IMDb > Talvisota (1989)
Talvisota
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Talvisota (1989) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
8.2/10   3,477 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 12% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Pekka Parikka (writer)
Antti Tuuri (novel)
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Winter War on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
30 November 1989 (Finland) more
Genre:
Tagline:
They held back the Russian Juggernaut in a frozen Hell!
Plot:
Russia attacked Finland in late November 1939. This film tells the story of a Finnish platoon of reservists... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
7 wins & 1 nomination more
User Comments:
An unknown gem--one of the most powerful war films ever made. more (31 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Taneli Mäkelä ... Private Martti Hakala
Vesa Vierikko ... 2nd Lieutenant Jussi Kantola

Timo Torikka ... Private Pentti Saari
Heikki Paavilainen ... Private Vilho Erkkilä
Antti Raivio ... Corporal Erkki Somppi
Esko Kovero ... Medical Corporal Juho Pernaa
Martti Suosalo ... Private Arvi Huhtala
Markku Huhtamo ... Private Aatos Laitila
Matti Onnismaa ... Corporal Veikko Korpela
Konsta Mäkelä ... Private Paavo Hakala
Tomi Salmela ... Private Matti Ylinen

Samuli Edelmann ... Private Mauri Haapasalo
Vesa Mäkelä ... Lieutenant Yrjö Haavisto
Aarno Sulkanen ... Captain Sihvo - battalion commander
Kari Kihlström ... Lieutenant Jorma Potila
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
The Winter War (International: English title)
Vinterkriget (Finland: Swedish title)
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Runtime:
195 min | USA:125 min | Finland:265 min (TV version) (5 parts)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Although the film was a huge success in Finland, its production company National-Filmi Oy went bankrupt, because the international success was not as good as the production company expected. more
Goofs:
Anachronisms: During the battle of Äyräpää, some attacking Russian soldiers can be seen wielding modern assault rifles. more
Quotes:
Corporal Erkki Somppi: Paavo, you stay here.
Paavo Hakala: Is this a bad spot?
Soldier that leaves the position.: Nothing but bad spots here, pal.
more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Kytösavun aukeilla mailla/Vilppulan urhojen muistoksi more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
59 out of 63 people found the following comment useful.
An unknown gem--one of the most powerful war films ever made., 18 February 2000
Author: NORDIC-2 from Barre, VT

TALVISOTA (Winter War) deals with the 1939-40 Russo-Finnish War, a largely forgotten conflict that was one of the most savage wars of the 20th century. The Soviet Union invaded Finland in November of 1939 when the Finns refused Stalin's demands to relinquish some of their territory in Karelia. The Finns were outnumbered 50-1 but fought with incredible courage and tenacity and inflicted a half million casualties on the Soviets before they were forced to capitulate in March of 1940. The Russians were equally brave but not as smart; they stormed well defended positions en mass and were mowed down by the hundreds. TALVISOTA brilliantly captures the horror and carnage of that war and all wars. Disturbing and depressing but also a gripping and deeply moving experience. Makes SAVING PRIVATE RYAN look like a walk in the park.

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more (31 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Talvisota (1989)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
inga svenska frivilliga fy fan! athol-murray
Extended TV version - release date confirmed! Giniristi
How are the Russians portrayed in this film? Boris T
Anyone know when the extended TV version is coming out on DVD? The_Khazi
SUOMI PERKELE! D-M-X
Do Finns Still hate Russians Because of what happened in the Winter War? VictorArakelian
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