Watch Road North
- 2012
- 1 hr 48 min
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6.4 (2,265)
Road North is a Finnish drama film directed by Mika Kaurismäki and released in 2012. The movie primarily follows the story of an estranged father and son who embark on a road trip together. The father is played by Vesa-Matti Loiri, while the son is played by Samuli Edelmann. The film takes place in Finland and tells the story of Törmänen (Loiri), an aging artist who has grown estranged from his son, Janne (Edelmann). Janne is a successful businessman who is married to his job and has little time for his father. Despite the distance between them, when Janne learns that his father has cancer, he decides to make amends by joining him on a road trip from Helsinki to northern Lapland.
The two men set out on their journey in Törmänen's old Cadillac, and almost immediately, they find themselves bickering and arguing. Törmänen is stubborn and set in his ways, while Janne is impatient and easily frustrated. However, as the journey progresses, the two men begin to open up to one another, and their relationship begins to heal.
Along the way, Törmänen reconnects with an old flame, while Janne struggles to maintain his relationship with his wife back home. The film also touches on themes of mortality, as Törmänen faces his own mortality and reflects on his life as an artist.
One of the most striking features of the film is its beautiful cinematography. As the two men travel through Finland, they are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural scenery. The film captures the beauty of the Finnish countryside in a way that is both immersive and emotional.
The performances in the film are also exceptional. Vesa-Matti Loiri delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Törmänen, capturing the character's stubbornness and vulnerability with grace and authenticity. Samuli Edelmann is equally impressive as Janne, conveying the character's inner turmoil with subtle emotion and depth.
In addition to Loiri and Edelmann, the film features a strong supporting cast, including Leena Uotila as Törmänen's former flame, and Mari Perankoski as Janne's wife. The performances are all grounded in a sense of realism, and the characters feel multi-dimensional and fully realized.
Overall, Road North is a touching and poignant drama that explores the complexities of familial relationships and the journey of self-discovery. With strong performances, stunning cinematography, and a heartfelt story, it is a film that is sure to resonate with audiences both in Finland and around the world.
Road North is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.