rochesternypizzaguy I'm assuming that the reader's idea of a great movie does not necessarily include explosions, gunfire or sex. Those can be part of a good movie, but you won't find them here. This is literally a quiet movie that has to be judged on its own terms. In that context, this is a terrific movie. The story is simple but well told and well acted. It's moving without being maudlin or syrupy. Straightforward yet emotionally involving. It's about forgiveness, redemption, and purpose in life, as worked out by a most odd couple, an aged blind priest and an ex-con who did time for murder. So within its limited parameters, I found it a beautiful film. My only complaint relates to the ending, which was rather contrived. I don't want to add a spoiler, but I thought the ending could've been drawn out a bit longer and been more convincing and effective. Watch it - and do watch it, if it sounds even remotely appealing - and I think you'll see what I mean.

TheCinemaMan Stumbled on this gem somehow. As others have already noted, beautifully photographed. A tricky job of balancing everything to stay on point, not fall into melodrama, and present a meaningful story. There were a couple of flaws. Biggest flaws the easy predictability in a key scene. Second biggest flaw is why the letters stopped coming. There is, of course, a key scene that might explain this but the suddenness catches the view off guard. Actors did a superb job and music choices were spot on. Contrary to other views, the length, give the material, was about right. The only alteration might have been more/different letters but the point was made. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it even though it's been out for a while.

Furuya Shiro Lutheran church is the national religion in Finland. As a Lutheran, I was interested in this movie, which is set at a church in Finland. I think the main theme of the movie is the concept of love in Corinthian I chapter 13, which the pastor recites in preparation of a wedding ceremony: If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. *snip* And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. The ending is surprising and moving. Brightness and darkness of light, rain and cloud, are effectively used in the impressive cinematography, typical in North European movies. The high rate in IMDb is no question.However, when I saw the movie, I couldn't simply be moved to tears. There are many questions in this movie, and I couldn't help thinking about them. In fact, it makes you think too much. Let me take an example from the 'storyline' on IMDb: Father Jacob spends his days answering the letters of the needy. Indeed, letters come every day. But Father Jacob does not look like a famous pastor known over the country. His church is almost forgotten by the villagers. How come many letters come to the pastor from over the country asking his advice and prayer? There are many other points that made me think about. But I can't write here to avoid spoilers. Anyhow, although the run time is short, this movie requires longer time to assimilate it.

Jaakko Kanniainen I've seen lots and lots of Finnish movies, but this was the best one of them. It went straight to my top 10 movies. It lasts only a little over an hour, but still I think it's the most important film Finnish have done. I loved everything in this clip, and I think you will too, at least the ones who like to watch art movies. I ain't going to tell about the movies plot, 'cause all of you should definitely see this great piece of art. I want to thank the idealist behind all of this, Jaana Makkonen, and also the scriptwriter, Klaus Härö. You've both done something that is going to be part of our culture, and a way of understanding all over the world.