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.

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.

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.

This superlative film from Finland shows, better than most, how to tell a story with few words. The director, Klaus Haro, definitely shows the same skill with visual story-telling as that consummate master, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, famous most recently for Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2011).

The plot is simple: a youngish woman, Leila (Kaarina Hazard) is released from a life sentence in prison to take up a job as a personal assistant to a blind priest, Pastor Jacob (Heikki Nousiainen) out in the boondocks. Leila settles in, reading the pastor's letters from supplicants and writing necessary replies. Leila is not happy though; she resists Jacob's attempts at friendship; she avoids helping in other matters; she remains aloof, uncaring, unsatisfied. Until, one day, she notices that the postman fails to bring more letters for Jacob, and Leila discovers that things are never quite what they seem to be.

The underlying story is complex, lyrical, philosophical, and ultimately heart-warming without being sentimental. The acting is simply perfect for the context: Kaarina Hazard, with a large bone structure, deep frowning face and brusque manner is every bit the ex-con and depressive personality – but why was she serving a life sentence? Why was she released? And why was she sent to the pastor, of all places?

As the pastor, Heikki Nousiainen, is equally adept at portraying a gentle sage near life's end, supremely faithful to his god, forever upbeat and friendly, always with a gentle word for all, even for those who despise him, as Leila seems to do, at first. Dialog is sparse. Often, all that is needed is a quick look, a glance, a sigh, a slight groan of disquiet, as the two get to know each other and while the days meld into a seamless, almost timeless stasis with the gorgeous Finnish forests. Some comic relief is provided by the wary attitude of the postman towards Leila, as he brings the letters for Pastor Jacob.

The sound track – mostly piano – is muted and fits the overall mood. We see the wind in the forest, and hear the river water. But, more than that, we hear the silence, particularly when the two sit, contemplating each other and their inner selves. The rain falls, the water drips through the ceiling into pots or buckets, and life must go on. Even for the Leila's of the world...

It's a credit to the script writer and director that I was never squirming in my seat eager for something to happen. In fact, that never impinged upon my involvement with the unfolding story: so that's perfect pacing for me. My only criticism, though, is that story lacks true believability: it's possible, yes, but highly improbable in real life.

No story is ever perfect, however. This one, though, comes close by promising nothing up front; and then, with a denouement that arrives like a meteor, it rips away any comfortable sang-froid to show us that, if you're prepared to dig deep within, you will indeed find promises to keep.

Highly recommended for all adults, young and old. Eight out of ten for this effort, no question.

February 28, 2013

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.