Framom främsta linjen (2004)

A story of the infantry regiment 61 that fought from Syväri to the Karelian Ishtmus.

Director:

Åke Lindman

Writers:

Stefan Forss (screenplay), Harry Järv (diary)

Stars:

Tobias Zilliacus, Ilkka Heiskanen, Christoffer Weiss

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tobias Zilliacus	...	Harry Järv
Ilkka Heiskanen	...	Lt.Col. Alpo Marttinen
Christoffer Weiss	...	Allan Finholm (as Christoffer Westerlund)
Kim Gustafsson	...	Björk
Martin Bahne	...	Lindblad
Carl-Gustaf Wentzel	...	Forss
Jan-Christian Söderholm	...	Klas Helèn
Sampo Sarkola	...	Kaustinen
Johan Rönneholm	...	Händig
Joachim Thibblin	...	Bertel Söderman
Oskar Silén	...	Lt. Mattas
Paavo Kerosuo
Patrick Henriksen	...	Rosenlöf
Peter Kanerva	...	Olof Fagerström
Jan Korander	...	Löfman

Storyline

A movie based on real wartime diaries tells the story of the Swedish speaking Finns' infantry regiment 61. The story follows the regiment during the Continuation War from 1942 to 1944 and from Syväri to the Karelian Isthmus where they faced some of the most grueling battles against the Soviet Union.

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Plot Keywords:

continuation war | based on journal | historical event | world war two | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Finland] Official site [Finland] (Swedish)

Country:

Finland

Language:

Swedish Finnish Russian

Release Date:

5 March 2004 (Finland)

Also Known As:

Beyond Enemy Lines

Filming Locations:

Vekarajärvi, Valkeala, Kouvola, Finland

Box Office

Budget:

€3,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Åke Lindman Film-Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into Etulinjan takana (2004)

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Soundtracks

Ilta Kannaksella
Written by Ester Seetri and Kerttu Mustonen
Performed by Tauno Eskola and Columbia Orchestra
Courtesy of Warner/Chappel Music Finland Oy

User Reviews

Insight into the Finnish role in WWII

Finland was the only country during world war two to fight both for the Axis and then later against it, alongside the Soviet Union.

This films focus is opening stages of the war which sees the Finns fighting with the Axis. That said, this film looks only at the conflict between the Finns and the Soviets. It accurately displays the Finns role as defenders attacked by the Soviets and their defense against a much larger enemy force.

This is an interesting, well acted film. It pulls no punches in showing the horrors of war and its easy to empathize with the Finns, whilst feeling sympathy for the men who die on both sides.

This film occasionally shows a patriotic side, especially in the latter half of the film. Thankfully, its not overdone and doesn't descend into jingoism. That said it is a little corny at times and some scenes of this kind might have been best left on the cutting room floor.

In summary this is a good quality film. Its polished and well directed. the sets are top notch and the battles scenes are convincing and at times, shocking. Its refreshing too, to see films that step outside the US/UK mold and for this reason alone, its worth a look. Seven out of ten from me.