Niin lähellä, niin kaukana

This is not the definitive Finnish movie, but it does have an essence that is undeniably Finland in nature. I loved this movie for the feel of Finnish life and Janne Hainonen's ability to tell a story. I am more impressed by his abilities to create a story and then put it on film than the beautiful Finnish landscape, which I both love and miss. This story follows four youths who are spending possibly their last summer together because they realize their lives are about to take them in different directions. The main character, Jenni, is well acted and brings a perfect sense of fear of the future we all had upon growing up. The supporting cast performed excellently, especially Pasi Saarinen and Kaisa Hämäläinen as they interacted with each other. Another fabulous layer to this movie is the soundtrack and "Apupyörät pois" written and performed by Jeremias Ijäs is a great song in any language. The story is easy to follow even if you do not understand Finnish (it has English Subtitles), but it helps if you understand the culture. I recommend this film to anyone who likes looking at another culture and/or just like watching a great student film. To me the mark of a great director is what he leaves out. Janne has a sense for what works and what does not. Watch the deleted scenes and you will know what I mean.

I had an opportunity to see the film at a Finnish film festival "Kettupäivät" last month, and I just had to comment on it, when I noticed that it was listed here at IMDB, and learned from the film's website that it will be released on DVD.

The movie was very beautiful and the story was very well told. It had believable characters and filmmakers managed to touch the viewer with their storytelling. Even though this is a student film, it doesn't seem like one. It can be compared with any "real" film in Finland nowadays, and that was nice to notice.

"Niin lähellä, niin kaukana" is full of heart and nostalgia. The film has very warm atmosphere and you really start to care about the characters. You realize you miss them when the film ends, and that is a good sign. I especially liked the leading actress Sari Tero who played Jenni in the film, she was casted successfully. Teemu Lehtilä as her father was also very believable, at his best really.

What can I say more.. Sure it has it's weaknesses but it really isn't hard to get over them. Very well directed and cinematographed short film with great music and landscapes. A beautiful little film about nothing more than life and relationships, as simple as that.

This is made with heart. Recommended.