Kaksipäisen kotkan varjossa

This was one of The Best movies I've ever seen made by T.Koivusalo! It really could've been a true story of many minor cities during the Russian wanna-have-Finland -invasion. And how many of our grandparents have experienced these situations. Casting was just perfect! Leppilampi was convincing with all the other actors! Can't find any bad words about this movie. I've never cried so much watching a Finnish movie before. And songs were really supportive to the story! With such beautiful voices and orchestra connecting the songs together within the story! Just excellent!!! Anyone who is interested about the resent history should see this movie!

This movie does not offer great cinematography or breathtaking special effects. But it does offer echoes from more innocent times. It is a simple love story, one that has been told many times and will be told many more times. It happens in the beginning of the 20th century, when Nicholas II tried to tie Finland tighter to Russia. The story doesn't go deep in the historical facts, but it is accurate.

The songs are quite good, in a musical sort of way. The singers are good too. Vesa-Matti Loiri and Anneli Saaristo do their own singing, of course, and Nina Tapio does Ella's singing.

This movie is an old-fashioned musical, where the fairytale feeling is more important than realism. Don't be too critical and you'll find that it gives you a warm feeling, even moves you.