, living in a one-bedroom apartment with his mother. He loves gritty music, Lou Reed’s lyrics, the New York Dolls, and David Bowie. While others spend time at discos, Välde cycles alone in the outskirts, capturing images in his mind of factory chimneys, deserted beaches, and rusty dumpsters.

Though Välde wants to fix the world’s injustices, he understands that he must first resolve his own life’s problems. Välde finds Sasu, and together they form a band called Torttu. They share the same taste in music, read “Musa” and “Soundi” music magazines, and notice the rise of punk in the world. But an unexpected turn occurs when Pike wins a beauty pageant, becoming “Miss Farkku-Suomi”. Things don’t go as Välde had hoped…

The movie received two Jussi Awards for Best Costume and Makeup Design. It’s based on Kauko Röyhkä’s autobiographical novel of the same name.

Published: November 23, 2023

The Unknown Soldier

Finnish garrison gets an order and their machine gun company is transported to the eastern border – soon, war becomes a reality again.

Directed by Aku Louhimies, The Unknown Soldier is the third film adaptation based on Väinö Linna’s classic novel. It describes the journey of a Finnish infantry unit in the Continuation War, that lasted three years. The film tells the story of Rokka, Kariluoto, Koskela, Hietanen, and their comrades – how fellowship, humor, and the will to survive unite men on their journey there and back. The war revolutionized the lives of both individual soldiers and those left behind on the home front, leaving its mark on the entire nation.

The film received significant recognition, winning four Jussi Gala trophies: Best Sound Design, Best Leading Actor, Best Editing, and Best Makeup Design.

Published: September 13, 2023

Goosebumps

“Goosebumps” is a 2015 American horror-comedy film based on R.L. Stine’s popular book series for young people of the same name.

The story begins when teenager Zach Cooper moves with his mother to the small town of Greenville. The mysterious writer R.L. lives next door to Zach. Stine (played by Jack Black), whose collection he keeps very secret. Zach meets Stine’s daughter Hannah (Odeya Rush) and they become friends.

Soon, Zach and his new friend Champ (Ryan Lee) discover that something strange is going on at Stine’s house. They get in and find Stine’s locked books containing the monsters from all the Goosebumps books. When they accidentally release one of these monsters, they realize that books can bring all the monsters in the stories to life.

Zach, Hannah, Champ and R.L. himself. Stine now has to fight against time together and prevent monsters from destroying the city. On their way, they encounter many monsters from the Goosebumps series, such as Slappy doll, living trees, large cockroaches and other scary creatures.

The film combines humor and horror into an adventure for young people as they try to stop monsters from wreaking havoc. In the end, they have to use their wits and courage to defeat the monsters and save their town.

“Goosebumps” is an entertaining film that combines humor and horror for young viewers.

Published: August 7, 2023

Bambi

The movie is based on Felix Salten’s novel of the same name, “Bambi: A Life in the Woods.” It tells the coming-of-age story and adventures of a young white-tailed deer named Bambi in the forest.

The film begins with Bambi’s birth. He meets other forest animals, such as a skunk, a rabbit, and a wise owl. Bambi learns about the challenges and dangers of life in the forest, e.g. hunting.

The movie follows Bambi’s growth into adulthood and the challenges he faces. Bambi also falls in love with another young deer, and their friendship and life together become a central part of the story.

However, life in the forest is not always easy. A tragic event deeply affects Bambi, and he must learn to cope with loss and difficulties. Nevertheless, Bambi finds strength and courage as he takes on the role of the forest’s king.

Bambi is a touching film that explores the beauty of nature and its cycles, friendship, and the diversity of life. It is one of Disney’s most iconic and beloved classics, leaving a lasting impact on the world of animation and touching generations around the globe.

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: May 19, 2023

Where the Crawdads Sing

Kya Clark is an abandoned girl who grew up independently in the unsafe swamps of North Carolina in the 1950s. Because she grew up in dangerous and challenging circumstances, she learned to take care of herself.

Kya gets to know two of the village’s golden boys, and when one of them is found dead, Kya becomes a suspect because she had the most contact with the deceased. It doesn’t help that Kya has gained a reputation as a hermit in town. As the investigation progresses, the secrets of the swamp are in danger of being revealed.

The film is based on Delia Owens’ debut novel “Where the Crawdads Sing”, which has sold millions around the world.

Published: May 2, 2023

A Man Called Otto

A Man Called Otto is based on the New York Times bestseller “A Man Called Ove”, in which the widowed Otto is grumpy and methodical. One day, a very sunny family moves in next door, and conflicts are ready to be born. However, to everyone’s surprise, a friendship develops between the wife of the family and Otto, which revolutionizes Otto’s long-term outlook on life.

Published: April 4, 2023

Hitchcock

Hitchcock is based on true events and the work of Stephen Rebello, when the famous film director Alfred Hitchcock worked on one of his landmark works, the movie Psycho. In particular, the relationship between him and his wife is being investigated.

Koulukino’s learning materials are related to Hitchcock’s career, the concept of “auteur”, biopic films, Hollywood studios, 1950s film production, the Psycho film and its psychoanalysis. The material is aimed at secondary school studies.

The film was nominated at the Oscars for the best make-up and hair.