It's a riddle to me why Tom of Finland isn't being released more widely around the world - it's a fascinating life story, and at the same time also a history of gay rights in Europe and America during the 20th century.
The movie is beautifully shot and there isn't a boring moment in it. It begins with the Winter War and World War Two, with Touko a.k.a. Tom's early sexual encounters in a park in Helsinki during an air raid. In that park, he meets his future life partner, but their encounter is interrupted by a police raid, as homosexuality was illegal in Finland (and most of the world) at this time.
The movie portrays the hardships Touko faces, as well as his success in the US. Parts of the movie are painful, other parts melancholic, but there is also joy and happiness. The actors did a great job - both Pekka Strang (Touko), Jessica Grabowsky (his sister) and Lauri Tilkanen (his partner). I hope to see more of them in the future.
Many scenes were shot in strong, dark, dream-like colours reminiscent of cartoons or animations, and the cinematography was excellent over all - it is well worth seeing this film at the cinema rather than just at home on your TV.
This is one of the few films I've considered watching more than once at the cinema. Highly recommended!
The movie is beautifully shot and there isn't a boring moment in it. It begins with the Winter War and World War Two, with Touko a.k.a. Tom's early sexual encounters in a park in Helsinki during an air raid. In that park, he meets his future life partner, but their encounter is interrupted by a police raid, as homosexuality was illegal in Finland (and most of the world) at this time.
The movie portrays the hardships Touko faces, as well as his success in the US. Parts of the movie are painful, other parts melancholic, but there is also joy and happiness. The actors did a great job - both Pekka Strang (Touko), Jessica Grabowsky (his sister) and Lauri Tilkanen (his partner). I hope to see more of them in the future.
Many scenes were shot in strong, dark, dream-like colours reminiscent of cartoons or animations, and the cinematography was excellent over all - it is well worth seeing this film at the cinema rather than just at home on your TV.
This is one of the few films I've considered watching more than once at the cinema. Highly recommended!