Unknown Soldier

Watch Unknown Soldier

"Finland, behold, thy daylight now is dawning."
  • Ages 16 and over
  • 2017
  • 2 hr 13 min
  • 7.7  (12,761)

Unknown Soldier is a Finnish war drama film, released in 2017, directed by Aku Louhimies. Being the third film adaptation of Väinö Linna's novel - The Unknown Soldier - it unfolds the straggle of the Finnish army during the World War II, specifically during the Continuation War (1941-1944). The movie depicts the physical, emotional and psychological toll of the war on a group of soldiers belonging to the company stationed at the Karelian Isthmus, revealing the dynamics of the relationships formed between them during the war. While the film's storyline predominately focuses on the suffering faced by a group of unknown soldiers in the battlefield, it also portrays the soldiers' pre-war life as civilians, signifying the transformation happening to them post-war - showing how their experiences of war change them forever.

The protagonist of the movie is a young soldier named Rokka, played by Johannes Holopainen, who is determined to fight for his country amidst grave circumstances in the war. Rokka has already been wounded in the battle, but he returns to the front to continue fighting alongside comrades Vatanen (Jussi Vatanen) and Kariluoto (Jarkko Lahti). These soldiers are ordered to defend the trenches using primitive weapons, indicating the poor tactical or strategic planning made by Finnish military command at the time.

A significant aspect of the movie's plot is the range of emotions depicted in the different characters in response to the war experience. The film shows the chaos, fear, exhilaration, and tragedy experienced by the soldiers during the war, using intricate scene details, ominous sounds, and vivid color palettes effectively. The plot also touches on the grief of the families left behind, with minor plotlines surrounding Rokka's family, who are struggling with life on the home front while he is away at the front lines.

Unknown Soldier is visually stunning, with commendable performances from the whole cast. It effectively explores the theme of camaraderie among the soldiers, transcending their class and personal differences. The film encourages an appreciation for the sacrifices made by the soldiers, their families, and the tumultuous experiences faced by any soldier fighting for their country.

Unknown Soldier is a beautifully shot movie, with war scenes that are always harrowing, intense, and pulse-pounding. With its effective storytelling, the cinematography with its moody shots, and the limited use of dialogue, it manages to create an excellent and unforgettable cinema experience. It portrays the resilience and daring of Finnish soldiers who fought for their country amid grave circumstances, without downplaying the physical and mental toll on them.

In conclusion, Unknown Soldier is an emotionally heartrending yet aesthetically pleasing depiction of the impact of World War II on the Finnish soldiers. The film manages to masterfully balance the emotional side and the historical events of the Finnish Continuation War with an impressive cast of actors, smartly used visuals and sounds, and impactful storytelling that will linger in audiences' memories long after the credits" roll.

Unknown Soldier is a 2017 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.

Unknown Soldier
Description
Where to Watch Unknown Soldier
Unknown Soldier is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Amazon and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Unknown Soldier for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2017
  • MPAA Rating
    Ages 16 and over
  • Runtime
    2 hr 13 min
  • Language
    Finnish
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (12,761)