I have to disagree with some of the other commentators in that this film is not a realistic depiction of life or romance for the majority of Finns. The director Selin is seeking to glorify the low life and the emotional wasteland of certain individuals on the edge of Finnish society. These "restless" young people are depicted as leading a life (mostly) without work, spending their time smoking, drinking enormous quantities of alcohol and having sex left and right and using drugs as well. Needless to say that this is not the way of life of the average Finnish youth. However, depicting sex, drugs and rock and roll brings in the public and thus the money.
Almost all characters in this film are negative and the apparent love between the protagonists cannot redeem them as it is merely a form of escapism. The only one who stands out as a ray of hope for the future is the child Joonas (a very good performance).
The film itself was declared the best Finnish film of 2001, and the leading actress Irina Björklund received a film prize for her performance, while the love song featured in the film (Milla by Anssi Kela) became a big hit in Finland.
Almost all characters in this film are negative and the apparent love between the protagonists cannot redeem them as it is merely a form of escapism. The only one who stands out as a ray of hope for the future is the child Joonas (a very good performance).
The film itself was declared the best Finnish film of 2001, and the leading actress Irina Björklund received a film prize for her performance, while the love song featured in the film (Milla by Anssi Kela) became a big hit in Finland.