Pahat pojat

Although I am a Finn, I've never liked much of any Finnish films. That is why I didn't have high expectations about this one. To my surprise, this movie wasn't only good, it was actually really great.

This movie is a true story about four brothers known as "Eura's Daltons" who don't use alcohol, don't smoke nor curse. Still they have made over hundred robberies. These brothers have a sadistic and schizophrenic father "Joppe pappa" who isn't exactly the best father figure there is.

This movie manages to be fun and yet tragic at the same time. The movie manages to be interesting the whole running time and there aren't any boring moments. All the actors do their job very well and I especially liked the performance of Vesa-Matti Loiri as "Joppe pappa".

It might be difficult to see this movie in foreign countries like in the USA but if you have a chance to see this movie then I recommend you to see it. Hopefully the movie will premiere in other countries as well, at least in Sweden and Norway.

It may irritate Finnish viewers by its un-Finnishness, perhaps it was intended by the creators. I guess they were trying to appeal to American and wider Europe and, in my view, they succeeded. This movie may particularly appeal by its unamerican flavour to the audiences used to American movies. The father of the boys comes across as quite a menacing character who at the end gets what he deserves. A bit simple but don't expect any depth from this movie. It is though based on a true story doesn't make an impression to be "real" It is just pure entertainment. Not each of the boys is equally well developed as a character but the main the youngest one, who has a separate story line, falling in love, is OK.

Pahat Pojat (Bad Boys translated in english) was marketed as a bad ass action movie here in Finland. And the gayish poster (the four lead male characters posing topless with their sweaty sixpacks shining) hinted of the toughness to come. First, the four men turned out to be complete idiots in the film (they rob a safe full of cash, but spent most of it on lottery tickets). Second, the hollywoodish action scenes (few and far apart) REALLY don't fit too well mixed into the conventional finnish filmmaking. They feel like fishes out of water. There's one very good thing though.. Vesa-Matti Loiri playing the boys' father. The best turn he has ever made in his career and he didn't even get nominated for a Jussi (local Oscars). Truly a shame. So all of you foreingers.. don't believe the hype. Try to find films like "Rukajärven tie", "Nousukausi" or "Joki" instead.

** / *****

The best movie I've seen this far.

Music well chosen.

Awesome actors! Loiri is Oscar-worthy but won't get any consideration :(

Overall a very good effort by everyone on a high-class script.

This movie has it all, hot women, great storyline, awesome actors, fast cares, hardcore action, pace, humour(lots of it), Vesa-Matti Loiri, violence, insanity and is very perfect filmographically.

Very well casted actors, especially brothers & father was a perfect fit.

Never a dull moment, there is always something happening.

If I have to say something bad.... Then it is the role of them being laestadian that got downplayed and only was visible in the beginning where as in real life it was a huge reason for their acting like they did.

Gosh how this is one of those films that have made me load negative prejudices in my mind and then after seeing it, I start lauging to those thoughts because they were so wrong. This movie was an utter pleasent suprise. Rarely there are such great Finnish movies as Pahat Pojat. I was so suprised. The actors were natural, fun and sympatic. Even Jasper Pääkkönen who I have never liked. I´ve changed my thoughts about him now. The women actresses weren´t so good but that didn´t matter as the boys did so good. And Vesa-Matti Loiri! Gosh, how horrible he was made. He did a fantastic job.

What I really liked in this movie was that it is so colourful. It has action, great dialogue, romance and the best thing: humor. I laughed every five minutes! It also gets very touching at times too. That´s good for an "explosition movie". Pahat Pojat is for young people. It is rough and action packed, also light, warm and funny. See it!