The Unknown Soldier Movie Reaction (Part 2)
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2023
- Join me as I delve into 'The Unknown Soldier' Movie! This compelling tale, exploring the Finnish Invasion of the Soviet Union in 1942 to recapture their Territory of Karelia which the Soviet Union took during the Winter War of 1939! The Unknown Soldier beautifully intertwines elements of history, drama, and suspense as it explores the history of this event! The Unknown Soldier scores 7.7/10 on IMDB and in my opinion is one of the Best and most realistic War Movies ever made!
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This Movie scores 7.7/10 on IMDB. This Movie was written by Vaino Linna, Aku Louhimies and Jari Olavi Rantala. This Movie was directed by Aku Louhimies. This Movie stars Eero Aho, Johannes Holopainen and Jussi Vatanen amongst others. Please visit www.imdb.com/title/tt4065552/ for the full cast list. This Movie was produced by Elokuvaosakeyhtiö Suomi 2017, Kvikmyndafélag Íslands and Belgian Scope Pictures. The copyright to the full original content is held by Elokuvaosakeyhtiö Suomi 2017. The copyright for this video is held by Jay's Retro Reactions.
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![*SISU! Be Of Stoic Determination* Talvisota - The Winter War Sabaton History 006 [Official]](/img/1.gif)
Hey all - I have a new War Movie Poll open so don't forget to vote for what you want me to react to next. Thanks!
We did have air force and some damned good aces to fly those planes - but there was very few planes. So basically they were damned busy to try to shoot down the bombers that were bombing cities, factories and such. There some tube-videos on our pilots.
ruclips.net/video/4PzyIveOWBI/видео.html
ruclips.net/user/results?search_query=wwII+finnish+air+force
ruclips.net/video/g5agH_cpHo8/видео.html
Ask anyone WWII 'eastern front' - not just in Finland. Like Poland and such. Yes they shoot also the ambulances and they would rob, rape and do literal war crimes that never got punished for - the stories from those areas they 'liberated' on their way to Germany are horrible. Nothing surprising by the way, related to the war crimes in Ukraine. And they don't really allow their people learn about history as is. It was bit better in 1990s - but now with Putin, they are again choosing what short of history to teach their kids and that was done during the cold war too.
We had a thing about 'never leave a mate' - and that meant that we also took all dead home, all possible. The unknown soldier is the name of the book the movie is based on and probably homage to all the men. We have only later started to talk about individual heroes, such has Simo Häyhä to give example - it isn't something we spoke much about at school at least in my time. But then again I went to school mostly before USSR fell and we weren't exactly able to teach 'full history' and even school books got somewhat 'edited' because it was an issue to perhaps make Russian leaders upset during the cold war (cursed term Finlandisation). But also, it isn't really in national mentality to brag about stuff - so I think it is highly likely a homage to the regular soldiers who fought the war. And that way we aren't following a story of one hero - but several men who all did their duty. You know, even today, when there is the veterans day in Finland and related ceremonies - you would see somber faces and tears in the eyes of grown men. Unknown soldier, especially the original movie, is literally also Independence Day tradition to watch - along with the ball at the president's palace in Helsinki (people oogling at fine gowns and outfits and people dancing or eating on TV).
Yes - they wanted the Germans out from norther parts of Finland. And the Russian leadership knowingly chose the time frame impossible, in order to force Finnish forces into attacking the Germans up there. They were retreating, but they could not possibly get out of the country fast enough, to the date demanded by when they should be out. And so we had our third war during WWII era against them and norther Finland got entirely burned, because the Germans destroyed every building they got their hands on.
Thanks for sharing all of that information - it was very helpful and appreciated!
Amazing how you cut an Uncut 5 hours version TV version down into 1 hour.
I wish I could take credit for that mate but I actually had an international release of the Movie which was 2 hours in length. So I only chopped out half of the version I had and even then it was a struggle to get it up on RUclips.
@@JTRetroReactions Finnish theatrical (Usually means European version) is 3 hours long, extended uncut TV version is 5 hours long!
Yep. Finns had to paint red crosses over because russian pilots aimed to those red crosses! Rules of war does not exist in russia even today.
Thanks for the information. Sad to hear that. I know battle is nasty and dirty but having dignity and decency is also important if you have any moral compass otherwise you'll find it hard to live with yourself in the following peace time years. Just my view. Others will differ
It is extremely terrible because actually you would prefer to have wounded soldiers on your enemy side rather than dead soldiers, so attacking medics and medevacs is just mindless cruelty. Also that recent story about the Russian soldier who had faked surrender in current war, and then pulled out a grenade. It's a war crime of the most horrible crime because then you can't even trust if someone wants to really surrender or if it's a trap.
Hey Mandrake - thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel. It is pure evil and you are right that sending lots of wounded soldiers back to the Home Front can be effective in demoralising support for the War. I read about that Soldier too and you're right it is a War Crime - unfortunately now for the Russians, my understanding is that the Ukrainians are pretty much refusing surrenders on the Battlefield due to a number of such incidents. There was also one where a squad surrendered and then one guy went for his Machine Gun. To be honest the Russians deserve it if they are behaving that way.
@@JTRetroReactions not only ambulances, soviet bombers also specifically targeted hospitals, hospital trains or anything marked with red cross really, civilian evacuation points etc.
Hence we were not least bit surprised to see russia doing the exact same thing in Syria and Ukraine (I think I read syrians learned very quickly to paint over red cross/crescent markings as well).
Also I think there is evidence of russia themselves using ambulances to transport weaponry so I guess these are connected. When planning defence we must not expect them to follow any rules or morals.
Hey Maplehill thanks for your comment and for sharing that information. Hearing those type of incidents really make me angry. War is hell already and there is no need to make it more hellish by crossing certain lines that are well established rules of War such as not targeting Medics or Ambulances etc. To be honest, people who engage in this type of behaviour are only two types a) Genuine Psychopaths or b) Those who were forced to do it or who chose to do it. The people in Group B will find it very hard to live with themselves after the War as that is the shit that haunts you more than anything.
I remember going to see this in a movie theater when it came. After the movie, everyone just left without saying a word. Like there was a mix of sadness, proudness and respect in the air.
Thanks Milo for sharing that memory and experience with me - I appreciate it. Thanks for watching the videos as well!
Yes, me and my ex-boyfriend both cried and I have since read the book and watched the movie several times. I am fully against war but this movie shows humanity of the soldiers well in a very moving way.
Thanks Nanni for sharing your story and for watching the videos - I appreciate it!
My father told me about an old interview of some high ranked Soviet general after WWII.
He said he did not want occupy Finland, he did not want 5 million partisans living inside Soviet borders.
Thanks Martti - I can understand why he thought that way and it was, unusually, a smart move by the Soviet General. It's the exact same reason the British left in Ireland's War of Independence. They were facing a likely permanent hostile population who were ignoring the Courts, the laws, had formed their own Parliament and who were constantly attacking their armed forces and doing attacks on the British Mainland - it was more hassle then it was worth.
fun fact: this movie is played from the tv every 6th december, which is Finlands independence day
Hey Saje - thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel - A couple of other commentors mentioned that as well but I think they said it was the 1955 version - interesting to hear though
@@JTRetroReactions Nornally it's the orignal 1955 version. This is the 2nd remake
I thought this was the 3rd? Some other commentators said there was also a remake in the 70s or 80s? I don't know - just what was said to me. I think the comments on that are in the first part.
@@JTRetroReactions no. There is the 1955 version and 1985, and this 2017. But the book came in 1954. But there is live theatre version made in the 60's
Cool. Thank you Skege. I'm trying to get my hands on an English version of the book but it's harder then I thought
Thanks Jay for your reaction. I love this film and also the original Novel. This film Is based on Väinö Linna’s novel, which was published in 1954. Story Is based on authors own experiences in continuation war. Novel Is mostly based on true stories and some of the characters do have their Real life counterparts (Rokka, Koskela). This story became very important part of Finnish tradition. It tells a story about group of soldiers, which come from different social backrounds (for example Koskela Is Officer with working class backround, which makes him more close to his men instead of other officers). Then there are farmers, factory workers, communist etc. Finnish people can easily hear that characters are speaking with different dialects because they are coming from different parts of Finland. I think that Unknown soldier tells a story about average soldiers fighting for their homeland. Some of them are heroes and others are just trying to survive. This reminds us all about sacrifices those unknown soldiers did for independence.
Hey Jonttev. Welcome to the Channel and thanks for the comment. Thanks also for watching the video. I have learned a lot of history around this entire war from Finnish people in these comments which was great and many people, including your good self were kind enough to answer my questions which is really helpful. I was glad to hear that Rokka in particular was real as he felt that way in the Movie and reminded me in particular of two Quarter Master Sergeants I had served with myself. Feel free to suggest any other movies or TV series you would like me to react too as well. I am still trying to get my hands on an English version of the Book that is not being sold at insane prices and another commentor has kindly provided me with the names of some Finnish Bookstores which might sell it - so that's great.
Antti Rokka was real person, actually he is based on the man called Viljam Pylkäs and he survived the war as did the person to whom Susi was based on. Also the person who was blinded and then killed in ambulance attack survived in reality and had only one eye blinded or partially blinded. He lived long and good life after the war. Actually most of the main characters killed in the book and film in reality survived. Väinö Linna just wanted to make a book showing how bad thing war was, so he killed many main characters while most people to whom they were based on survived. But Koskela was fictional character from his other series of novels I think and didn't have a real person to whom he would have been based on... I guess that I have to doublecheck it.
Ah, so Koskela was based on Einari Kokkonen who also in reality survived the war and whom author Väinö Linna appreciated highly as top soldier and person. While I kind of understand why Linna made so dark end to his book, I would have liked more if it would have followed more true events to the end, because reality was harsh enough. Nevertheless good book and good movie.
Hey DenH thanks for sharing that post and all of that information - very helpful. I am glad to hear that the majority survived as it was hard not to become attached to them as characters throughout the Movie. I also understand why the writer 'Killed them' fictionally for the dramatic effect. I think Koskela was based on a real person based on some other information that commentors have provided in the thread but I am taking that at face value and cannot say for certainty.
Ah ok - that agrees with what other people have said to me in these comments. Personally, and I am just speculating here - I would say the reason he 'Killed them' in the novel was so people would find it believable. Most people who have not experienced war or Battle probably would not find it believable if the all survived. Truth is stranger sometimes than fiction as we say in English.
Väinö Linna served in a rather unfortunate Regiment JR 8 and this can be seen in his somewhat pessimistic novel. The overall situation for Finland was not that bad.
When Germany was beaten at the Eastern Front, Finnish Army also had to start the retreat in summer 1944.
However in June - Aug 1944 Russian Army was again intercepted by the Finns, this time along the line Vyborg (Viipuri) Bay - Ihantala - Vuosalmi - Nietjärvi - Ilomantsi. Russian Divisions had become a spent force. In August 1944 the Finnish troops of General Raappana mauled two Russian Infantry Divisions in the wilderness battle of Ilomantsi. That was the last major battle in the Continuation War, and it made Stalin abandon his earlier demand for Finland’s unconditional surrender. Important was of course also Stalin's need to pull forces away from the Finnish front for the race to Berlin.
Stalin's puppet president for Finland was never granted visa by the Finnish Government. He could never return to Finland even after 1944. If Stalin had beaten the Finnish Army, why did he not order the Finnish Government to let Mr. Kuusinen come to Finland? Because Stalin couldn’t beat the Finnish Army! It was the Soviet Army which was soundly beaten in summer 1944, not the Finnish Army. The war ended very differently from Stalin’s dreams although he gained some Finnish ground.
After the WW2 a British General once asked from the Finnish military attaché, how many Russian troops there is in Finland. The attaché replied “there’s 200 000 - all six feet under”.
Hey Jouni - thanks for the comment and for watching the video. Thanks also for all that information that you shared. I mentioned a similar thing in my Outro to Part 2 - around Stalin having his eyes focused on Eastern Europe as well and Finland put up such resistance that it wasn't worth the hassle for him. Thanks for the additional information around the puppet president which I didn't know - smart move by Finland!
At least here in Finland, this film can also be watched in netflix as a five-hour TV serie. it's a bit heavy, but it brings the characters even closer than movie did
Thanks mate - I was just speaking with another commentor about whether it was worth it to track down the Mini Series version. It's not on Irish netflix - I just checked but I think a VPN maybe my friend here :)
@@JTRetroReactions especially the character of Koskela is discussed more extensively
Thanks mate - I know what I will be watching for the next 5 nights then.
Several films have been made about Lieutenant Koskela's family. His father and uncle fought in the Civil War. The boys in the picture are his brothers, but they died in the winter war. The film "Täälä Pohjantähten alla (Here under the North Star 2010)" is about Lieutenant Koskela's father.
fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilho_Koskela
Thanks Kuoppan. Several people have now recommended that movie to me so it's definitely on the list to react too. Also I didn't know that there were uncles. It's still sad for that elderly woman but it makes me feel better that she didn't lose all her kids like I thought
@@JTRetroReactions I was wrong, they are his brothers.
Wow. So she did lose them all. That's terrible. Thanks for letting me know mate
According to the book Täällä Pohjantähden Alla, there was one younger brother that didn't go to war and a daughter as well. It's fantastic to me that Väinö Linna wrote the whole book series of one paths that lead to the events of this book/movie. Whereas there are three versions of Unknown Soldier made, there is two made of Täällä Pohjantähden Alla. Koskela is probably my favourite character of them all.
Probably many have already said this but that NCO, Rokka, is based on a real character. The writer of this book was really there, it is based on his experiences as a machine gunner. You can even see in the books that the end is more sketch like because by that point he had been transferred as a trainer, so he did not personally experience the last desperate battles, those are are based on interviews of his comrades.
Hey Kuriver. Welcome to the channel and thanks for watching and the comment. As I mentioned in my commentary my knowledge of this particular conflict was light but a lot of people like your good self have been sharing their knowledge with me and it's been a fascinating journey.
The Winter War was such a heartbreak for the Finnish people, because everyone "knew" there was no winning the war. Yet people fought anyway. Then, during the Continuation War, it seemed there was light at the end of the tunnel. A chance that the "eternal enemy" might be extinguished. And then it happens again - the feeling of no victory returns and the loss is bitter indeed.
Trust me - I understand as an Irish person - we lost Northern Ireland for pretty much the same reasons - thank you for sharing your thoughts - I appreciate it!
Thank you for watching this film, it is very important movie for me as a fin. My grandfather was a lieutenant in Continuation war, and those memories about that war came back to him many times later. Tough times...
Hey Engel - thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel. I appreciate your comment and you sharing the impact these Movies had on your Grandfather. I can understand, War is horrible and traumatic for all involved - at least those who are not psychopathic. I don't believe anyone who is normal even recovers properly. That's why it is also important in War to act as morally as you can - i.e. not shoot up ambulances as the Soviets did because you have to live with that afterwards if you are lucky enough to survive.
The concept of "unknown soldier" is universal. It refers to the soldiers who fell anonymously in the world wars. So-called unknown or unknown soldiers or fallen memorials can be found around the world.
Hey Suicidal - agreed and I was aware of that. But some people have shared here that I was correct in my Outro and that the Publishers chose that title as it was to honour the 99.9% of the Soldiers who fight in these Wars that we never hear about. Seemingly they over ruled the Author on that basis.
Awesome reacting. Amazing how someone who is not from finland( nor familiar with finland ) can analyze this movie almost exactly correct.
Which I like in this movie specially is the officers' and non-comissioned officers' promotions and growth in their duty. For example Kariluoto was second lieutenant in the beginning (platoon leader) and in his death he was captain (company leader).
Hey Mise - Thanks for the Comment and welcome to the Channel. Thank you for your very kind comments. I love this movie and it has become my favourites in this genre. Definitely one I will revisit again and again. One of the reasons I love it is the realism of the Characters you meet in the Movie, from the young naive glory seekers to the arrogant officer out of touch with reality on the ground, to the good officer Koskela who cares for his men and the grizzled experienced NCO who is damn good at his job but doesn't care for any of the army rituals. Many of those Characters I would have experienced in real life and of course after learning those Characters in the Novel were based on real peoples or composites of real people that makes total sense.
5:03 She's wearing the Lotta Svärd badge on her neck it was worlds largest woman auxiliary group during war.
Thanks Tomi - I didn't know about that either - I appreciate you sharing. Cheers
As a Finn I really enjoyed your commentary. You got a lot of things right. The source material for the movie is Väinö Linna's legendary war novel Tuntematon Sotilas (Unknown Soldier) which came out in the early 1950's. This is the third movie adaptation of the novel. The novel and the film versions are a national legend here in Finland.
Thanks Mikko for watching the videos and for your kind comments. I appreciate it. I've managed to get my hands on a copy of the English version of the Book eventually so it's ordered and on its way. I can't wait to read it. Many people have mentioned different views on which of the three versions of the movie is the best What do you think?
The first film version is considered by many to be the ultimate classic. Even though from a tehnical point of view the film is pretty outdated. Still a national classic and it is shown on TV every independence day (December 6). The second version came out in the mid 1980's and it is a bit over the top artistic adaptation of the original novel. Aku Louhimies directed the third version and it is a modern classic. A very succesfull update indeed. It tells the same old story to modern day audience.
Hey Mikko - thanks for answering the question. I think, again not based on any factual evidence, but that often, when there is multiple versions of a Movie, the one you see first is the one that will always stay with you - presuming it is a good Movie. For me, it will probably be this version as I thought it was fantastic but I will hold off on my complete judgement until I watch the other two. Have a good weekend.
The term unknown soldier is used to identify the dead and missing of the WW2 in most conflicts that took place in Finland and USSR. In Finland and in most of old USSR cities, towns and territories; there is (or used to be) monuments with names of everyone who didnt return from the war carved into them. Surprisingly this also applies to most of southern USSR battles too, even on private memorial level, and i was very surprised and confused running into multiple of them when visiting Chernobyl. SMALL EDIT SIDENOTE: Original version of this movie came out in 1955, which is aired on TV every finnish independence day anniversary and is watched yearly by a considerable amount of old school nationals.
Hey Joni thanks for the comment and welcome to the channel. Some others have stated here that the Publishers changed the title of the Novel to The Unknown Soldier as it was to represent those Soldiers whose names we never hear off - the 99% who fight these Wars as I thought in my commentary. However, I don't have enough knowledge to state which is correct.
My grandma (never met her, died unexpectedly in the 70s) lost her home twice durong the wat. She was from the Karelian Isthmus.
She served as an air defense observer in the "women's corps", Lotta Svärd Organization.
She told that when the Isthmus was evacuated in the summer of 1944 the trains were camouflaged with fresh birch branches.
Children asked why was that. They were told it was decorations for Midsummer.
Thanks for sharing that personal story mate - very interesting to hear. It must have been very very tough on your Grandmother to lose her home and probably not even able to visit afterwards. It sounds like though she was able to build a family and life afterwards and I was glad to hear that. Respect to her for her service.
Air force was doing miracles with couple planes vs hundreds
Thanks Uli - I didn't know about that before but other commentors as your good self did, have shared that information with me and I have read up about it since. It was quite remarkable what some of your pilots achieved.
Finnish army used a lot of different helmets from a lot of different armies. They also used a lot of captured equipment so a lot of soldiers had Soviet helmets. Must've been hell to recognize friendlies on the battlefield
I noticed that and thanks for the additional information. I was sure when Annti was guarding the trench that they were Russians due to the helmets. I understand now as well why some guys just wore their hats as in close quarter combat you could easily make that mistake and have friendly fire kills
Actually those helmets were not soviet but Italian, as gift from Italy during Winter war@@JTRetroReactions
Hey mate. Thanks for sharing that information. That makes sense as well as the Italian Helmets during WW2 did look similar to the Soviet head gear. It also confirms what the earlier poster was saying about the mix of head gear in use by the Finnish Army at that time.
Hello, Mr.Jay. Thanks for taken interest of this subject. First thing first, this was the third movie version from the Väinö Linna top seller "The Unknown soldier" 1954. Plus acting theatre versions. I recommend to watch 1985 director Rauni Mollberg version. Much more soulful acting than this. And, ouh. I`m not nitpicking, but that is not Wickers, it`s Maxim mg type, thou resemblace is evident. Submachine gun is famous Suomi sg, which came with roundel and straight clips, thou in west, yes, it`s called "Tommy Gun" and "Chicago Handwriter". Russian`s captured and copy it, thou it was licence built already, expl Switzerland. Those oval or egg helmets were not russian nor italians. They are swedish type m/37, which were used until 60`s. But, like you notice. Homefront scenes were very good part of the dramaline. Cheers, keep up the good work, Elias. Suomi-Finland. @@JTRetroReactions
Hey Elias Welcome to the channel and thanks for the comment which was very informative and helpful. I also screwed up on the Mosins being Lee Enfields most likely cause when you don't have time to really think about things like in a reaction you say the first thing that comes into your head and for me I'm more familiar with British Weapons of that period. But there Fair comments so no objection from me. Thanks for watching the video.
Finland lost part of the country but rest of it was not occupied by enemy troops, also most of the people from lost area were transported to Finnish side so lost area was not Finnish any more.
looking back from 2023 i think all sacrifices people had to do was worth it as now Finland has been considered happiest country in the world and compare that to ex eastern Europe communist countries and difference is still there even communism has been gone for some time.
Hey freeze - yes you are right in fairness - I think I made the statement I made in commentary when the elderly woman had lost her three sons and I was trying to convey her thoughts - probably badly - that she must have been thinking for what at that time.
@@JTRetroReactionsActually Linnas other novel "Here under the northern star" tells that she had one more son and daughter too. My grandfather was born in 1900 few hundred meters away from Linnas birth place. So he was about a one generation older than Linna. Wasn't serving in Linnas unit because Linna wasn't in winter war because of his young age. But in winter war there was a system where men from same towns or other areas served in same units. That was changed because heavy losses in some part of front could destroy most young men from smaller towns or villages.
Again very interesting. Thanks for sharing. It was the same over here for WW1. Whole families and villages wiped out. It was changed after WW1 too for the exact same reason.
Actually the population of Finland was 3.6 million and the Soviet Union 190.7 million at the time the World War II started, so the Soviet Union had over 50 times more population compared to Finland. 🙄
Fair enough mate - I was guessing approximate numbers in fairness as I was doing a live reaction so thanks for pointing out the correct information there. Cheers
To be precise, in 1939 the Finnish population was 3.7 M. The official population of the ussr was 170 M, but in reality it was lower, maybe around 162 M.
Thanks Timo for sharing that - the Size difference between the two populations was even greater then I originally thought!
NCO Rokka really had a role model in reality; a soldier named Viljam Pylkäs. The original title of Väinö Linna's novel script was "The War Novel" (Sotaromaani), but the publisher changed it to Unknown soldier. Nobody knows why.
Thanks Tonit for the comment and for sharing that information. As I mentioned in other comments on here - Rokka just felt to real to me to be a fictional character - I have known NCOs like him in real life so I was glad to hear that he was indeed based on a real person. That's interesting - so it was the Publisher and not the writer who choose the title hmm - I think then I am going to stick with my propostion in my closing comments where it was the story of the ordinary soldiers who fight in these wars and 99.9% of them we never get to hear about.
True, especially these I listed below, but the author Väinö Linna wrote to Viljam Pylkäs the following:
"Because you are Rokka's role model. As you have noticed, I have changed events, placed them in a different chronological order, transferred the actions of other men to others, and so on. But they belong to the nature of the novel and are only true to that extent."
The famous scene of the unknown soldier, where Rokka kills about 50 enemies, was modeled after the 83 enemy soldiers destroyed by Viljam Pylkäs's machine gun in Pertjärvi.
Väinö Linna has recorded, among other things, an event where the captain of a foreign company asked Pylkäs why he did not honor him. Pylkäs had replied: "I didn't come here to do honor. I came here to fight.”
Thanks Leopart - sounds exactly like what Rokka in the Movie said and seems true to his sort of Character so I am not surprised that he would say something like that. Do you know if he had the same issues with Authority that Rokka had in the Movie?
You are right - when thinking of the name, the publisher said "this is the 'unknown soldier'" - a story about those 99.9% whose story is often untold, as you said. So your guess was right on the money. @@JTRetroReactions
Thanks mate for letting me know. I appreciate it. Thanks also for watching the video!
Finland as u said didnt have much. But google or look up best pilots during ww2 and finnish artillery without ammo. Its insane how good we did on all fronts with nothing. I mean absolutely insane
Some of the other commentors on this and the other video shared that information with me as well - best fighter ace, taking out 108 Soviet tanks with just 6 losses etc. It's a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of the people who served then.
Since the manpower we had was peanuts compared to the USSR, there were not many occasions where one would be released when losing many brothers. Actually during Winter War the units were formed of men of the same villages and municipalities when it was easy to build cohesion in the unit. On the downside, when a single unit was given a dangerous mission, the losses struck hard in places like Nurmo, where the village lost a big part of it's male population in a single attack. That was changed in the Continuation War, when the units were formed of men all around Finland.
Thanks for the comment Makedz and welcome to the Channel. It was a similar logic here in the first World War - make units out of people from the same village and families. It was discontinued very quickly for the exact reason you mention in your comment. Fun Fact: Saving Private Ryan was based on an Irish American Family - the Sullivans - who had 7 Brothers join the Navy and serve on board the same ship in WW2. All were lost when the ship sunk - so SPR just took that true story and made a Hollywood fictional version of it.
I like how Väinö Linnas novels Täällä Pohjantähden alla and Tuntematon sotilas are closely related to each other, even the movie adaptations.
Thanks Rikki for watching the Videos - I have ordered the english Translation of the Book to read for myself - just waiting for it to arrive - can't wait to read it and compare to this version of the Movie.
In the book&movie "Täällä pohjantähden alla" you can find a heartbreaking scene where the parents of Koskela go to claim their fallen son from train station. They go and ask officials where the coffin of their son is, and get the horrible answer "They are BOTH there"😢
Wow! Thanks for sharing that mate! Was Koskela a real person then or a fictional person? Or is he similar to Rokka and loosely based of a real guy? Emotional scene regardless! Is the Movie worth reacting too? If so I will add it to the list for a future war movie poll. Have a good weekend.
Well, not occupied - Karelia, yes, mostly, but that was about 10% of the area of Finland. Helsinki, Moscow and London were the only capitals of the war participants in Europe that were not occupied.
Hey Qwineth thanks for the comment and for watching the video. I suppose I was just nit picking to be honest. Technically the United Kingdom was occupied via Guernsey and Jersey so I was applying the same logic to Karelia but it was just an on the spot thought I made in the commentary.
Hello from Finland. 😁🇫🇮
One thing that finland does really well is war movies.
Rukajärventie is one of my own favorites.
Hey Mikkoammer. Welcome to the Channel and thanks for the comment. Thanks for watching the video as well. You are the second person to recommend that film to me so I will add it to my reaction list. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers.
The Character "Rokka", the Nco you keep mentioning, is based on a real life soldier who served in a same unit as the writer of the book "the unknown soldier"
Yes thanks. I am reading the book currently
I love this! Its like watching this movie again with totally New and Well thought perspective. You know your stuff
Thanks mate for watching the Videos and I appreciate your very kind comments - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for your extensive review - as many have mentioned previously, it really offered a fresh, expert point of view to a story that's very dear for us Finns. My grandfather fought in both wars and lost two of his brothers - both missing in action.
Really happy to hear that you enjoyed the film. Wishing you all the best!
Hey Tommmmi96. Thanks for your very kind words and for your comments. I really appreciate it! Thanks also for sharing the story of your Grand Uncles - may God have mercy on their souls and your Country always remember their service. I did really enjoy this movie and I have ordered a copy of the Book as well, so I can't wait to read it. My Talvisota reaction will also be out at some stage next week so hopefully you will stick around to watch that. Enjoy the rest of your evening mate.
@@JTRetroReactions I absolutely will!
Thanks mate - much appreciated - I hope I can do it justice
I watched this 2 part reaction and then checked your replies to various comments, after reading them I clicked the subscribe button. I like how you don't pretend to be an expert on everything related to ww2 and you obviously want to learn more about this topic. Cheers! PS. Definitely check the Winter War movie if you get your hands on one with English subtitles! It's from 1989 but it's very well made for it's time.
Thanks mate. I appreciate the Sub. Thanks as well for watching both videos. I'm a great believer in that quote that the truely wise man knows how little he knows. The older I get the more I realise it. Lots of people were very helpful in the comments which was great and I've gotten a lot of great movie suggestions from them. Thanks again
The movie "The green berets" starring john wayne, is based on a finnish soldier named "Lauri Törni" who fought for 3 countries, also an officer in 3 armies... Interesting character
Hey Mika welcome to the Channel and thanks for the comment. You are the 2nd or 3rd person to mention this Gentleman to me. I think there is a RUclips Video on him that I may react to in the future. I have seen Green Berets which was basically a propaganda film for the Vietnam War but I did not know it was based on this Guy so thanks for sharing that.
@@JTRetroReactions Lauri Törni aka Larry Thorne can be seen as a trainer in an old American documentary/propaganda film on RUclips called "Big Picture: Phantom Fighters".
Thanks tyttimk for sharing that - I will look that up tonight. Welcome to the Channel by the way. I presuming he went Gung Ho for the Americans as a chance to get back at the Soviets or am I assuming too much here?
13:33 Yes he was. He was one of the guys Väinö Linna served with during the war (Linna is the author of the book that the move is based on).
Thanks mate for watching and for sharing that information. I have since read the book - excellent read
Nice commentary, you pretty much nailed the name of the film too.
Hey Paju thanks for your kind comments and welcome to the Channel. Thanks for watching the videos mate!
Hello Jay! Greetings from Finland. Nice to see you reacting to this movie since it's in my opinion one of the best war movies ever (if not the best). I've never watched this International Cut myself. The "official" version is a bit longer and if I recall correctly doesn't have those animated maps.
I've read the book 7 times and watched the original 1955 version at least 20 times after I stopped counting (1985 only a few) but this 2017 version is definitely the best of the tree movies. There has been some mentioning but the 1955 version has been showed on our tv every Independence Day since the year 2000 😄 I used to watch it every year but have been slacking on that part for a while now.
I also saw you mentioning that you have had trouble finding the english translation of the book. I don't know if they ship internationally but have you checked some Finnish bookstores, like "Adlibris" and "Suomalainen Kirjakauppa" if they have the english version in stock?
I have to add another movie recommendation to the end here 😅 If you're interested in seeing more of the Winter War we do have a movie for that. It's called fittingly "Talvisota" (Winter War) and it was made in 1989 I think.
Hey Jani - thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I haven't tried the Finnish book stores so thanks for that great suggestion and the names I can look up online - I appreciate it! I am also looking for good Movies to react too so thanks for that suggestion on the Winter War - I'll see if I can find it on DVD. Cheers
By the way, my grandparents called off their wedding 1939 before the Winter War because my granddad stated, "we're all going to die, so I don't want to leave you as a widow." Well, 2 months later he said, "I think we're doing OK, so let's get married." So, my dad and I are here today.
A very well done take on this movie I thought. Cheers!
Thanks mate - I appreciate you saying that! Have a good weekend!
Randomly watched your channel; quite accurate comments (with some, understandably, mistakes) of so sad but heroic years of Finland at that time when independence was secured. You have a new !
Cheers Spiderone - thanks for the sub and for watching the videos - I appreciate it. Talvisota will be coming along soon as well as it won my last Movie Poll so hopefully you will enjoy that one as well. Have a good evening.
@@JTRetroReactions All the best; close to all Finnish adult males (and of course voluntary females), as conscripts, has a military training up to a year so a country of 5,6 million people can still have close to a million people active in reserve ready for the worst.
I hear you mate. I wish we had it here in Ireland. I think it provides good structure for young people particularly those without a father figure or organisation in their lives.
@@JTRetroReactions I get you point; here in Finland military service is MANDATORY for all males to protect the country, whatever family status is. And Finland is the only Nordic country (and one of the few in Europe) that has this but just check the map ;-). So; when you see that fat drunk Finn on the beach somewhere...
Very true mate - I know Germany used to have it - not sure if they still do and I believe Spain has it as well but I could be wrong.
A little story that I can tell of the good effects of Military service - when I joined the Volunteer Army here in Ireland - the first day on the parade ground I was looking around at the 200 or so recruits and my stomach sank when I saw a Guy who I went to school with and hated and had several runs in with. Basically he was a criminal. Anyways first day on the parade ground he gave some cheek to the Quartermaster who proceed to knock him out with one punch. He never opened his mouth again like that afterwards!
Long story short, over time this guy became a fine Soldier and a decent Human Being - he's still in - retiring soon. His background which I never knew before was his parents were addicts and he was brought up in chaos and was wild.
The structure and discipline in the Army was what he needed as he never had it. That Quartermaster who knocked him became like a father to him over the years etc. Totally changed his life and he only ended up in the Army because a clever Judge instead of sentencing him to Prison gave him the option of doing 7 years in the Army.
I think a lot of troubled youths would benefit from that sort of structure instead of the hand holding or young offenders institutions crap they get today. A lot will disagree with me but that incident that I related above, convinced me of it.
Very professional analyze from this movie 👍. It is always nice to listen a non Finnish person, who knows the history this well 👍.
Thanks Timo - much appreciated mate! I tried my best but screwed up on the weapons as I was not really familiar with the Finnish weapons of the period. Thanks again for watching the videos. My reaction to Talvisota will also be out shortly. Cheers.
Hey. There is finnish war movie called Talvisota (Winter war) directed by Pekka Parikka and was released in 1989. In case you haven't seen it. I think it should be available somewhere internet or to purchase from.
Hey mate - it won the last War Movie poll I won so I will be reacting to it once I receive it. I had to order it from Korea of all places to get a version with English Subtitles.
@@JTRetroReactionsIt's a great movie. A long one, lasts for over three hours. Very much like this one, but with amazing scenes with hundreds of extras.
Thanks mate. I've already recorded it and should be editing it for release next week. Yes it's long but the story was interesting enough to enjoy it thoroughly.
Probably already told, but there were also these 1926 born men in the war. Never forget them. Reminds, grandchild of one. (Great two videos, by the way. Thumbs up.)
Hey Justincase - welcome to the Channel and thanks for the comment and sharing that information which was helpful! Thanks also for your kind comments on the videos - I appreciate it!
Finland only had one large arnored formation in the continuation war, "panssaridivisioona" (literally "armored division") led by the first knight of the Mannerheim cross, Ruben Lagus. This formation consisted of captured Russian tanks and german Stugs and Panzer IVs, the division would famously fight and defeat much larger Russian formations in the Battle of Tali-Ihantala (that has a movie with the same name), this is also the largest battle fought in the Nordic region in history
Thanks Jaggarz again for sharing that helpful information which was interesting - much appreciated. The Movie you mentioned will be on the next War Movie poll I do as several people, like your good self, have been kind enough to recommend it to me.
Best part about the movie is how Antti goes from happy guy to deeper and deeper.
Hey James thanks for your comment and welcome to the Channel. I agree with you and for me as a first time viewer I seen Antti's journey as being representative of Finland as a nation. The joy of retaking your land, replaced by the sense of despair and sorrow in having to give it up again despite your hard fought and brave efforts. It came across as very symbolic to me. Kudos to the Actor who played Antti really well and that emotional transition. Have a nice weekend
Good commentary, nice to see someone react to this film. As an aside, the "idiot" who dies at 23:50 is actually played by the director's son who's also a friend of mine from upper secondary school. I always struggle to take any of his lines seriously because I can't unsee that it's just my classmate in the middle of this brutal war film :D
Hey GKN - thanks for the comment and sharing that story about your mate. Welcome to the Channel by the way. I understand what you are saying mate - I was an extra in Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan - the fight scenes in Braveheart in particular I can never take seriously as I know a lot of the faces in it so I get where you are coming from. Also I didn't know that the Glory Lieutenant was the Directors son so thanks for sharing that. Tell him both I thought both him and his Dad did an excellent job as I am sure they were waiting for some random internet stranger to say that to them ha ha.
Have a good weekend.
That private Asumaniemi Who get killed at 23.50 is directors son Eemeli Louhimies. Lt./Captain Kariluoto is played by Johannes Holopainen. I don't think he is looking for glory. I think he is overthetop dutiful.
Hey mate. Thanks for the comment. One of the posters in this thread mentioned he was good friends with the actor who played that character. Also, although I haven't read it myself, in the Novel, he was a glory seeker but I am just going on what others said. I would say as well Koskela was dutiful but smart and cared for his men so he sent his best men first to clear the defences while the other guy just glory charged.
Antti Rokka role model is Viljam Pylkäs... and that winter scene is real. he did kill 83 russians by himself.
And he got an Iron Cross.
Thanks Teukkis and welcome to the channel. A few people have shared that information with me. 83 is a high kill number for one Soldier. Someone else told me that the Director of this Movie had to reduce the number killed in that scene as he didn't believe international audiences would believe it - I can understand why - 83 is an insane number!
@@JTRetroReactionssome 83 KIA how about wounded that were evacuated by Soviet’s? Number is close 100 total. Blood trail’s went east from battle field
Thanks FatJack - I appreciate the additional information - anywhere from 83 to 100 is an insane total
And Antti Rokka did survive the story like the person he is based on. In the novel he jokes that now he is going to be sent back to his family to see if there is new baby.
Thanks again mate. I have an English copy of the novel now which I'm currently reading through. I'm enjoying it so far
@@JTRetroReactions Okay. As it happens, the latter translation is better.
Thanks mate - I know some people warned me that the English translations of the Books weren't great but so far I am able to follow the story.
I'm sorry if someone else told this before(374 comments, I'm lazy). In Linna's book, when the asshole lietenaunt-general Karjula was wounded in legs by tank shell after he shot privat Viirilä, nco Rokka saved him by carrying him on his arms enough backwards so medics could took him in care. Bet he didn't want to, but perhaps his humanity was greater than hate.
Hey mate. Thanks for the comment. No, no one had mentioned that before so it was interesting to hear. Fair play to Rokka! It just goes to show as you said humanity wins out. Thanks for sharing and have a good weekend
One of my most ‘favourite’ war films and books. Highly recommend reading the book too.
Hey Chris, thanks for watching them videos. I've managed to get my hands on an English translation of the book so I'm looking forward to reading it
The author of the book went to both wars (winter + continuation), so I presume he based the characters somewhat to real soldiers. The realism stems from the fact that this is the third movie adaptation (1955, 1985, 2017) and they always tried to be more realistic than the previous. Same book, yet each film is unique. This latest one is what most finns consider the best.
Thanks for watching and for sharing that information mate - I appreciate it! I have since read the book - it was an excellent read
When it comes to say "Farmer's Strength" they are raw muscle, they just have it in all the important places, and not in excess beyond usefulness. Basically the labor they do builds up all the important muscles, enough to throw a man, but not enough to lift 500lbs pointlessly in a competition. They can split a log in a single swing, they can throw a heavy hay bale onto a wagon... etc etc.
The book was mandatory to read when I was in school and then give a review of the book.
Thank you for this reaction. As a Finn this movie is like no other. This is Finnish Sisu in it's purest form.
Your welcome Moj and welcome also to the channel. I loved this movie so it was my pleasure to watch it and it was great to hear the history of this and Finland from a lot of your Country men and women.
@@JTRetroReactions subbed
Thanks Mojova mate - I appreciate it! Also if you have any suggestions for me to react to - please feel free to drop them at any time.
@@JTRetroReactions If you want to react to Finnish war heroes you should check out Videos about Simo Häyhä (the most successful sniper ever) over 500 confirmed kills, also Lauri Törni, a man that fought in 3 armies. (Natsi Germany, Finland and USA). And Aimo Koivunen that wandered in the war torn woods for weeks because he took too much meth. ... All true stories and all are in youtube.
Thanks Mojova - I am mainly a movie and tv reaction channel but sure - why not. A couple of other commentors have also recommended those stories to me.
For better understanding the situation, where e.g. Capt Kariluoto, Major Sarastie and Sgt Hietanen are killed, search for:
Flames of war
Jatkosota 1944
Finland at war
Part 2: Soviet Attacks on Other Fronts
and the part about the soviet operations North of Lake Laatokka (Ladoga).
The soviets make a naval landing in Tuulos (Tuloksa) from the Lake Laatokka (Ladoga), behind some of the retreating Finnish troops, cutting and blocking the "major" road they are using. The Finnish counter strikes against the bridgehead to open the road fail, and the blocked Finns are forced to go round the bridgehead using secondary/makeshift "roads"/paths, with losses of heavy equipment
Thanks mate for watching the video and for sharing all of that information. I appreciate it. I will check out those recommendations you gave me
Actually. Finland had the air forces and Germany´s Luftwaffe helped Finland too. But author Väinö Linna doesn´t tell much about Finnish air forces in his novel, so they are not seen in the movie either.
Thanks Tonit. Some other commentors were also kind enough, as you were your good self to share that information with me and some of the stories of the Finnish Aces and Tank Battles. As I mentioned in my commentary - I was just shocked at the lack of visibility of same in this movie - but it made more sense to me when the focus of this Movie was just on a Machine Gun Company.
Finnish Air forces and tanks were mostly on the Karelian Isthmus, not on the Syväri Front (where events in this movie and the book are located)
Thank taavi for sharing that - I presume the reason they were focused on Karelian Isthmus was due to the landscape - less forests and terrain or was there anothe reason?
@@JTRetroReactions The bulk of Soviet offensive was concentrated on the Karelian Isthmus also. In the Onega front Finnish troops were forced to give ground because there was a risk of getting cut off if the Isthmus attack broke trough.
Thanks Kissamiess for clearing that up for me - I appreciate it!
Koskela is usually seen as reasonable officer. As opposed to Lammio, the one who wanted to give inappropriate punishment. And, yes, there was Finnish Air Force but they spent most of their time fighting Sturmoviks and Soviet bombers.
Thanks mate for watching the video, the comment and for sharing that information. I would also add, you have the glory seeking officer too which was the young lieutenant as well. Sorry I cannot remember his name of the top of my head
@@JTRetroReactions You probably mean Kariluoto. He is naive and idealistic through reality begins to slowly sink in...
Yes mate - that was the Guy - just couldn't remember his name when I was writing the original comment. I don't know about the novel as I haven't got that far yet but in the Movie he led that death charge which to me was a glory hunter move. I could be wrong but just my opinion on what I saw in the movie.
Thanks X-Wing - I think he represented the naivety of a lot of young men heading off to War - particularly at that time where you did not have live camera footage and webms. But in saying that I am not too sure, in the movie, I can't comment on the Novel as I haven't reached that part yet, that he did ever reach maturity and left the glory behind. The reason I say that is because if you contrast his operation with Koskela, Koskela sent his best Men forward to try and clear a path before leading his men on a charge, whilst Kariluoto didn't and led the charge himself and continued even when he witnessed his men getting decimated in front of him. Maybe it was glory, maybe it was stupidity - I can't say for sure but it can't be lack of experience at that point. Koskela only laid down his life to cover his Men's retreat and when there was no other choice in the matter. That is just my opinion - it doesn't mean it's right but that is what I took from it.
My take on the the title "Unknown Soldier" is that there were a lot of brave and heroic men in this war, but in many cases no one survived to tell the tale. In that sense they remain unknown.
Thanks for the comment PJ and welcome to the Channel. I agree and I think I mentioned something similar in my outro - that it was just all the Soldiers, living or dead, who fight in these wars and whose names we never know.
@@JTRetroReactions The novel is very character-driven despite being a war story. Most of the characters aren't based on real individuals...instead, they all represent certain archetypes of Finnish men, as the author saw it. So it's like a study of how the collective psyche of the population coped with the war. Some of this gets lost in the movies, simply because a patriotic action movie sells better.
Hey Zuron, welcome to the Channel and thanks for sharing that information. I posted above on another comment, that Antti represents Finland. He fights hard, is resilient, only cares about retaking his land, and his drift into despair towards the end as he loses his Land again but still has the will to keep fighting and going. From an archetype perspective Antti stuck out to me as that - just my view though. Have a good weekend.
@@JTRetroReactions I'd like to point out that in the book Antti is never mentioned again after he gets shot while crossing the river. The book has no happy ending.
@@aleks5405 Thanks Aleks for watching the video - I'm almost finished reading the book now but I haven't got to that part yet. suppose the golden lining in that is we do know the character Rokka is based on did survive in real life - however, given the wounds the fictional character Rokka took in the Movie and by the sounds of it the Book - I'm not surprised he didn't make it and became an 'Unknown Soldier'
It was not an unconditional surrender at all.
Hey Toinenosoite - please enlighten me - it is a couple of weeks since I watched the Movie but if I remember correctly at the end - there was the speech saying that we do not know what conditions we can expect from our larger Neighbour to the East but we will still lay down our arms. As an outsider that is what it sounded like - as in no more fighting but the Soviets are dictating the terms here. Again, I am not very familiar with this regions history so I was just interpreting it how it sounded to me listening to that but feel free to correct me where that is wrong
@@JTRetroReactions An unconditional surrender was what Germany did at the end of WWII. Then it was occupied by the four countries of GB, US, SU and France.
This never happened in Finland. The war ended, and there were conditions, yes, but it was never that we totally surrendered.
Thus, we lost some more territory, had to pay reparations, weren't able to take part of the Marshall plan, and so forth. But the main point was that our society could go on, and the country was never taken over.
Ok - but an unconditional surrender is defined as Unconditional surrender is 'a term for a surrender in which no guarantees are given to the surrendering party'. So where I was coming from using the official definition above is, if there was an Armistice with conditions being dictated afterwards then using that definition it was - but to be honest I also see your point of view so I am happy to accept it
@@JTRetroReactions You are totally right in your definition. Nevertheless, Finland never agreed to an unconditional surrender, as it had just fought back the SU at the battle of Tali-Ihantala. Thus, the conditions were later laid down in the Moscow Armistice of 1944.
Fair enough mate - thanks for the additional information - I appreciate it!
Seems like those subtitles are really simplified, and often not telling what guys are really saying. My grandmother was evacuated from Karelia, and served as a lotta in wartime. Veterans had a free pass for this movie in a city she was living, but unfortunately she passed away just a few days before that.
Hey Janik - welcome to the channel and thanks for sharing your story. A few people like your good self have commented on the Subtitles being off. That often is the case to be honest. I speak a bit of German and when I watched Downfall and Generation War the subtitles were very simplified compared to what was actually being said. However, I do know from writing subtitles for my videos that it is one of the most painful, boring things you can do - so I presume that the people making the subtitles are just blasting through it
@@JTRetroReactions also finnish dialects can be near to inpossible to translate as they are. This movie has many old words and sayings which has no accurate translations. It's still a shame because as other People have mentioned the movie is not as powerful without them. Also to us Finns those different dialects reminds of the soldiers will to fight united for the fatherland even though Finland had it's civil war just twenty-something years before continuation war. Or atleast to me it does.
Thanks Elsa for the comment and welcome to the Channel. Some others have also mentioned the different dialects from the various regions in Finland and how the personalities of the different 'Tribe's were also reflected in the Movie. But as you said, you would have to be Finnish to get that. To be honest you would get the same in Irish Movies - we speak Irish English and the use of words can mean something totally different than in British or American English.
My grandma is one of the old Karelians. She was 9 when Winter War happened, and then they had to leave again during 44 when the big push came. Never got to go back home after that.
I went to see this movie with her when it came out. Those scenes showing off the home life at the farm weren't part of the book, but it was a nice addition and very much the reality for many. You can imagine it was quite emotional to sit next to someone who had lived that as a child, having to leave home not once but twice.
Hey Fokush - thanks for watching the videos and for sharing your Grandmothers story! I appreciate it! That must have been a powerful experience indeed! Hopefully someday that land will return to where it belongs!
@@JTRetroReactions It's always interesting to see and hear what foreigners think of our history. I'm glad you enjoyed the movie!
We Finns and Irish something in common considering our histories of being part of kingdoms and empires of our neighbours and in our struggles for independence.
Cheers mate - I really enjoyed the Movie and learning about Finland's history! So many people including your good self were kind enough to share their stories with me and point out where I was off on a thing or two. We do indeed have very very similar histories and struggles and that's why I am glad we are both in the same EU Battle Group right now. Just to let you know my next reaction later this week will be Talvisota.
I am not a big fan of war movies but I really liked this one. And of course I had to see this one since it's such a huge toppic in Finland. Thank you for reacting to this one!
While making of the movie, it probably helped that most of the men in it had been to the army in some form.
Hey Tuuli thanks for watching the videos and for your comments. One of the reason I like this particular War movie much more then the others is it shows the realism of War and the realisim of how it affects the People in the War. For me after thinking about it for a bit, I think Rokka actually symbolises Finland - he has to fight but would rather be at home on his Farm with his family and you can see the journey of Finland during this period in the changes in Rokkas character and for his strong spirit to fight no matter the odds. It's not a hollywood war movie which is a good thing as it often glamourises War in a way that is not really helpful.
@JaysRetroReactions You got the meaning of this war movie quite well.
Even though it's been about 80 years since the war, you can still see the impact it had in Finland. Also, as a result, it has led to a mentality over the years that there is always a possibility that one day Russia will attack again (of course, we hope not).
Thanks for that I appreciate it! I think that is a good mentality to have given the current Russian regime to be honest
@@JTRetroReactions True. The attack to Ukraine did play a big part in Finland joining NATO.
And I would not blame you guys. In Ireland we are lucky that our Neighbour appears to have no more imperial ambitions. To be honest living next door to Russia or China, I think you have to be always ready and prepared for the worst. They are unpredictable neighbours to say they least
I think the helmets in the first clips are actually italian helmets. There is a somewhat famous photo of finnish pioneers with similar helmets, with a skull painted on .
I also like how the grunts have heavy accents, while the officers have basically no or only a slight Helsinki accent.
I dont think there was an exeption in the army, but since the offensive began, i dont think they couldve spared anyone, much less a veteran nco.
Kariluoto (the officer) changed his perspective about the war, from a fresh boy out off officer school who fought for glory and stuff changing and beginnign to be much more pessimistic about the war.
The soviets were absolute cunts in the war, in the winter and continuation war russian "partisans" reguraley went over the border to rape and pillage villages with little or no amount of soldiers, so its no suprise they would do something like this.
As someone on the other video said, the character of Rokka is based on someone who served with the writer of the book the movie is based on (the unknown soldier as well).
The terms to the armistace were mostly for finland to pay with heavy equipment and by ceding more territorey. The soviet union also forced finland to be neutral, but finnish politics were heavily effected by the soviets. Finland still didnt become communist, mostly due to the Social democrats refusing to cooperate with the commies.
Hey Kekkoinen thanks for sharing that information which was helpful and interesting so I appreciate it! The majority, including myself would agree with your view on the Soviets but there are a couple of posters here who think Finland were used and abused by the Germans and are being used and abused by NATO now - go figure. Russian Propaganda can definitely be effective so I will give them that.
Glad you loved it. Have always loved it, but thought it might be "my history" thing.
Honestly mate as I said it's one of the best Movies in it's genre I have seen. Realistic with a great story. Plus I'm Irish so always support the underdog probably because of my country's history too :)
Oh and i almost forgot, there is a tv series version of this too, theres lot more footage that is not in the movie. It gives little bit more depth to the movie, and there is more scenes from the original novel.
Thanks - yes indeed - I believe it's on Finnish Netflix. I will get around to that later in the year. Cheers.
I believe the reason why the Finns dug in on the "wrong" side of the river, was because they were supposed to delay the russians long enough to get all the equipment across first. The engineers would set up the charges to blow up the bridge once the russians were close, but blew it too early.
Hey mate - thanks for sharing that information - but in that case - surely they should have dug in farther away from the Bridge - who knows though - there may be reasons they didn't - it was a lot to ask of them either way
All the wars we have had with Russia has been about our existence, there has newer been any rule to get excemption from army for family reasons. Don't know how things are today.
Thanks for sharing that information - much appreciated. I know that it became quite a common rule after WW2, particularly after the Sullivan Brothers incident which Saving Private Ryan was based on - they were 6 Brothers from an Irish American Family who served on the same Ship and all 6 were lost, when the Ship was sunk in the Pacific. That basically started a trend where only a limited number of people would be called up from a particular family.
You have a damn good knowledge of the history of WWII (especially the northern) wars!! There is an older version of this film made in black and white back in the day. .Yes, it is true that Russia uses this Finnlandization as a neutral partner, more or less 'like-minded', more or less by force.. There really hasn't been any breakthrough research on the subject even today. In Finnish politics, there have been these blind corners and points in such opinions and policies that have a clear influence on the Soviet Union and later on Russa even since the 1970s in the early 2000s, which have not been addressed. So there is still a debate about this in politics and the media, if only we would forget or do, as in Austria or even Germany, that we study together in newspapers and then we are ready to turn a new page in the country's history. It remains to be seen in the future, but it should be done eventually. It is not appropriate not to talk about this "shame" in the history.
Hey Profittaker - welcome to the channel and thanks for the kind and informative comments. We had a similar situation in Ireland post independence except it was more hostile. We had an economic war in the 30s with Britain which cost us dearly given the size disparity between our two Countries. Then in the 60s the whole Northern Ireland issue erupted again and affected our economy as well in the Republic. Our currency even though is was a distinct currency was always linked by speculators to the British Pound so the strength of our economy was always dependent on theirs despite what we did. That all changed in the 90s when there was a major push into tech and financial services. Today 70% of the worlds hedge funds are domiciled here with administration and fiduciary functions carried out from here.
We are also the main hub for all the tech companies with all having large bases here. Initially we did this through very low corporation tax rates but that stopped being a reality in the early 2000s and many countries in the EU have lower corporation tax rates than us now.
The whole point is that we had to make a unified effort to break completely with Britain and separate our economies. In fairness the British didn't actively interfere with our politics here but by having a stranglehold on our economy it was no different. Through the economic efforts above and through the adaption of the EURO we finally managed to complete that separation from the British Empire completely.
I wish Finland success in it's political separation as well.
Hi, my big father was in that ambulance what get shooted, Lauri Järvelä, he is dead about 35 years ago. Badly injured.
At the end when they said that Finland was never occupied by the winning side, it meant that there were no Soviet troops Occuping the streets and cities like The Allies did with Germany or Yanks with the japanese home-island...
Thanks for the clarification mate and for watching the videos - I appreciate it!
Koskela wasn't last children from his family , he still had younger brother Juhani and he was not in the war because he was to young .
Koskela lost his two brothers in winter war .
Koskelas father was famous communist comander in finnish civil war and he lost his two brothers there .
all the characters are fictional but thats the book story from under the north star .
Thanks Hennfihakala for your comment and welcome to the Channel. Thanks for sharing that information which was interesting as well - I appreciate it! Enjoy your weekend.
Juhani was youngest son, and there where also daughter Kaarina, who was older than Juhani. No matters, just detail.
Thanks mate for sharing that additional details. I appreciate it! Have a great weekend
The Finns crossed the pre-Winter War border on the Karelian Isthmus on the Rajajoki River only as much as was necessary for strategic defense. Finland received aid from Germany during the Continuation War: ammo, anti-tank weapons, fighter planes, etc. Even German troops to Lapland. But Mannerheim (commander-in-chief of the defense forces during the wars and later the president of Finland) refused to attack Leningrad and participate in the siege of Leningrad even though Hitler demanded it. It was the main reason why the Germans failed to capture the second largest city in the Soviet Union and a proof that Finland (nor Marshal Mannerheim) was not ideologically a supporter of Hitler's dreams of world conquest.
In the Winter War, in the battles of the so-called Raate Road at the turn of 1939 and 1940, the Finns destroyed the Soviet Union's 44. Ukrainian Elite Division almost completely. The division was heavily armored and equipped with tanks and cannons. Their task was to cut Finland in the middle by proceeding along the east-west Raate Road to the middle of Finland but the Finns stopped them on that narrow gravel road in the middle of the deep Finnish forests. They were ill-equipped for the frosts that were as low as -40 degrees. The Finns cut off their supply connections and the Finnish ski patrols chopped the 20 km long division into smaller parts and surrounded and destroyed the parts one by one. - This is a good example of how times change (well, maybe not for Russians). Now the Ukrainians are fighting against Russia, which is invading their country, and Finland is sending them help.
Hey Jorluo - thanks for sharing that really interesting information and welcome to the channel. That was very interesting to read and I am going to be reacting to Talvisota soon to get more awareness of the Winter War. That armoured division being destroyed sounds so much like the recent 40km armoured trek the Russians tried to do to Kyiv recently which also got destroyed. They really never do learn ha ha
The helmet you mentioned in the very first part of the video its a swedish helmet called M1937.
Thanks mate for watching the video and letting me know. Enjoy your weekend
It was a peace treaty Finland signed and the demands were worse than what the Soviet Union initially asked + reperations for damages, which was pretty bad.
You can't really know if they would've annexed Finland if they just agreed on the territorial demands initially without a fight like baltics and other countries, I'm pretty sure Finland kept it's independence due to the sacrafice.
No it wasn't agreement to fight Germans in northern Russia it was every German out of Finland there wasn't that much fighting but it did result in some casualties.
Thanks mate for watching the videos and for sharing that additional information - I appreciate it! I think I would agree looking at what happened in Eastern Europe and the Baltics - Poland, Hungary, East Germany etc. - as soon as anybody spoke up against the Soviets, the Tanks rolled in which is why the Soviets never considered any of the Warsaw pact countries as reliable allies if the Cold War ever turned into hot war. It also makes Hungary's stance today even more strange but that's their decision.
May I suggest another Finnish war movie that is way better IMO. It's called "Rukajärven Tie (1999)" (int. name "Ambush"), It's, slower, moodier, has awesome cinematography and tells a great story based loosely on real events, won many awards.
Hey Zarniwooper - welcome to the Channel and thanks for the comment. Sure - I'll check it out - I just have to make sure I can get a copy with English Subs - believe it or not I had difficulty even getting this movie with English Subs. Thanks for the suggestion.
I did not like Rukajärven tie so much. Interesting fact is that actor of ltn Koskela Vatanen as conscript took part in shooting Rukajärven tie.
Thanks mate for sharing that I'll be reacting to Takvisota first as it won the poll that was open. Rukajarven I'll react to later
There was a rare theme touched in Rukajärven tie, the Unknown soldier didn’t issue, as it didn’t quite fit the nationalistic narrative. The scars of the civil war were still lingering and in the beginning of Rukajärven tie there still exists some strife between the soldiers of different political views. Some soldiers from red families still held the losers grudge toward the right wing winners, but during the story they turn into comrades in arms against a common enemy. The wars against the Soviet Russia united the people and also healed the national wounds of the civil war pretty well. Väinö Linnas book does reflect this, as the character Lt.Koskela is a son from an another book by Linna that tells the story of the Finnish civil war through the lens of the losing red side. There’s a great movie based on the book as well but I’m fairly you can’t get it with english subs.
Thanks Tesah for sharing that additional information. I will be reacting to Rukajarven Tie fairly soon and I have got a copy of the book with an English Translation so I am currently reading through that - although some people have warned me that the English Translations aren't great. Talvisota will be out this weekend.
It's a shame that the international version of this movie is only two and a half hours long. The original uncut version of the film is around 4-5 hours long, cut into a mini-series. I have that on Blu-Ray and I'd highly recommend it if it's available over there.
Hey Fellow Jay :) Thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel. I only heard about the Mini Series version a couple of days ago but I am going to watch it using a VPN as I was told it is on Finnish Netflix. To be honest I had a lot of trouble tracking down an English Subtitled version of this Movie - I had to end up ordering the Movie from Germany to get it.
Have a good weekend.
03:07 so damn true, dont mess with an real farmer(nvegans,fake). 11:12 true me too....wth. 13:13 yes he Rokka Antero was a real person but i dont remember his name proly in the comments. But his acievements in the snow when he killed that patrol is real. 25:03 yes the Germans burned big part of northrenn Finland and my home town Kuusamo. And some part of it was sedeed to Soviet Union.
Our President Urho Kekkonen had many saunas with Soviet prominents and lower the risk of hostilities. Actually Finland was the only country that did not was occouped the Soviet Union.
Your comments wa so damn accurate, but c mon over the river, there was nothing left and all was in distray.
Gj sir.
Hey Koff thanks for your very kind comments mate and for watching the videos - I am glad you liked it mate. Sorry to hear what happened to your Town man and to hear that you lost part of it to the SU - Hopefully some day it will return home.
I suppose the river bit just made no sense to me that they were digging in on the near Bank and not across the River where they had the barrier of the River to duck shoot the Soviets crossing but I take your point on everything being in disarray - it's a fair comment to make.
And yes - Farmers man - deceptively strong - I had a few Gym boys get sort on that but as I said I grew up on a farm in the country and the toughest fights I ever had or the hardest I have ever been hit is by Farmers - back when I was young and stupid enough to fight ha ha
The river seen at 21:45 i live near to it and me and my friends have a tradition to go down it every summer
Hey Mike - thanks for watching the video and for sharing that story - I appreciate it - is there much unexploded ordinance around there or is it pretty safe now?
@@JTRetroReactions funnily the river is actually located in the middle parts of Finland and the war never really happened anywhere close so it's completely safe(if you don't take into consideration how rocky it is) and we were there that day when they recorded that part(sadly we were told to go away from the filming spot) and also about it's 4km long (about 2,5 miles)long and it's really fun to go down the river with pool floaties.
Ah ok mate - my misunderstanding - I originally thought you meant the river in the battle that was shown in the Film rather then the river used as the filming location - my mistake! Thanks for clarifying and for sharing the rest of your story - it was cool to hear.
Everyone in Finland is ex-military. Im glad u like our history but i think you should read more about the war. There is alot that you dont know. Not a bad thing just an observation. Respect.
Hey Spoonzor - welcome to the Channel and thanks for your comment. Totally - I have learned a lot about your history over the past few days and it shares a lot of similarities in many ways with Irish history. I don't claim to be an expert at all on this regions history but I do like history, particularly military history so it's a whole new world for me to learn. Thanks for watching.
The NCO Antero Rokka is based on a real person Viljam Pylkäs. I had the honour of being on a lecture held by one of his company NCO's at the time when I was going on my own NCO course.
Hey Emes - thanks for your comment and sharing your personal story. That must have been really cool to here - did that NCO share another other stories about Rokka that may not have been well known?
I was also lucky enough when I was in the Army, many years ago now, to serve under two Sons of one of the Guys the Movie 'The Siege of Jadotville' was in - great Movie if you have not seen it - it's on Netflix I believe - but yeah they were able to share some lesser known stories of that battle with us.
Have a good weekend.
I just watched 'The Unkown Soldier Movie Reactions' (1&2). Thanks for the insightful commentary on the movie, Jay!
The Unknown Soldier has been a part of Finnish heritage for many generations. One of its three movie versions is broadcast on television every Independence Day on December 6th. A significant portion of Finns watch it every year, including children.
Finnish patriotism and the strong will to defend the country are very high. Watching The Unknown Soldier year after year certainly contributes to growing patriotism.
Another significant aspect is the mandatory conscription. Nearly all Finnish men, and increasingly women, undergo military service in this country. The Finnish Defense Forces provide excellent military skills and create lasting memories for those in service. Taking the military oath is undoubtedly one of the most touching moments.
Military Oath in English:
I, X.X., promise and affirm before the almighty and all-knowing God that I will be a trustworthy and loyal citizen of the Finnish state. I am committed to serving my country honestly and to the best of my ability, seeking and promoting its well-being and best interests.
I will, in all circumstances and in times of peace and war, defend the territorial integrity of my homeland, its legal system, and the legitimate authority of the state. If I become aware of any action aimed at overthrowing the legitimate authority or undermining the state's legal system, I will immediately report it to the authorities.
I will not abandon my unit or my place in it in any situation, but will carry out the tasks assigned to me to the best of my abilities as long as I have the strength to do so.
I promise to behave with dignity and discipline, obey my superiors, follow laws and regulations, and protect the classified information entrusted to me. I will also be straightforward and helpful towards my fellow soldiers. I will never act against my duty due to family ties, friendship, envy, hatred, fear, gifts, or any other reason.
If I am placed in a leadership position, I will be fair to my subordinates, take care of their well-being, seek information about their wishes, and be their advisor and guide. I will strive to be a good and encouraging example to them in all regards.
I will fulfill all of this according to my honor and conscience.
*
In the event of war, Finland can quickly activate a reserve of 900,000 people, thanks to the aforementioned reasons. Unlike World War II, this reserve is equipped with highly modern weaponry and benefits from NATO cooperation.
Hey Juha - thanks for your comment and all of that helpful information including the Oath which is quite similar to the Irish Oath. Also thank you for watching both Videos and your kind comments. I appreciate it!
Honestly, I admire you Guys and what you have achieved including the will in the modern day to continue compulsory military and/or voluntary service. I honestly wish we had it here but too many liberals are against it.
I would prefer it because, I am risk adverse and live by the adage that it is better to have a skill and not need it then to need a skill and not have it!
One thing I have learned in the recent days is the links between the Finnish and Irish Independence movements which go all the way back to the 1700s tahnks to some kind commentors on here. In addition, it's actually amazing how similar our histories are in so many ways. I want to do some later videos on the Irish Independence war movies to show that as there is really a lot of similarity.
I also have been recommended a lot of other Finnish War movies which I will be adding to war movie polls over the coming weeks - Two of then are up on the current poll should you wish to vote.
@@JTRetroReactionsCheers!🍻
Thanks mate
The NCO, Antti, did survive, by the way.
Hey Kurvier - welcome to the Channel. Thanks for the comment. I just want to let you know that I did see your comment yesterday but it disappeared when I went to reply to it. RUclips has bots that shadow ban comments and I have no idea why yours went missing but it did. It has happened to others as well but I just wanted to let you know I had seen your comment and wasn't ignoring it.
Thanks for sharing that information - yes at the end of the Movie, I seen him reunited with his family which was great and even better since I found out he was based on a real person!
Finland had about 550 planes of various types. I think we have to thank the Karelian area for being such a natural place for a kind of guerilla based warfare in some regards during both wars. No open fields for tanks to stroll through like in western Soviet Union for example instead just narrow roads winding down the forests toward west. Thankfully we withstood enough time so that Stalin didnt want to lose his main prize aka Germany and Berlin. Otherwise I think Soviets might just have continued the attack.
Hey Slice and welcome to the Channel. Thanks for the comment. Ireland fought in a similar way in our war of Independence against Britain. We were vastly outnumbered so used mainly Guerilla tactics - difference being that our lands were more Marsh and Bog rather then Forest but still very difficult to use any heavy machinery etc.
Antti Rokka was in the same hospital as my father's father
Hey Ajmj - welcome to the Channel and thanks for sharing your story. Did your Grandfather get to know him at all?
I always interpreted the name to mean that it's the story of an ordinary soldier in the war.
A point of view that was largely unknown to people at the time.
Back in those days all information about war came from propaganda films and news articles.
Heavily edited, focused on nations and leaders, not individual soldiers and their feelings.
Also the peace with the USSR was so fragile that the veterans of the war were not much talked about.
Especially not celebrated as heroes.
The novel was for many the first time they got a glipse of what the soldiers actually experienced.
And for the veterans themselves it was the first time someone aknowledged those experiences.
I've heard stories where people saw their father cry for the first time after reading the book.
Finally someone put into words what they went through back then.
Thanks Toffotin for the comment and welcome to the Channel. I agree with you and I came to the same conclusion in my Outro - that it is to represent the 99.9% of Soldiers who fight in these wars and whose names we never hear off. It's heartbreaking to hear that their sacrifice had to be so shrouded in secrecy during that period after the War - but it was all about self preservation then so understandable but I am glad the veterans finally got to have their voices!
So around the 12th minute mark when they were counterattacking, they were already encircled and were attacking to get out of the encirclement, not to push back the enemy.
Hey Duckplays welcome to the Channel and thanks for the comment. It is a few weeks ago since I watched the Movie but if I remember correctly, Koskela was saying to that Officer, that they should withdraw to protect the command post as they had been flanked but not encircled. The Officer instead demanded they stay and counter attack. I could be wrong but that is what I remember
I had to check this one from the book and turns out we were both partially correct. They had been flanked, like you said. But koskela and kariluoto started to attack the troops that had flanked them. The soviets who had flanked them prevented them from getting food and ammunition, thats why kariluoto tried so hard to get his men to attack, dying himself in the process. Koskela managed to make it through the troops that flanked them and retreat with what was left of the company.
Thanks for looking that up mate - I am still waiting for my English translation of the Book to arrive. What you explained then makes sense to me but I don't think they conveyed that full story in the Movie. It made Kariluoto look more like a Glory Seeker to me, then what the Book portrays. Context is everything sometimes in situations like this.
Thanks for answering, made my day, and awesome that you are getting the book. I'm finnish so my family has had the book as long is i can remember. Kariluoto is a glory seeker in the book too, but not as much as in the film. The film also should tell more about the situation before the counterattack against the russians that flanked them. Maybe in the mini-series? I havent seen it i have only seen the movie. Thank you for answering and being an awesome content creator, you definetly earned a subscriber.
Cheers mate - I really appreciate you saying that and for the sub - that has made my day too. The only worry I have about the Book is the accuracy of the Translation - some other commentors have said that it can leave a lot to be desired - I ordered it from a Finnish book store though so I am hoping they did their due diligence on the translation.
The movie is based on a book of the same name: Tuntematon sotilas by Väinö Linna and there’s also an earlier black/white version from 1950s of the same name made rather soon after the book publishing.👌
Thanks Risto - I know some people mentioned about a 1980s version as well. Everyone seems to have a different favourite. I actually managed to find a copy of the Book in English after doing the reaction and I am reading it currently - so far so good!
Rokka is doing good there, delaying and defense and saving men. it was wrong side of river because that delay can provide in some place else, maybe it was worth. it is fiction based in real story.
I see what you're saying but the Soldier in me will always say use natural barriers when you can - to me and again it is just my opinion, I would have dug in across from the river and that way you could have just mown down the Soviets as they were trying to cross, particularly since the Bridge had been blown. The forest also gave natural protection against Air strikes and the ranges would have been too close for good artillery strikes with a heavy risk of friendly kills. Again just my opinion.
in me too, safety first.@@JTRetroReactions
Agreed mate. Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Antti Rokka = Viljam Pylkäs.
And in the movie Rokka kills 52 soviets on the field with his machine gun KP31.
Actually Pylkäs killed 76 with the same armour. There were 45 full loaded magazine and no man to load.
Wikipedia Viljam Pylkäs.
Thanks Kario for watching the video, the comment and the additional information. I was happy when I learned that Rokka was based on a real person. As I have mentioned in other comments, he felt like a real person and reminded me of some of my former NCOs. I have an English version of the novel now and I am currently reading through it.
Duuude...All movie is 100% true, written by one noc-corporal (he kept diary)of that company.All charecters are true...And, bytheway..."Antti" is Viljam Pylkäs, Hitler gave him iron cross.He never went to Berlin to get it...His daughters son was my roommate in army,Inf.rif during basictraining and NOC-Course 03/90 -09/90...And, ive met him..Our quarilla combat-show impressed him, i was in charge...Ouh, my frendos cousin (other grandson of "Antti") was our basicunits (1st inf.rif company) bookkeeper..😉💪🤘🤘
Hey Henrik - thanks for sharing your story mate - much appreciated. I am glad you got to meet the Man himself. He was a very impressive Soldier by all accounts. It's amazing how close we are to actual history sometimes.
Finland had air force, navy and armorerd force. You should also watch Tali-Ihantala 1944 movie. It is about that russian offensive and how Finland managed to stop it. My grand father was from Carelia, they lived close to town of Viipuri.
Hey JK thanks for sharing that comment and information. Thanks for the recommendation and that movie will be on the next war movie poll in a week or so. Talvisota won the latest poll. Voting closed yesterday but there still is a horror movie poll open if you're interested
In this film,the Finns invaded East Karelia...there are some roads etc..because of that,not much armor was udes,etc...on the Karelian Isthmus,on the other hand,more tanks were used,etc..Finland have one armoured division..
Thanks Peter for sharing that information - I appreciate it! At the time of the reaction I only had the basic knowledge of the War and why it happened but literally no knowledge on the events of the war itself. I have learned a lot through these comments
The title "Unknown Soldier" refers to making them to be known. Their struggles and what they have been through. Not in any relation to bodies found on a battlefield. They said "no man left behind" as in "we'll drag the corpse out, so there is something to bury".
I'm not sure if it was in this version when Rokka gets shot and being carried out with Susi says "I wont be leaving here with my feet first" or if I'm remembering the old version that was more tongue in cheek.
Also you talked about how there wasn't much Finnish tanks displayed in this movie (as it was about a machine gun battalion) but if you'd like to see that, there is a movie called Tali-Ihantala mostly about that.
Thanks Kethux - Rokka does get shot in this movie but while he is carrying Susi out after Susi got wounded - so it must be the old version then you are referring too. A few people have now recommended that movie to me so it has been added to my reaction list! Thanks for the suggestion - I appreciate it!
You should see the 1985 version. It is really dark movie. No music at all.@@JTRetroReactions
Thanks for the suggestion Eddie - I'll try and get my hands on a copy with English Subs - believe it or not - It took me ages to even get this version with English Subs - I ended up having to buy of a German Company to get one that had English
The (East) Karelian front North of Lake Laatokka (Ladoga) was a sideshow compared to the Karelian Isthmus (between Leningrad and Viipuri (Viborg). All Finnish tanks and self-propelled guns were there, just like most of the artillery and the Air Force.
Cpt Kariluoto was no longer a Ltn when he got married and died. He was not a gloryseeker but had a very great sense of duty. Unfortunately he got disillusioned in the end and foolishly tried to fulfill that suicide order by the Reg Cmdr - who was not a coward but had obviously lost his nerves.
FMO he became better officer than Koskela - the preferred hero of the author. Koskela was a good officer, but not a great one.
The confusing situation was caused by the soviet invasion from the Lake Laatokka (Ladoga), which the retreating Finnish troops were not able to repel. The soviets cut the coastal road, which the Finns were using. That's why Koskela was forced to take a detour by the swamps and leave the MGs behind, in order to carry the wounded.
Fair enough mate - I am only basing my views on the Characters that I seen in the Movie for a short time - not on the actual people who may have been the inspiration. For me as an outsider and based on my own experiences - the Lieutenant did indeed have a great Nationalist Pride but there is no doubt in my mind that he was meant to be protrayed as a glory seeker even at the risk of the lives of his own Men.
I believe the author or perhaps the Director / Screen writer did this deliberately to show these kind of Officers, which unfortunately you do come across in war and battle. They tend to be young, naive, grew up on stories of Beau Gest and things like that. Before I left the Army, I even met some who believe it or not thought that war was like a Call of Duty game. I had one prospective officer say to me - I am excellent at Call of Duty so if I am in Battle on a UN Tour I will be able to handle myself. Needless to say he didn't get selected!
Again just my opinion and my view of the Character in the Movie and not the real person behind the Character.
armistice was accepted by stalin because war against finland just came with too high losses on their army and they were still fighting hard against germans in 1944 and needed every man to fight them off. Kreml altough got a good deal and Finland had to pay huge reparations and give much more land than they even conquered ever, but in the end Finland remained it's indepence what came with high price. Trough cold war soviet union could deal nice arms deals with finland and pressure finnish to act like kreml likes cause there were no allies for Finland and finnish army and state was very poor after WW2.
Thanks Juhani - many other people, like your good self have shared that information with me and mentioned that this poverty at the time caused the great Tech revolution in Finland which brought other benefits. I'm glad to see those times have changed now though.
@@JTRetroReactions yeah me too. It was huge victory for all eastern europe that soviet union fell and people were finally free for real. Yeah tech revolution was real at those days 😅
Agreed mate. Enjoy the rest of your weekend
( Finland man and woman= Antti Rokka. ) Basic nature never gives up. Called guts. SISU. Antti Roka role model is named Viljam Pylkäs.
Hmmm - my reply never got posted. Anyways what I said was it's similar to Irish People then as I have learned from doing these reactions. Enjoy your evening.
Name "unknown soldier" was for those who was left to the battlefield and some of them got buried there, and they didnt have a name on their grave. Or then the soldiers who were found from battlefields and who couldnt be recocnized.
That's typically the name, yes, but I thought this movie might have meant the Unknown Soldiers, i.e. those who fought in general, 99% of whose names we never know or hear about. The ordinary soldiers journey. The reason I think that is due to the focus on the individual soldiers. Just my opinion of course and another commenter mentioned to me that the author didn't pick the title, it was the publishers.
The movie is based on a novel but the NCO you mention, Antero Rokka has a real life example. He is Sergeant Viljam Pylkäs and the both novel and movie somewhat downplay his achievements if you can believe it. 😅
Hey Aquelll - thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel. Many people, like your good self have been kind enough to share that information with me. I am trying to get my hands on a copy of the book so I can read it for myself.
@JayRetroReactions You might also want to get your hands on Tuntematon Sotilas movie from year 1955. Many of people in that production actually were fighting in that war. Finland lost Petsamo and Karelia in peace treaty plus some other minor areas. Both were pretty heavy losses to industry and Karelia for farming so much so it feels even today.
Thanks mate for sharing that - a few people have recommended that movie to me so I will add it to the recommended list to go on to a future war movie poll.
There's a lot I could say. My grandfather lost his father just before the winter war to lightning strike on his field. Grandfather was too young to join military during the wars and had to flee the wars with his older sisters and their mother multiple times as they tried to return to home when they could as the events unfolded. Eventually their home was lost to Russia. He joined the border guard couple of years after the war when he got old enough and was sent 500km north to patrol the border with a dog. Found a wife there and lived there till the end of his days.
Many other relatives of mine suffered because of the wars in many ways. One who had gotten married before the war got injured such that he got cut open from left armpit to his groin. Others thought that he wasn't going to make it but stuffed his insides back into him and sent him to hospital. He somehow survived that but the hit had also destroyed his testicles and he never had kids with his wife because of that. The scar on him was quite something to see in sauna for me as a young child.
He lived about 30km from the border till his death after the wars, trying to live as close to his home as he could like many other relatives of mine.
There are so many more things I could tell of what I have seen myself and heard from those who have experienced them first hand despite people refusing to talk when asked. But in the funerals listening from the side the stories that people were remembering related to the dead.
Thanks JustSkip for sharing those personal stories and for watching the Videos - I really appreciate it! I am sorry your relatives lost their homes - that's really terrible - hopefully some day it will return back. Have a good day!
There is also Winter war movie, quite good as well made in 1989. This Continuation war movie is third remake and best of them I think.
Thanks mate - I am working on the edit of Talvisota currently - I am way behind as it was supposed to be out last week - but I came down with a bad case of flu which means it's delayed - I hoped to have it out this weekend barring no copyright issues
If I got it right the "unknown soldier" is to honor all the soldiers who fought in the war deffending the indepencense of finland, there where no heros like "rokka" he is fictional figure to represent all the soldiers, the morale was very high and the will to fight was high as well.My grandfather, when he was alive,told me stories that the soldiers didnt even want to get paid it was better use the money for weapons and equipment..........if the soldiers are that motivated it doesnt matter how much you throw at them they will fight to the last breath