Watch The Unknown Soldier

The Unknown Soldier is a war drama film that tells the story of a Finnish infantry unit during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union. Released in 1985, it is based on the novel of the same name by Väinö Linna, which is considered a classic of Finnish literature. The movie was directed by Rauni Mollberg and stars Risto Tuorila, Pirkka-Pekka Petelius, and Paavo Liski.

The movie begins with the outbreak of the Continuation War in the summer of 1941. A group of Finnish soldiers is sent to the Karelian Isthmus, where they face the harsh realities of war. The soldiers are mostly young and inexperienced, and they struggle to adapt to the brutal conditions of the front. The main character of the movie is Private Martti Hakala (played by Risto Tuorila), a young man who is forced to leave his pregnant wife behind and join the war effort.

As the war progresses, the soldiers go through a series of battles and retreats, facing heavy losses and enduring terrible hardships. They are constantly under attack from the Soviet army, which has superior numbers and firepower. The soldiers often find themselves in hopeless situations, with little hope of survival.

Throughout the movie, the soldiers struggle with questions of patriotism, duty, and morality. They have to confront the realities of war, which include not only death and destruction, but also the betrayal of comrades, the mistreatment of civilians, and the loss of their own humanity. The movie does not shy away from the horrors of war, showing scenes of violence, blood, and mutilation. However, it also portrays moments of camaraderie, courage, and hope, which help the soldiers to endure the hardships of battle.

One of the key themes of the movie is the futility of war. The soldiers are fighting for a cause that they do not fully understand, and they are often puzzled by the decisions of their superiors. They are not fighting a heroic battle for freedom and justice, but rather a cruel and pointless conflict that has no winners or losers. The soldiers are caught in a vicious cycle of violence, where every victory is followed by a defeat, and every defeat by a new battle. The movie suggests that war is a tragedy that can only bring death and suffering, and that the only way to end it is through peace and reconciliation.

The Unknown Soldier is a visually stunning movie, with impressive battle scenes and realistic depictions of the Finnish countryside. The movie has a somber and melancholic tone, reflecting the grim reality of war. However, it also has moments of humor and irony, which lighten the mood and provide a contrast to the dark themes of the movie.

The performances of the actors are excellent, particularly Risto Tuorila who delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Private Hakala. The supporting cast is also strong, with Pirkka-Pekka Petelius and Paavo Liski providing memorable performances as other soldiers in the unit.

Overall, The Unknown Soldier is a masterpiece of Finnish cinema, and a powerful testament to the human cost of war. It is a movie that deserves to be seen by anyone who wants to understand the realities of conflict, and the sacrifices that soldiers make in the service of their country. While the movie is specific to the Finnish experience of war, its themes are universal, and its message is timeless.