Pelikaanimies (2004)

Wanting to know the ways of people, a pelican turns into a gawky young man who soon learns to speak, thanks to his outstanding talent in imitation. He befriends Emil and Elsa, two children ... See full summary »

Director:

Liisa Helminen

Writers:

Liisa Helminen (screenplay), William Aldridge (screenplay)

Stars:

Kari Ketonen, Roni Haarakangas, Inka Nuorgam

7 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kari Ketonen	...	Pelicanman
Roni Haarakangas	...	Emil
Inka Nuorgam	...	Elsa
Jonna Järnefelt	...	Landlady
Liisa Kuoppamäki	...	Mother
Tommi Raitolehto	...	Father
Anu Viheriäranta	...	Helena ballerina
Ismo Kallio	...	Doorman
Heikki Kinnunen	...	Postman
Jussi Lampi	...	Stage manager
Kristiina Elstelä	...	Lottery tickets seller
Seppo Pääkkönen	...	Zookeeper 1
Antti Pääkkönen	...	Zookeeper 2
Anu Komsi	...	Diva
Björn Andrésen	...	Pianist

Storyline

Wanting to know the ways of people, a pelican turns into a gawky young man who soon learns to speak, thanks to his outstanding talent in imitation. He befriends Emil and Elsa, two children who--unlike adults--see that their new neighbor "Mr Berd" is not human but a big bird wearing a suit. The Pelican Man lands a job at the opera and falls in love with a pretty ballerina, looking so much like a bird herself. Troubles start when adults too find out about "Mr Berd's" ornithological origin.

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Plot Keywords:

pelican | opera | imitation | ballerina | f rated | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Family | Fantasy

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Site [Finland] (Finnish, Swedish, English)

Country:

Finland

Language:

Finnish English Swedish

Release Date:

17 December 2004 (Finland)

Also Known As:

Pelicanman

Filming Locations:

Kallio, Helsinki, Finland

Box Office

Budget:

€2,200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lumifilm Oy, Migma Film AB, Svenska Filminstitutet (SFI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Pieni rakkaustarina (2004)

User Reviews

lovely little film

This film is pleasant for kids. It's a fantastic story that small kids easily can relate to. I saw the film with my grandchildren and they just loved it. Few film allow young kids into the story without being stupid and "childish", but this one works just fine. The story of a Pelican appearing as a man sounds strange but the fantasy becomes reality and the Pelicanman survives by imitating people and by that he shows hoe shallow human life can be. Maybe not so surprising for grownups but just great for kids. They do see us that way. The film is well done and the dialog is subtle, concentrated and fully acceptable for kids. When I saw the film not even one kid left the room for a visit at the rest rooms and the almost full cinema was not disturbed by whispers (nor cry). If you have kids, your own or others, don't hesitate; see this film!