Naked Harbour

Lots of Helsinki people having it rough it seems, particularly in that eastern suburbs region (very very far from the actual city) called 'Vuosaari'. Sex, violence, exploitation, drug abuse and so on and again and again and once more for the road (out of the theater that is, preferably asap).

So why our great film auteurs such as Louhimies always make these "real"-life dramas and very little else? The answer is simple: they require almost no talent or skill (especially scriptwise) whatsoever. None. And the actors are only allowed to show any emotions while they are intoxicated or otherwise crazy; once again no talent needed because whatever action is possible. The story of the whole Finnish film industry.

This powerful film is set a multi-cultural district of Finland that is home to many nationalities. This film follows several parallel stories one grey and cold winter week in a quest to find love and acceptance. In a world where societies expectations are high, and the pressures of every day life create a shroud of secrecy.

Naked Harbour has managed to bring out small glimpses of warmth and humanity. Moments that arouse those feelings of hope allowing the characters to connect with the audience. The vision of the director Aku Louhimies's, was for the viewers experience to be significant and therapeutic, leaving the viewer fragile in a unifying and healing way.

Viewing experience was so significant and unprecedented, that after the movie, I wanted to go to hug my loved ones, and that feeling was stronger than in a long time. I recommend this movie to everyone, who wants to feel.

This film is simply remarkable: beautiful scenes, deep and non-linear narrative, and elaborate characters. The largest hall at the movie theater was packed, and I could hear some of the audience gasping for air during the film's intense moments which appear with regularity. The variety of characters allows you to relate to one or more of them and evokes real emotions. It takes you through a wide range: happiness, sadness, jealousy, anger, love, humor. After enjoying breathtaking visuals and touching stories throughout the film, the plot converges to perhaps the most important topic of our age: love (and how to find it). I was able to completely enjoy this movie (without subtitles) even though I understand very little Finnish. And the soundtrack: Robbie Williams - Feel is just perfect!

For me, too fragmented a rambling narrative, dialogue taken out of context so it doesn't capture, characters mostly unsympathetic, in other words: boring.

This film brought out many emotions in me as I was able to connect with many characters on a personal level. I was not sure if that would translate with a foreign film but it has exceeded my expectations. It was shot very well, the actors and child actors were wonderful and extremely well written. This film deserves the highest accolades and will be well worthy of all the award it will eventually win. I was delighted to see this film at a Nordic Film Festival and has made more of an impression on me than any foreign film ever has. I have been thinking about different parts of the movie on a daily basis since I saw it trying to analyze all the complex characters. I highly recommend this film to anyone who wants a very unexpected treat!