A brilliant biopic of the most famous poet in Finland: Eino Leino.
But far from being an ordinary biopic, this one does not begin with his birth or even his childhood and it does not end with the death bed scene.
Oh no, Runoilija ja muusa is a film about what made Leino special. It is a film about his difficulties to live in the world he was born into. The film reveals the reasons why Leino was such a great poet.
Esko Salminen is great as Leino, Elina Salo is equally great in a smaller part as Leino's muse: poet L. Onerva. The period sets are impeccably made, including Leino's drinking buddies Sibelius and Gallen- Kallela. But most of all one must emphasize the vision of director Jaakko Pakkasvirta in having the courage to make a demanding film instead of a more conventional one.
Highly recommended.
But far from being an ordinary biopic, this one does not begin with his birth or even his childhood and it does not end with the death bed scene.
Oh no, Runoilija ja muusa is a film about what made Leino special. It is a film about his difficulties to live in the world he was born into. The film reveals the reasons why Leino was such a great poet.
Esko Salminen is great as Leino, Elina Salo is equally great in a smaller part as Leino's muse: poet L. Onerva. The period sets are impeccably made, including Leino's drinking buddies Sibelius and Gallen- Kallela. But most of all one must emphasize the vision of director Jaakko Pakkasvirta in having the courage to make a demanding film instead of a more conventional one.
Highly recommended.
