Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Eero Aho | ... | Rokka | |
Johannes Holopainen | ... | Kariluoto | |
Jussi Vatanen | ... | Koskela | |
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Aku Hirviniemi | ... | Hietanen |
Hannes Suominen | ... | Vanhala | |
Arttu Kapulainen | ... | Susi | |
Paula Vesala | ... | Lyyti | |
Samuel Vauramo | ... | Lammio | |
Joonas Saartamo | ... | Lahtinen | |
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Juho Milonoff | ... | Honkajoki |
Andrei Alén | ... | Rahikainen | |
Matti Ristinen | ... | Sarastie | |
Diana Pozharskaya | ... | Vera | |
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Max Ovaska | ... | Määttä |
Vincent Willestrand | ... | Sihvonen (as Kimi Vilkkula) |
June, 1941: Trapped between two repressive regimes, Finland has little choice but to ally itself with Nazi Germany against its traditional foe - although it manages to remain a democracy throughout. Virtually unknown in the WW ll arena, a brutal war against Soviet occupation takes place in the Far North. As the men of a Finnish infantry unit march through the forests of Karelia to regain territory lost to Russia in the Winter War of 1939, each of them soon realizes the horror and pointlessness of war. Except for their officers, more concerned about medals and personal glory than the lives of their men. A diverse group of men, all at odds with how they see themselves, each other, and the common cause - yet they are strengthened by a growing bond of camaraderie to each other and their loved ones. After huge personal sacrifice and a prolonged trench war, the outcome is inevitable, ending with a ceasefire in September 1944. Written by Beta Film GmbH
First of all, this movie might not be for everybody. There are no super heroes, no super villains, no glorifying the war; it's a movie about the war between Finland and USSR that took place some 70+ years ago (resulting over 300 000 dead).
The film is a little slow paced, so if you're into Rambo and that sort of stuff, don't bother. If you don't know anything about the history between these two countries, it might feel a bit long-winded and boring. In order to get the most out of it, I suggest you to take a look at "Winter" and "Continuation War" in Wikipedia for example.
Special effects, acting, directing, music were all good and on par with bigger productions. Compared to the two previous versions of the same movie, this one has a darker tone to it and is a little bit "less national" which, in my opinion, is a good thing.
It's not the best movie I ever saw, but a good solid 8 out of 10.