Pohjanmaa (1988) User Reviews

A hot summer day is about to get even hotter.

[Tsingiska · 10/10 · 28 February 2003]

Based on a novel of the same name by the Finnish author, Antti Tuuri, this delicious late-80's comedy builds its dark humour on the stereotypical mentality of the northern part of Finland. While perhaps not as entertaining to a person unfamiliar with Finnish traditions, the brilliant acting, directing, plus the warm, beautiful Finnish summer more than make up for the cultural gap.

The story begins with a group of brothers with their families coming up to honour the memory of their recently deceased father. Spending time together, opening old wounds and creating new ones... it all boils down to brotherhood. No matter what happens, brothers take care of their own. Considering that the events of the movie all take place within a 24 hour period, nothing feels too rushed. The film rolls on naturally, and at least for yours truly there was not a single dull minute.

The best part about this film is the cast that they managed to put together for the movie. Esko Salminen, Taneli Mäkelä, Vesa Vierikko and Esko Nikkari are all well-known, extremely talented Finnish actors, but this movie contains among the best performances of their careers. Especially Mäkelä and Nikkari are brilliant; Mäkelä's quiet and contemplative character has depth that you can just feel...and Nikkari's portrayal of a town drunk is so convincing, you would not believe that it is merely an act.

Funny, dramatic, entertaining and definitely a movie that makes you FEEL.

Great Finnish movie with just the right actors

[Petey-10 · 9/10 · 10 March 2011]

It's Kauhava on a very hot day.The Hakalas have gathered together to distribute the inheritance of the grandfather, who moved to America decades ago and died there.Veikko, one of the brothers, has some dispute with his former business partner Ketola.Erkki finds out about Suomi submachine gun his grandfather Martti has hidden.Their old teacher hears them using the weapon, and takes them to his cottage to do some more shooting.Meanwhile Paavo's three sons are giving Ketola a ride, and beating him.But things turn out bad.Pohjanmaa (1988) is directed by Pekka Parikka.It's based on Antti Tuuri's novel, which I haven't read.The movie I borrowed as a DVD a few days ago.The movie has just the right actors playing their roles.Taneli Mäkelä is terrific as Erkki.Esko Salminen is brilliant as Veikko.Today I finished reading his second autobiography, Toinen Näytös.What a fine actor with a fascinating life.The late great Esko Nikkari is superb as Paavo.Also deceased Vesa Mäkelä is amazing as Seppo.Heikki Paavilainen is great as Markku.Same thing with Konsta Mäkelä (Taneli's brother) and Mikko Kouki, who play Antero and Raimo.Kirsti Ortola is fantastic in her last film as mother Marjatta Hakala.Eeva Eloranta is very good as Saara.As is Rea Mauranen as Helena.Miitta Sorvali does great job as Riitta.Sari Mällinen and Tarja Keinänen are very fine as Taina and Laina.Kalevi Kahra does a memorable job as Teacher.Aarno Sulkanen is marvelous as Rural Police Chief.Paavo Pentikäinen is excellent as Ketola.Raili Tiensuu gives a very good performance as his wife Maija.Vesa Vierikko portrays Matero in a memorable way.Alli Häjänen plays Great Grandmother.Kalevi Haapoja portrays Constable Lammi.Kari Sorvali is Doctor.Helena Haavisto, conductor Jorma Panula's late wife plays Saara's mother.The movie won three Jussi awards.Those awards were from Best Cinematography (Kari Sohlberg), Best Direction (Parikka) and Best Editing (Keijo Virtanen).The movie looks really great.Like the shot of those people at the hay field.There are many memorable scenes, like Salminen's character Veikko raging at the yard when he has heard Markku has lost an eye to Ketola's knife.And it's a beautiful scene at the beach when Seppo plays his harmonica and Veikko starts to sing.So there is a lot to like in Pohjanmaa.