The feature debut of Juho Kuosmanen
Winner of the Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival
92 minutes | Finland/Germany/Sweden 2016

The true story of Olli Mäki, the famous Finnish boxer who had a shot at the 1962 World Featherweight title. Immensely talented and equally modest, Olli’s small town life is transformed when he is swept into national stardom and suddenly regarded as a symbol of his country. There’s only one problem: Olli has just fallen in love. Inside the ring, it’s Finland vs. the USA, but outside, boxing and romance become unlikely adversaries vying for Olli’s attention. This charming feature debut from Juho Kuosmanen was awarded the Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

 

CAST & CREW

Juho Kuosmanen

Jarkko Lahti

Oona Airola

Eero Milonoff

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QUOTES

★★★★
“One of the year’s most charming arthouse treats”

TIME OUT

★★★★
“Wondrously evocative”

THE INDEPENDENT

★★★★★
“Unmistakably beautiful”

THE UPCOMING

 

★★★★
“If Aki Kaurismäki remade Raging Bull, it would look like Juho Kuosmanen's 16mm monochrome debut”

EMPIRE

★★★★
“It is a film of immense humanity and charm: the very best kind of date movie”

THE GUARDIAN

 

“A film that is alive to the pleasures and difficulties of life in a way that constantly surprises us.”

Los Angeles Times

 

“A small marvel of impeccable craftsmanship”

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

 

“A rare example of a sports drama where matters of the heart are of greater importance than matters of the ring”

ONE ROOM WITH A VIEW

“An entirely remarkable first feature... Punches its way into the upper ranks”

VARIETY

 

 

“One of the most likeable
films of the year”

The Independent

“Will have you smiling”

INDIEWIRE