This story takes place in Finland during 1949-1965.It tells about singer-songwriters Tapio Rautavaara and Repe Helismaa.And sure Esa Pakarinen has some role in the story, too.Kulkuri ja Joutsen (1999) is directed by Timo Koivusalo.This was his debut as a director, and before this he was mainly known as the comical character Pekko Aikamiespoika.Like the Rillumarei movies, also his movies have lacked the critical success.There are some really good actors in this movie.Tapio Liinoja plays Tapio Rautavaara while Martti Suosalo is Reino Helismaa.Heikki Nousiainen is Esa Pakarinen.Pertti Koivula plays the part of Kauko Toivonen.Anna Haarala is Repe's wife Lempi.Heidi Herala plays Tapsa's wife Liisa.Her mother Marja Korhonen plays Kreeta of Kallo.This is he last movie the ailing actress has done.Martti Katajisto gives his last performance as T.J. Särkkä.Ari Wirta plays Masa Niemi.Matti Mäntylä is Toivo Kärki.Raimo Grönberg plays Olavi Virta.Ilkka Koivula portrays Jorma Ikävalko.Tuija Piepponen is Siiri Angerkoski.Kai Lehtinen is Lj Liimatainen.Esko Nikkari is Veikko.Maritta Viitamäki is Mimmi.Juha Laitila plays Teukka.Taneli Rinne is Civil Servant.Kalevi Haapoja is Constable.Aarre Karén is Doctor.Risto Salmi is Ironmonger.Antti Majanlahti and Mika Nuojua are soldiers.Kalle Wallin is seen as Lasse Pöysti.The movie won a Jussi award for Best Actor (Martti Suosalo), and a well deserved one.It tells the story of these Finnish legends truthfully.You find it most amusing how Repe makes those unbelievable rhymes.And it's touching when Esa finds his friend Masa lying dead on the bed.Watch this movie if you want to learn something about Finnish cultural history.
Review of Kulkuri ja joutsen
