Silja - nuorena nukkunut (1956) User Reviews

The tragedy of a young woman

[Petey-10 · 9/10 · 1 October 2008]

Silja Salmelus is a young orphan girl living in the 1910's rural Finland.She is courted by some bachelors because Silja happens to be extraordinary beautiful.The simple farmhand wants her and a few others but she loses her heart to a young student called Armas who she meets while working for an old professor.In 1918 the Finnish Civil War breaks and Silja has problems with both the Reds and the Whites.Jack Witikka is the director of Silja-nuorena nukkunut (1956).It's based on F.E. Sillanpää's novel.I haven't read the book but I really should some day.The movie is very good.Heidi Silja Krohn is one good reason why it works.That's right, Heidi Krohn's second name is Silja.She was born to play the part of this tragic character and it is her best known role.The fantastic Jussi Jurkka plays Armas.The sympathetic Aku Korhonen is Rantoon Professori.Pentti Siimes, the master of both dramatic and comedic roles does the part of Honkkeli-Väinö.Tommi Rinne could also do both drama and comedy and he plays the part of Tonttilan Oskari.Kaarlo Halttunen plays Silja's father Salmeluksen Kustaa.Oke Tuuri is Amerikan Ville who tries to rape Silja in one dramatic scene.Pentti Irjala is Kierikan isäntä.Åke Lindman, the face of many Finnish movies plays Valkoisten komppanianpäällikkö.Sakari Jurkka is Rinne.Leo Riuttu is Pastori.Not only does the drama work in this movie but it's also a treat to watch the Finnish countryside.This movie is beautiful in many ways.