Postia pappi Jaakobille

If you want to see cinematographic art, see this movie. I won't tell the plot. This is something you can find on other sites. The movie is moving and deeply thoughtful while being light and entertaining. A reflection on today's world without being schoolmarmish. It is comparable to Whale Rider in the storytelling. And it is beautifully photographed as well. There are scenes where just the movement of the birch tree leaves by the wind are shown and they themselves tell a story. A must see. I hope it will be shown in many countries. I have seen it at the Vancouver International Film Festival. It didn't win, unfortunately. Well done Finland. I hope to see more from this director and crew.

Very simple story, Leila (Hazard) gets pardoned from jail and gets a simple job and a roof over her head by working for the blind Father Jaakob (Nousiainen). The job is very simple. All she has to do is take care of him which isn't much and help him with his favorite past time which is read and write letters that come to him.

Quickly you learn to love father Jaakob and understand he is just as human as everyone else is. Right off the bat we understand that there is some type of anger stored inside of Leila's head while we also wonder how she made it to jail in the first place. She also seems to neglect every time Jaakob offers some words of wisdom.

The only other supporting character that we see throughout the 75 minute film is the postman (Keinonen). He has seemed to of developed a close relationship with father Jaakob over the years and loves seeing Jaakob's face light up when he delivers the mail. Of course Leila doesn't seem to be to happy with the man on the bike.

It's a simple film. It is much like the simpleness of The Bycycle Thief as of both movies will keep you intrigued throughout the whole film.

Very enjoyable. My rating 8.5/10 or A-

Careful, finely-honed directing by Klaus Härö features wonderful performances by Heikki Nousiainen and Kaarina Hazard. Brilliant casting. Small, tiny, luminous inventions are everywhere; nothing is heavy-handed. The story, first written by Jaana Makkonen, is austere, moving; the film ends just where it needs to in order for the story resonate. In any other person's hands besides Härö's, the result could have been disastrous. Why? Because the story does not appear to be overtly exceptional; and the visuals of the film need to be composed with the actors in natural, country surroundings and among existing buildings and a church. Härö, a cinematic poet, transmutes the physical materials he has on hand into gold. See this film if you dislike badly made movies and yearn for outstanding quality.

first word - touching. but it is only a small suggestion. in fact, it is a kind of poem. puzzle of precise art to give to each piece not only importance but soul. it is beautiful but not the beauty is important. Kaarina Hazard, who remembers by Restituta Kafka, in an extraordinary role, mixture of force and storm of feelings, Heikki Nousiainen as priest who gives the light of Orthodoxy - delicate scene in church - in skin of Protestantism, Jukka Keinonen as postman - fragile, naive, full of fear. and the letters as axis of story. it is a gem. or an ice castle because, for director and viewer, the risk is same - to fall. but the gift is the subtle joy. that is basis for my invitation to see it. because it has potential of experience. because, like each good movie, it is a window - mirror. and because the faith has strange power to change a life.

Now here is a movie that everybody should see. A sad story, though not sentimental. The optimistic ending leaves you in a comfortable feeling that even the worst situation can turn to better.

The Finnish landscape is beautifully pictured. Postcard like sceneries. Two brilliant actors, the directing is what you may expect from Härö: simply brilliant, as true as life.

The filmmakers have shared a very strong trust in humanity. The most warmhearted priest meets a woman whose fate has been to suffer a jail sentence that should never have been judged.

Do yourself a favor, watch this film.