xaggurat
The screenplay of this movie was based on a novel by Kata Kärkkäinen, former Playboy model who was accepted to the Finnish Mensa society last year (2006). This would mean that Kata's IQ must be at least 131. I've never read the novel but I watched the film from the television, and must say that it was a terrible, torturing way to spend 100 or so minutes (with commercials) of my life. Perhaps there's something wrong with the screenplay or directing, but Kata's high IQ doesn't show in this movie.At the turn of the century there was a national hype about the new golden era in the Finnish movie-making. I strongly feel that the promise was not delivered. Actually, anything they made back in 20th century is far better than Minä ja Morrison.Finland isn't much more melancholic compared to Sweden, but as a Finn I must admit that the level of quality in film production is much better in Sweden, although lately I've seen evidence of their descent as well. After all chance of having another Ingmar Bergman is low. Which is sad.
P.S. Paaskynen
I have to disagree with some of the other commentators in that this film is not a realistic depiction of life or romance for the majority of Finns. The director Selin is seeking to glorify the low life and the emotional wasteland of certain individuals on the edge of Finnish society. These "restless" young people are depicted as leading a life (mostly) without work, spending their time smoking, drinking enormous quantities of alcohol and having sex left and right and using drugs as well. Needless to say that this is not the way of life of the average Finnish youth. However, depicting sex, drugs and rock and roll brings in the public and thus the money.Almost all characters in this film are negative and the apparent love between the protagonists cannot redeem them as it is merely a form of escapism. The only one who stands out as a ray of hope for the future is the child Joonas (a very good performance).The film itself was declared the best Finnish film of 2001, and the leading actress Irina Björklund received a film prize for her performance, while the love song featured in the film (Milla by Anssi Kela) became a big hit in Finland.
Andy Ash
A nice little movie about relationships.Good actor performances except for Eva Röse. Her character comes out totally without depth. She looks nice though, but the movie benefits from the fact that she's not appearing in too many scenes.If you want to see something that totally deviate from the Hollywood Plastic-Fantastic formula, this movie gives a fairly accurate picture of life in Finland. Worth taking the time to see it...
stensson
Irina Björklund is very good in this Finnish picture, which although has its weaknesses. Its too clever in telling a great passion story. The people are too "real", too "uncompromising", too "brave". They are too much emotionally correct, so to say. It is also too obvious that we ought to like them and their feeling without reluctance.It would be more interesting to see a film from the Nordic countries where the people are heroes because the DON'T dare, but seem to cope with their lives anyway, as good as it is possible