Les instables

It was nice to see a Mac Ahlbeg film made in the North after all those years. Even though he is not the director of the film it is him one first think of because he made a lot of soft-focus romp during the 70's both in Sweden and Denmark.

Well, for people living in Sweden it is a film which confirm the misconception they have about Finish people: drinking way too much directly from the bottle, bad language and sex-hungry women always looking for a thrill.

After having seen this film three times, I am still wondering... is this all there is? The film depicts Finland in a way that is quite unknown to most foreigners. Yes, Finland is full of depressed, melancholic, pathetic individuals, and this film doesn't actually prove anyone wrong. Still, 'Levottomat' is full of sunshine and wonderful, positive portrayals of southern Finland... put as positively as possible, with all the academic and non-academic screw-ups who - in all their restlessness and despite the sunshine - are just looking for the same things as everyone else. Slightly unrealistic like all films but also very truthful in its depiction of the lives of the 20-something people from Finland. Sad really. And in case you were wondering... yes. Even gorgeous lead-actresses have cellulite. At least in Finland.

I just saw the film "Levottomat" and I think it's marvellous! I recommend it to everyone, although it may be better if you understand Finnish. Mikko Nousiainen is good-looking, yes, but also a great actor. The other actors and actresses are very good too, but Mikko is the BEST! His character Ari is so smart and seems so peaceful out, but inside so restless! The movie was very beautiful, both indoor and outdoor shots were filmed very beautifully. You should all go and watch this movie!!!

A few weeks after this film was released, I had the opportunity to see it in Finland. Although it was subtitled and I don't speak very fluent Finnish, my Finnish friend, Kaisa, only had to translate a few questionable parts. I was very impressed with the quality of acting, directing, and cinematography. It appeared very equivocal to our lustrious Hollywood films. As I was visiting Helsinki in March, it was thrilling to see how Finland looked in the summer.

Being a typical "prude" American in regards to showing televised nudity, I was a little surprised at the extent of the sexual scenes. Luckily, I was introduced to Finland's policy regarding nudity before I saw this film. (Ever been to a public sauna in Helsinki?)

Even without the details of the dialogue, I greatly enjoyed the story. Kaisa told me that this film remains very controversial in Finland as some scenes give a poor portrayal of Finland's modern culture. The main racey scenes included: The bar scene showing Finnish women as VERY forward, and nothing short of...well..sluts; several scenes portraying adultery as morally justified; the bachelor party that ends up an orgy with two VERY young girls (maybe 12?); and the fact that the main character ends up with a female priest that cheats on her boyfriend!! Nevertheless, I think it did a good job portraying the loneliness 20-something individuals feel, even when they are "with" others. I think Mikko Nousianinen (II), Ari, did a great job portraying the mixture of emotional feelings in his position...his several positions.

In closing, I would like to say that this movie accomplished what it wanted to, and I will not hesitate to purchase a copy when it becomes available. Does anyone know when that is? Because I would really like to see this movie in an English subtitled version.

Jeah Levottomat is great piece of movie with lack of good script!Characters in the film are so shallow that it make me sick!But what is great is this movie?Mac Ahlberg's cinematography witch is marvelous!Only Kari sohlberg can do the same thing as Mac did!Also the freshness of the film is BIG plus! And the only good thing in the script that everything can be seen!I hope that Aki Louhimies makes films with better script because he's the man on the job!!!