Borders between countries are a logical idea, but in reality they are absurd, as there really isn't any real borders, just some pieces of land people have decided to guard after looking some maps saying "This is where it goes." "Raja 1918" is a story of an officer Von Munck (Martin Bahne), who is sent after the civil war of Finaland to the Finland/Russia border to enforce the border line. After the idealistic man arrives, he notices, that the people live at the both sides of the border river, crossing the bridge as they will, not caring on which side of the imaginary line they are. And after the Bolsheviks are starting to seize the full control of Russia, a horde of refugees appears to the border. Von Munck has to tighten his grip, but it soon comes evident, that he isn't just separating two countries, he is driving a wedge between families as well.
"Raja 1918" is well acted and mostly well directed film, with great settings and good atmosphere. Only major issue is, that the story is overly melodramatic, whit no happiness in sight. The subject matter is very heavy and there are moments, which try to soften the film, like the commander of Russian border line major Gentch (Leonid Mozgovoy), who offers some brief moments of comedy, as well more drama, to the story. But overall the doomed love story, the social issues and dividing of the nations is filled with a bit too much drama. Maybe the movie would have been a bit more enjoyable, if the love story plot would have been removed, as now it just adds more depression into already heavy film.
But overall "Raja 1918" is well made film. I wouldn't mind of seeing more quality projects like this coming from Finland.
"Raja 1918" is well acted and mostly well directed film, with great settings and good atmosphere. Only major issue is, that the story is overly melodramatic, whit no happiness in sight. The subject matter is very heavy and there are moments, which try to soften the film, like the commander of Russian border line major Gentch (Leonid Mozgovoy), who offers some brief moments of comedy, as well more drama, to the story. But overall the doomed love story, the social issues and dividing of the nations is filled with a bit too much drama. Maybe the movie would have been a bit more enjoyable, if the love story plot would have been removed, as now it just adds more depression into already heavy film.
But overall "Raja 1918" is well made film. I wouldn't mind of seeing more quality projects like this coming from Finland.