When Continuation War started in Summer 1941, German soldiers arrived to Oulu. With their charm they conquered women and town boys. Finnish boys communicated with them on many levels: had trades, worked as interpreters, rotated business, spied on German love adventures and fought with each other about the favor of soldiers. In autumn 1944, the war was ending. Germans left Oulu by leaving behind fragile relationships, bastard kids and unfinished businesses. The most shocking of all was the faith of young Jake...
Acting
Non-professional kids delivering devastating naturalism.
Direction
Niskanen's autobiographical precision, no melodrama.
Cinematography
Oulu's endless summer light vs. autumn dread.
Director
Mikko Niskanen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Niskanen was one of these boys—this is basically his childhood memoir with the names changed.
Finland's 'Lapland War' guilt is rarely depicted; this film was controversial for humanizing German collaborators instead of celebrating resistance.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
FI
