This is the first of two films based on Linnas trilogy "Here Beneath the Northern Star" (1959-62). The second film is called "Akseli ja Elina". Linna has described the living of Koskela family through the generations in a rural society in ca. 1880-1950. Laine hasn't used much of his imagination filming the novel so the film can be seen as a series of incidents happened in the novel. There are lots of theatretical mannerisms what comes to acting. A very big part of the main actors of the time are included.
The accidents are situated in Urjala, near Tampere. Jussi Koskela is a hardworking crofter, a real stereotype of Finnish farmer of the time in Finnish idealistic literature. His son Akseli joins the local labour movement which criticizes the local land owners. After Finland gains its independence in December 1917 the opposite situation become crucial and the national incidents drift country towards Civil War. Akseli and the other men from the village are with the red troops against the white army troops of government. This film ends in 1918/19 when the main character Akseli Koskela is released from white army's camp after being prisoned for a some time.
Because of their realistic view, particularly the novels faced lots of criticism when they were published. Because they treated a painful subject, civil war, the author is often described as a national therapist and (with another fine novel, "Unknown Soldier") has a reputation of a national author. Despite the main character represents a worker, there are also some descriptions about life of other classes in the village (like the vicar). The film is a fine description of how a little society reflected the national incidents, despite the film lacks some of the principles of modern film making.
The accidents are situated in Urjala, near Tampere. Jussi Koskela is a hardworking crofter, a real stereotype of Finnish farmer of the time in Finnish idealistic literature. His son Akseli joins the local labour movement which criticizes the local land owners. After Finland gains its independence in December 1917 the opposite situation become crucial and the national incidents drift country towards Civil War. Akseli and the other men from the village are with the red troops against the white army troops of government. This film ends in 1918/19 when the main character Akseli Koskela is released from white army's camp after being prisoned for a some time.
Because of their realistic view, particularly the novels faced lots of criticism when they were published. Because they treated a painful subject, civil war, the author is often described as a national therapist and (with another fine novel, "Unknown Soldier") has a reputation of a national author. Despite the main character represents a worker, there are also some descriptions about life of other classes in the village (like the vicar). The film is a fine description of how a little society reflected the national incidents, despite the film lacks some of the principles of modern film making.