Sujut was shown on Finnish TV just a few days ago, and before the movie, there was an interview of Eeva Litmanen, an actress having played the role of the female lead actress of the movie. It was one of the early roles for Litmanen, and it is natural that she finds many things to criticize about the movie. However I found it very strange, when she called the movie naive. I find it very intentional.
Basically, this is a story of a man, who tries to set himself outside the society. Instead of escaping in the large forest and hiding from the police, he decides to make it clear that he is "even" with the state and has no obligations to the army. In the middle of the World War II, when the Finnish army was just about to collapse, this is something of a brave thing to do. Or is it? Obviously, not everybody finds it very brave. It is important to notice, that although Ojala has a reason to leave the army, being left on the enemy's side and shot at by own troops, he merely uses it as an excuse. It is impossible to believe that a man originally described as a good, responsible soldier loyal to his country would suddenly completely change his mind just because of a couple of incompetent fellow soldiers. No, this movie has more to offer.
It is obvious that the Vietnam war had an effect on the movie. Many, especially leftist, people made the war an issue. In the movie, the war is between the communist Soviet Union and Finland, supported by Nazi Germany. And the hero of the movie decides to run away from the Finnish army... It is clear that the movie is somewhat propaganda.
On the other hand, a larger perspective can be taken. The movie does not have to be seen as a product of the 70's leftist movement. The history has shown us that maybe the most dangerous situations are created, when nobody dares to disagree. And for Ojala, it doesn't seem to be the most important thing to place himself outside the society, but to show it. He is ready to pay the price and is not afraid of shame or prison. Maybe he is no hero in the war, but he sure shows some braveness that could have prevented the war from starting.
Basically I admit the movie is quite political, but I can't help personally enjoying it as art. I don't have much to complain.
Basically, this is a story of a man, who tries to set himself outside the society. Instead of escaping in the large forest and hiding from the police, he decides to make it clear that he is "even" with the state and has no obligations to the army. In the middle of the World War II, when the Finnish army was just about to collapse, this is something of a brave thing to do. Or is it? Obviously, not everybody finds it very brave. It is important to notice, that although Ojala has a reason to leave the army, being left on the enemy's side and shot at by own troops, he merely uses it as an excuse. It is impossible to believe that a man originally described as a good, responsible soldier loyal to his country would suddenly completely change his mind just because of a couple of incompetent fellow soldiers. No, this movie has more to offer.
It is obvious that the Vietnam war had an effect on the movie. Many, especially leftist, people made the war an issue. In the movie, the war is between the communist Soviet Union and Finland, supported by Nazi Germany. And the hero of the movie decides to run away from the Finnish army... It is clear that the movie is somewhat propaganda.
On the other hand, a larger perspective can be taken. The movie does not have to be seen as a product of the 70's leftist movement. The history has shown us that maybe the most dangerous situations are created, when nobody dares to disagree. And for Ojala, it doesn't seem to be the most important thing to place himself outside the society, but to show it. He is ready to pay the price and is not afraid of shame or prison. Maybe he is no hero in the war, but he sure shows some braveness that could have prevented the war from starting.
Basically I admit the movie is quite political, but I can't help personally enjoying it as art. I don't have much to complain.
