Menolippu Mombasaan

I just saw this movie from Estonian TV channel. I didn't seen it from start, but i started when Pete went to operation and came back with bald-headed & then everything started with humor and action. I really think its greatest Finnish movie over long time. I even got some unwanted tears at end of movie, because of the happy end with death :) That movie can be much better if you can understand Finnish and don't need subtitles, because some jokes and sentences are hard to translate. Here was some whimpering comments about this movie, but i think that problem was about understanding. Now i go to find that movie on DVD and also that great soundtrack.

For some reason I got the chance to watch this movie on DVD and to check some fresh faces in European movie making. The idea of a road movie in beautifully shot summerly Findand is quite tempting, and the elements of the 'last hot summer before the adulthood' are all there. Just like in Mexico's "Y tu mamá también" there are two guys interested in sex, booze and rock'n and roll, and a hot chick. Whereas "y tu mamá también" is a master piece and well acted, directed, edited and told, this movie falls short of its intentions in building a coherent drama. Acting is flat, especially the wooden love interest; the girl that goes to Lapland and is followed by the two main characters. Maybe the reason for her inexpressiveness is the poor dialogue but we are never really let to understand her feelings or her motives, and while we are meant to believe that she is the object of desire of one of the main characters, there's a complete lack of chemistry between them which made me wonder why would he ever skip a trip to Mombasa because of her. She is a nice-looking girl but seems so amateur and uncomfortable with the camera that it is almost painful to watch.

The two main characters are good to look at, and there lays one of the basic problems of the movie. They are bald, yes, but that's the only visible trace of their supposed illnesses. They run, jump, dance and have fun, and just look too healthy to be cancer patients. No medicine is that strong. The guitar boy bears a strong resemblance to Mexico's Gael García Marquez (only time will tell whether he has the same level of talent) and is given little material to work with. The real star here is Yusa, the crazy guy. Even if this character is highly exaggerated and the script lacks 'profoundness', the actor is skilled enough to put his heart and energy in the character and while he completely steals the movie (together with the outstanding Finnish countryside), he is the only real reason to keep watching it.

The name of the movie, Menolippu Mombasaan (One-way ticket to Mombasa) is very interesting, I think. But the cover of the film isn't interesting anymore. The movie is a lovely surviving-story. Pete has a cancer and he won't survive. So he escapes from hospital. Pete wants to live his dream, he wants to go to Mombasa. And the film can actually begin. Pete, cancer-boy and his friend Jusa want to go to Mombasa. Pete's cancer is bad, and he won't survive. Boys start their trip to Mombasa, and they meet Kata. Pete and Kata are more than just friends, and Kata wants to come to Mombasa too. After this the movie is most boring ever. It was fun before Kata came, when boys were having fun. But when she comes, you can stop watching the movie. The story is OK and actors are fine, but I don't think it's very interesting. If you like Finland and our boring movies, this is for you. If you don't like, this isn't for you. But if I didn't like it, that doesn't mean that you should not watch it. So go ahead. Watch Menolippu Mombasaan!

This is my first to be fortunate enough to watch a Finnish film. Its a yearly event here in Cebu, Philippines to showcase different films from Europe sponsored by the European Union and the Arts Council of the Philippinese. This has been a must-seen-event every year that my sisters have been following. This is my first time to avail to this wonderful opportunity to explore the world of film from different countries.

I must comment on the location of the film. Its WONDERFUL. Would love to go and see it first hand. My sisters and i just love the soundtrack. on the way out of the theatre we couldn't help but sing the music 'mombasa'. The actors were great as well. They project a typical teenage life. It also expose how people in Finland go bout courtship, the gigs, and life in Finland. I must say that i am also fascinated with the Finnish language. very interesting.

i am still looking for the soundtrack to put it in my mobile as a ring tone ^_^

Finnish movies have come a long way. This movie which has also had some success at festivals around the world is evidence that Finland can produce international quality movies. The actors are all really good and their performance is from time to time truly outstanding. It is always hard to make a movie with subjects like cancer but this movie manages to show cancer from a different angle. It is very nice to see the boys so full of life even in their weak situation. A must see for everyone.