Pikku Pietarin piha (1961) User Reviews

Nostalgia in a Finnish way.

[Petey-10 · 9/10 · 7 August 2007]

The 12-year old Pietari Jormalainen talks to God about his mother he has recently lost.He lives in a 1920's environment with wooden houses and fine personalities.One day he gets a new mother called Karoliina.Pikku Pietarin piha (1961) is directed by Jack Witikka.It's based on Aapeli's novel.The author himself gives the voice to God.Tuukka Tanner makes a perfect child actor to play Pietari.Leevi Kuuranne plays his father who sells goods at the market place.Elsa Turakainen is great as Karoliina.Heikki Savolainen is marvelous as Photographer Toivakka.Leo Jokela (Vennu Harakka) and Tea Ista (Vetterantin Klory) make a great couple.It's awfully funny to watch them go out on a date with a bunch of kids following.Pentti Irjala is fantastic as Caretaker Harakka with his harsh wisdoms to the kids.Other great actors include Kaarlo Halttunen (Clocksmith), Irma Seikkula (Clocksmith's wife), Pia Hattara (Vetterantin Torotea), Hannes Häyrinen (Manager Palkeinen),Saara Ranin (Vetteranska) and Leo Riuttu (Friman).Pikku Pietarin piha moves smoothly from touching to funny.It shows us Finland as it used to be.Now the yards have quiet down and the kids don't play there anymore.