This movie has a somewhat strange atmosphere. Maybe it's the language or the type of families. Prosperous, highly educated people who try to look happier than they are. Finns can't avoid noticing the perfectly articulated language that makes the characters look somehow desperate. Sticking to the strict social code of the upper class, the people seem to be unable to really communicate.
The style of the movie is slightly melodramatic. It is actually quite rare to see a Finnish movie showing the life of 1930's from an upper class point of view. Although the movie concentrates on the love-hate relationships of two couples, including an old mother not willing to let her son live his own life with his wife. Passion is the key element. Passion between people who are not allowed to show it. I guess my mother would be familiar with these kind of issues, watching all those films based on Jane Austen's books.
This movie is partly based on reality. The book was a scandal in its time, as people couldn't help recognizing some of the characters. The story of this movie itself is supposed to be fictional anyway. How realistic it is, I can not say, but I was fascinated with it. I think the movie very well shows the effects of sexual energy hidden behind social code and the disasters caused by its bursts. All basic human emotions, like jealousy, are strictly kept inside, and at the time of revenge, you can see the bitter-sweetness of the situation.
Sounds like typical romantic trash? It is not, although the movie takes advantage of the clichés of the genre. The emotions created are strong but controversial, and personally I was surprised how much I liked the feeling. There is also something quite original in the movie.
But still, I can't quite see the point. Interesting, but somehow pointless. And very skilled indeed.
The style of the movie is slightly melodramatic. It is actually quite rare to see a Finnish movie showing the life of 1930's from an upper class point of view. Although the movie concentrates on the love-hate relationships of two couples, including an old mother not willing to let her son live his own life with his wife. Passion is the key element. Passion between people who are not allowed to show it. I guess my mother would be familiar with these kind of issues, watching all those films based on Jane Austen's books.
This movie is partly based on reality. The book was a scandal in its time, as people couldn't help recognizing some of the characters. The story of this movie itself is supposed to be fictional anyway. How realistic it is, I can not say, but I was fascinated with it. I think the movie very well shows the effects of sexual energy hidden behind social code and the disasters caused by its bursts. All basic human emotions, like jealousy, are strictly kept inside, and at the time of revenge, you can see the bitter-sweetness of the situation.
Sounds like typical romantic trash? It is not, although the movie takes advantage of the clichés of the genre. The emotions created are strong but controversial, and personally I was surprised how much I liked the feeling. There is also something quite original in the movie.
But still, I can't quite see the point. Interesting, but somehow pointless. And very skilled indeed.
