Raid

I had loved the 2000 series and didn't even know that this sequel existed until reading the blurb on the brand new 1st English translation of a Raid novel Raid and the Blackest of Sheep. (Thank you, Ice Cold Crime!!!!!) I immediately launched on an internet search and managed to get a copy. I found it simply wonderful - all the more so after having read the cited novel.

Unlike my fellow reviewer above, I really appreciated the inclusion of so many characters from the series (Sunderman, the Cowboy, et al.) OK. The Cowboy was there as a reference point only, but the series was so good that I appreciated every link between the two. The plot is complex and, yes, at times a little implausible, but it is also not to be taken entirely seriously. There is much of what I have come to learn from having watched all of Aki Kaurismaki's oeuvre is Suomi humor.

The acting was great. The characters stayed in character. The music, which echoed that of the series, was great. There are many scenes where the countryside of Finland looks much more beautiful than it did in the series - almost to the extent that I wonder if people had kvetched about the series giving the country a bad name.

I will be watching my DVDs of both the series and this film many times over the coming years and if you get them on DVD so will you.

I really enjoyed watching this movie, though finnish film production seldom makes me enjoy its fruits. Last days I have been surprised by some great pieces of finnish film industry, this is definitely one of them. Great acting, especially Oiva Lohtander's role as inspector Jansson made me laugh. I really recommend this to every film freak on earth. Worth seeing!

Plunging viewers back into a world of political corruption, conspiracy, and brooding antiheroes. The film brings back nearly the entire ensemble cast, including Kai Lehtinen as the laconic fixer Raid and Oiva Lohtander as the sharp-witted Captain Jansson. Their performances-alongside memorable supporting turns by Juha Muje (Sundman), Mari Rantasila (Tarja), and Finnish cinema veterans like Helge Herala-give the film both emotional weight and comic relief.

The story revolves around the arson-related death of Raid's ex-girlfriend Tarja and a politically sensitive murder at a World Bank protest. Though the plot is layered and engaging, it leans more into action than the TV series, sacrificing some believability in exchange for spectacle. The escalation seems a bit jarring, especially since the climax stretches credibility with few consequences for the protagonists. Still, the familiar humour and dark cynicism of the series remain intact, helped by clever dialogue and Finland-styled black comedy.

Visually, the film offers a more polished, cinematic take on Helsinki, even incorporating a subtle cyberpunk aesthetic. While the influx of beloved side characters sometimes clutters the narrative, their presence is more nostalgic than distracting. The film resonates best with viewers who know the series, newcomers may struggle to connect with its full depth.

Ultimately, Raid isn't groundbreaking, but it is an entertaining, well-acted continuation of one of Finland's most iconic crime stories (here, 7.5 = 8 to me). Despite its inconsistencies, it's a stylish and satisfying return for Finland's own quiet action hero.

Raid is back in town.He finds out his girlfriend Tarja is dead.Acting work in this movie is great.Kai Lehtinen is our leading man, who doesn't talk a lot but acts much more.Oiva Lohtander as Jansson is brilliant.Juha Muje makes his drunken Sundman a tragicomic character.Mari Rantasila plays Tarja.Then there are some Finnish movie veterans.Helge Herala plays Emperor-Tarja's father, and even on the hospital bed he does a great job.Sakari Jurkka is Jansson's father, and the same thing goes with him as with Herala.It has a couple nice action scenes, but that's all.Overall, an OK movie, but nothing groundbreaking.

The plot of Raid continues the one of the earlier TV-series: the system (politicians and corporate world) is corrupted, and the "little people" have to find alternative ways to deal with the situation.

The movie is strangely professionally done for a Finnish one. All the characters have appropriate actors, who are able to add some depth into their performance from the TV-series. However, as a stand-alone movie this could be a little hard to follow specially in the beginning, since the "sequel-feeling" is quite strong.