Mehed ei nuta

It was a few years ago, when a little movie theater in my hometown (Tampere, Finland) showed a few Estonian films on one weekend. They were all directed by Sulev Nõmmik and were subtitled in English. One of these films was Mehed ei nuta/Men don't cry, which I remember was a very funny little comedy and I really enjoyed watching it. On the same weekend they also showed two other Nõmmik's films, Noor Pensionär/Young Pensionar (1972), Siin me oleme/There we are (1979). In the latter film we can also enjoy Nõmmik's talents as an actor.

But these three films are a good reminder of how great comedy filmmaker Nõmmik was. It is so sad that his films never got wider international distribution.

Mehed ei nuta / Men Don't Cry is a funny and creative Estonian comedy film from 1969, directed by Sulev Nõmmik. Even though made so many years ago, it still feels fresh and clever. The story is about a group of men who suffer from sleeplessness. They are taken to what they think is a special sleep clinic, but it turns out to be just an old farmhouse on a small island. The twist is, the island isn't really an island at all!

At first, the men are upset and try to escape. But their funny and silly plans only tire them out - helping them finally get some sleep. The humour in the film comes from the absurd situations, smart dialogue, and the characters' over-the-top reactions. Even without knowing Estonian, the film's comedy shines through.

The actors (still famous names in Estonia) do a great job, and the film has some beautiful shots of the Estonian countryside. There are also small science fiction elements, as the story was originally set in the "future" of 1973. Though not really a sci-fi movie, it adds a quirky feel.

Directed and co-written by Nõmmik, this was his first movie - and it quickly became a cult classic in Estonia. It's sad that it was never widely known outside the country, but it deserves more attention, at least in neighbouring countries. This is a fun and smart comedy that still makes people laugh; pity only that it is black-and-white as the Estonian nature is a real part of its supporting cast...

the movie shows the story of a few men taken to a "sleeping disorders clinic"... they all live their life in such a way, that for some reason they cannot sleep. for their surprise, the sanatorium is nothing more than an old farmhouse on a small island... they are all angered by this and start their escape, witch of course tires them out, so they get some sleep but they don't understand that they are happy and content there and keep whining.....really funny dialogs, great cinematography, great acting

all in all, this is one of my favorite movies and i suggest it to everyone, its quite good EVEN if u don't understand Estonian and don't have subtitles.....iv once seen it mute and it was still OK

8 points out of 10!!

In some sense 'Men Don't Cry' is the first real Estonian science-fiction movie, as it was filmed and released in 1968, but the story was set in future - in 1973. One can argue, that it barely qualifies as science-fiction, but there are couple of scenes about some experiments that fit perfectly into the sf category.

Group of people suffering from sleeplessness are taken on the island instead of sanitarium they were promised. Soon after arriving on the island, the group of patients discover that they were cheated and start to plan the escape. Absurd and hilarious moments ensue. Almost every line of the dialogue is quotable and funny.

"A sheep consumed our appeal."