Talvisota (1989)

Set during World War 2. After the Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Russia invaded Finland in November 1939. Finnish reservists leave their homes and go to war. The film ... See full summary »

Director:

Pekka Parikka

Writers:

Pekka Parikka, Antti Tuuri (novel),

Stars:

Taneli Mäkelä, Vesa Vierikko, Timo Torikka

7 wins & 1 nomination.

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

Storyline

Set during World War 2. After the Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Russia invaded Finland in November 1939. Finnish reservists leave their homes and go to war. The film focuses on two farmers from the municipality of Kauhava in the province of Pohjanmaa/Ostrobothnia, brothers Martti and Paavo Hakala, serving in a Finnish platoon.

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Plot Keywords:

farmer | finland | russia | platoon | bombing | 

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Taglines:

They held back the Russian Juggernaut in a frozen Hell!

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site (in Finnish)

Country:

Finland

Language:

Finnish

Release Date:

December 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Vinterkriget

Filming Locations:

Haapamäki, Finland

Box Office

Budget:

FIM 23,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

National Filmi Oy

Technical Specs

Runtime:

195 min 125 min (cut) 265 min (miniseries)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The tanks used are original Soviet T-26, captured by the Finns during the Winter War or Continuation War (1941-44) and then serving as a backbone of the Finnish tank forces. Several are in driving conditions in the Finnish museum.

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Goofs

During the battle of Äyräpää, some attacking Russian soldiers can be seen wielding modern assault rifles.

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Quotes

Vilho Erkkilä: They use explosive bullets! That's forbidden!
Arvi Huhtala: Go tell them it is.

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Connections

Featured in Matka suomalaiseen elokuvaan: Muistoja sodasta (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Luutnantti Haaviston teema"
Composed by Jukka Haavisto

User Reviews

An unknown gem--one of the most powerful war films ever made.

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.