Tuntematon sotilas (2017)

A film adaptation of Väinö Linna's best selling novel The Unknown Soldier (1954) and the novel's unedited manuscript version, Sotaromaani.

Director:

Aku Louhimies

Writers:

Väinö Linna (novels), Aku Louhimies (screenplay)

Stars:

Eero Aho, Johannes Holopainen, Jussi Vatanen

5 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Eero Aho	...	Rokka
Johannes Holopainen	...	Kariluoto
Jussi Vatanen	...	Koskela
Aku Hirviniemi	...	Hietanen
Hannes Suominen	...	Vanhala
Arttu Kapulainen	...	Susi
Paula Vesala	...	Lyyti
Samuel Vauramo	...	Lammio
Joonas Saartamo	...	Lahtinen
Juho Milonoff	...	Honkajoki
Andrei Alen	...	Rahikainen (as Andrei Alén)
Matti Ristinen	...	Sarastie
Diana Pozharskaya	...	Vera
Max Ovaska	...	Määttä
Kimi Vilkkula	...	Sihvonen

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

finnish soldier | continuation war | world war two | based on novel | 1940s | 

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Taglines:

Finland, behold, thy daylight now is dawning.

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Did You Know?

Trivia

An extra was tragically killed in an accident when a scene with horses was filmed. The actual footage can also be seen on film. Horses got wild due to explosions on the set and the extra was crushed under a horse carriage.

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Goofs

After the wedding everyone walks out from the church. One woman in brown coat seems to have a foot injury, but the blue support around the foot looks very modern.

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Alternate Versions

There are three distinct versions of this film: Finnish version (180 minutes), international version (167 minutes) and miniseries version (271 minutes).

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Connections

Version of Tuntematon sotilas (1955)

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Soundtracks

Tankki/Approaching The Tank
Written by Lasse Enersen

User Reviews

Powerful

A powerful movie of a powerful story with many lawyers. Authentic, illustrating the pain and brokenness that resulted from the "all or nothing" war. A visually compelling movie about people, about love of your country, and about the love of your family. Heroes, like my grandparents, deserve movies like this that keep remembering the full story.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Instagram for Unknown Soldier Official site [Japan]

Country:

Finland Belgium Iceland

Language:

Finnish

Release Date:

27 October 2017 (Finland)

Also Known As:

The Unknown Soldier

Filming Locations:

Pahkajärvi, Valkeala, Kouvola, Finland

Box Office

Budget:

EUR7,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$15,717,199

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elokuvaosakeyhtiö Suomi 2017, Kvikmyndafélag Íslands, Scope Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min 135 min (international) 235 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Atmos

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1