Sakris Kukkelman is a crippled man, a hunchback living in the village of Krokelby.He's ridiculed by he folks.The civil war has ended and Sakris believes more in the red ideology.He makes a living as a carpenter and keeps dreaming of a woman.Then he meets this woman, Nelma, a reluctant and depressed woman who lives in a shelter home.He takes her with him but there's not a romance of the century to be expected.Rakastunut rampa (1975) is directed by Esko Favén and Tarja Laine.It's based on Joel Lehtonen's 1922 novel, which I haven't read.Not just yet anyway.Vesa-Matti Loiri, who was at that time known mostly as a comedian, gives a very realistic portrayal as Kukkelman.Leena Uotila is very good as Sanelma Kinnunen.Both of the leading actors won Jussi awards from their performances.Ritva Valkama is terrific as Mimmi "von" Rumfelt.Heikki Nousiainen is great as Mikko Suomenvaara.Laura Jurkka is seen as Girl in Dining Room of Shelter Home.This is not really a love story.Or if it is, it's not the most beautiful love story.Nevertheless, this is a good movie.There's that element of harsh realism involved in the picture.And there's very much tragicomedy in Kukkelman's character.
