Sillankorvan emäntä (1953) User Reviews

The remarkable Helge Herala

[Petey-10 · 9/10 · 3 March 2010]

Mailiisa Sillankorva is now a widow.Savelan Eetu would want her to be his wife, but she wants Hallan Jaakko to take her.But he soon finds her daughter, Johanna, more attractive.Sillankorvan Emäntä (1953) is the last movie directed by Ilmari Unho.He made 26 movies but then Suomi-Filmi let him go.The movie was originally a play written by Hilja Kilpi in 1915.This is a very good melodrama with a great cast.Let's start with Helge Herala, who does a fantastic job as the man who's adored by two women.Yesterday we heard sad news that Mr. Herala, or Heguli as he was known by many, passed away last Saturday (Feb 27).I was very saddened by the news, even though he was an old man, 87 years old and both of his legs had been amputated due to diabetes.But he seemed like a very positive man filled with joy of life.The last years of his life Helge spent with his wife Marja Korhonen in a sheltered accommodation.Heguli was loved and adored by so many people and he will be dearly missed.Elina Pohjanpää is wonderful as Johanna Sillankorva.Helena Futtari is terrific as the mother.Aku Korhonen as Savelan Eetu is quite amusing with his wooing attempts.He won a Jussi for Best Supporting Actor and he really deserved it.Anni Aitto does a great job as Kreeta.Salli Karuna is very good as Anttilan Anni, seamstress and Johanna's aunt.Tommi Rinne is excellent as Paavo the farmhand.Arvo Lehesmaa is great as Jaakko's father.In an uncredited role we see Uljas Kandolin as Janne, Johanna's father.He does a fine job.It's a nice moment when Jaakko and Johanna meet each other for the first time in a long time in a cemetery.He makes her drop the bucket in the well and, as a gentleman, he lifts it up.The first seed is planted for their beautiful love story.For old Finnish movie lovers I truly recommend this movie.It shows the talent of the remarkable Helge Herala.