THE WINTER WAR

Thank You Local Book Store!

Today I when into my local book store and saw a DVD on top of some old books call "Talvisota". I bought for $4.99 cause it looked like a war movie (which I like). I looked it up on this website. Apparently, this is a very good film. Also, my version is (which is foreign) is a much longer film than the one listed on this website. The one on this website is 125 minutes (2 hours) were as my copy says on the back that it is 3 hours and 11 minutes long. So apparently there are 2 copies of this film available. June 18, 2008

wish an improved edition of this movie

This is an above the average war movie, several kilometers (or miles) ahead of hollywoodland movies. Above all, it deals with the Finnish-Russian war during Second World War, a rather unknown chapter in that war. Outstanding work of acting overall. Very realistic. I have to admit though that 45 bucks is too much to ask, so I wish someone would soon provide a second edition of this film with some extras about Finnish directors or about historical facts that surrounded this movie. May 21, 2008

One of the best....

I've watched many war movies; some foreign but mostly American. Many of the films were at best okay with even more simply Hollywood crap.

Winter War though is one of the best I've ever seen. Any grunt, of any real Army can relate to what is happening in the film. Military historians can appreciate the effort that went into this film too. From the basic Swedish Mausers of the Finnish reservists, lack of uniforms, WW1 Chauchat light MGs to the Soviet infantry carrying Mosent Naugants in their peaked Budenney caps and dark greatcoats to the T26 tanks, I17 fighters, and armored cars--serious efforts were made to do justice to a story that Americans should learn.

The homefront intervals are bittersweet. The scenes in the Church, the cameras panning across the crowds honoring their dead while praying for victory would not be shot in a Hollywood film, too unabashedly religious and patriotic. The too fleeting moments together of families before the storm and on leave are well done too, not mauldin but touching.

The fighting scenes are awesome, no other word to describe the human wave attacks and bitter trench fighting. The taking on of the light Russian armor with Molotov cocktails and tree trunks relate the desperation of the outgunned/numbered Finns. For the Finns, their fighting abilities and dogged defense is complimented by the Soviet tactical incompetence.

A great movie, perhaps one of the best in gritty realism and storytelling. I cannot praise it enough. The Finns are justifibly proud of this period in their military history, it is an inspiring tale for anyone looking at real war. January 8, 2008

One of my top 5 war films.

Everyone else has pretty much discussed the storyline -- I'll just be brief and say that this film is incredibly well-done. It's conveyed (in Finnish) with ENGLISH SUBTITLES but they're easy to read and a good translation -- nothing goofy. "The Winter War" is one of those films that leaves Hollywood so far behind that it's really pathetic. These war scenes and action look REAL and there's no focus on aggrandizing particular actors like one has to endure with Hollywood flicks. The cinematography is second to none, beautiful scenery. If I had to pick a single war film that reflected the actual horrors of war, this would be it. It's a fine movie that you won't want to miss. September 14, 2007

A FITTING TRIBUTE

This film is a fitting tribute to the "Talvisota." I have a personal connection - my father was among those on the front lines, those that the movie depicts. He was one of TWO men to survive from his unit, and while he didn't like to speak of the war, the movie was extremely accurate from the accounts my father did share. As for the ending, I noted one of the reviewers didn't "get it." My dad said that one day they were shooting at each other, and the next they were fishing together. So, yes, the brutal combat ended in the blink of an eye, as soon as word came. Neither the young Finns nor the young Russians wanted to be there, they were just serving their respective countries.

As for the subtitles, I speak fluent Finnish, so I enjoyed the movie immensely. My husband, who is not fluent, wasn't particularly taken with the translation, so I translated for him and he enjoyed it more. All in all, though, I thought this was a fitting tribute to the young Finns who sacrificied their lives, and their youth - as my father did - to serve in the front lines and defend their country. Most importantly: KNOW YOUR HISTORY - FINLAND IS THE ONLY COUNTRY TO EVER REPAY ITS WAR DEBT TO THE UNITED STATES. June 20, 2007

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