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. ua-cam.com/video/4PzyIveOWBI/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=wwII+finnish+air+force ua-cam.com/video/g5agH_cpHo8/v-deo.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.
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 UA-cam.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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"
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.
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
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.
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 :)
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.
Cheers from Finland and thank you for your great analogy, thoughts and understanding our true helplessness, yet unwawering will of those brave, brave man, who defended this beautiful nation with their lives and sadly many of them lose it for generations to come. I was Military Police and Corporal in rank in army but because of what man like my gran-grandfather did in war(s), we can live in peace and hopefully it stays like that. This movie means so much to many people and you understanding it, means lot to probably any finnish human. Thank you, at least from my part.
Hey mate - thanks for watching the video and for your very kind comments - I really appreciate that and it makes doing these videos worthwhile! I'm glad you enjoyed as genuinely I really enjoyed this movie and as a result of this I managed to gain a greater understanding of Finnish history and the many similarities between the historical struggles of Finland and Ireland. May God bless both of our Nations and may we both have a long, happy and peaceful future!
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
"Isä oli kirkkoväärti, äiti Lottasväärtti ja minusta ei tullut minkään väärti" = My father was a member of local church council, my mother was Lotta Svärd. And me: totally worthless!
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
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.
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
That Antti Rokka was in real life Viljami Pylkäs..and in an hour he shoot 83 enemy..with submachinegun..600 shots,there was swedish volunteers nearby,and they give him magasines..so this is correct..but when Väinö Linna skrive the book he kontacted Viljami and he says that there were too many,dont write it.. -And then come the book.."Sotaromaani" -Cheers!
Thanks for watching mate and for sharing that information. I know some others on here said that they cut down the number of kills Anti had in that ambush at the directors decision as he felt it would not be believed by Foreign audiences and I can see why if that was the case as it's astonishing really. I have read the book since and enjoyed it!
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.
My grandfather was Jäeger in Finnish army. Spent 2 years in the front all around the border. RIP 2004, never forget. The thing that broke me was the moment in the end where only one person was swimming in the river..
Thanks for watching the video mate and for your comment! Respect to your Grandad for his bravery and service to his country and thanks as well for sharing his story. It's important to keep memories like that alive.
Thanks and yes - you're correct which I was glad to hear as Anti really reminded me of some NCOs I had in my youth - sad to say I don't think that type exists anymore - one of the reasons I left the Army - maybe just Ireland - I don't know but wokeness has infected everything and in many cases, like the armed forces, not for the good - just my opinion of course!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm a Finn and my background is from karelia. My grandmother used to tell stories how the russian fighter planes took down some of the refugees when they were crossing the ice. She had to cross with a white blanket during the night so she wouldn't get shot. I kind of understand that you can't see your target from an early war airplane, but I still find it despicable.
@@JTRetroReactions Another short story about my grandfather: when I was 10 years old in the 2000's I found him gasping for his breath while picking berries. We couldn't save him and that was his last call. He had 5 bullets in his chest from the war since he was shot so many times as a machinegunner, but still managed to live to an old age. Tenacious bastard. I can only imagine the horrors he had seen. We had found from old letters how many battle buddies had their heads explode next to him and he still kept shooting. Rest in peace Väinö. I hope he finally got to relax and the night terrors are over.
@@JTRetroReactions I'm no "reclaim Karelia" -guy, as some of those skinheads are called here. But the stories inspired me to apply for an NCO position during conscription, I reasoned that if ever shit really hits the fan, I can hopefully make a difference. In the end I got sent to the officer school and I was well liked by the troops. I saw so many dickheads like in this movie who aren't humble and wouldn't take care of their troops but rather of their own ego. The Finnish reserve officer school was a very enlightening experience. I wouldn't have minded to stay when they tried to recruit me for a permanent position (after staff officer school of course), but I saw how many stupid warheads wanted to stay I couldn't see my career with the army. Same goes for many of the officers I had to work with. Some of those men are just insane and would get fired on the spot in civilian life.
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.
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 UA-cam 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 UA-cam 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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Finland fought hardily and had a bit of luck too, big sacrifices but stayed free after all. London, Moscow and Helsinki were the only capitals in the WW2 in Europe that were never occupied by enemy.
Thanks for watching the video. The statement on the capitals though is not correct. You can also add Valetta, Dublin, Madrid etc. into that, however, Dublin and Madrid were not involved in the War but Malta was as a British Protectorate. Not sure about Cyprus either - I will have to look that up.
@@JTRetroReactions Naturally, talking about independent nations that participated in the WW2. Malta and Cyprus became independent a lot later, Ireland and Spain didn't participated in the WW2 officially.
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.
11:40 Finnish Army tradition is old Imperial German Army. We always counter-attack, without thinking twice. Movies name is from book it was based on. There is many characters who are based on real persons. Väinö Linnas Tuntematon Sotilas from year 1954. Writer served in army, in same unit he is writing about. In that scene in winter where NCO Rokka ambushes Soviets trying to attack from flank, the actual NCO who did it (Viljam Pylkäs) had 83 Soviet corpses count. It has been toned down in movies, so that housewives dont puke on movie theater floor.
Thanks again and I have since read the book as I managed to get my hands on an English translation copy - I appreciate you sharing the information. Cheers.
Yes, once they gave leave for a family that had lost five sons. The sixth, youngest didn't have to fiight. Finland didn't really have a choice the enemy was outnumbering us so heavily. It really wasn't an option to have Soviets to invade us. The result would have been a genocide. And there was a third war, Finnish war against Nazis that happened after peace treaty. My grandfather fought all these three wars and it's not common, cause Soviets wanted to sent mainly young Finns without experience in war to fight in Lapland just to get more of us killed.
Thanks for sharing that - it's hard to hear stories like that, which is why mixed units should also be preferred - but I hear you on the numbers issue given that Ireland is a similar small nation we would be in a similar situation.
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
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.
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.
Farming is one of the most dangerous professions out there, not all old timers have all their fingers and a full function of all their limbs. Their work ethic is something exemplary, as their income depends on what they do. Especially the the hand and finger strength on them is something incredible, the older farmer brother of my father in law could win any arm wrestling competition just by crushing and twisting the opponent's hand.
Thanks for watching and as you'll know from my comments I agree with everything you say. Working the land is a tough profession particularly back in the day. Even when I grew up you started working on the farm as soon as you could walk
Finland did have an air force but it was small. Germany helped Finland in Tali-Ihantala battle in 1944 with their Stuka fleet (Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey).
Kuhlmey's Stukas and Focke-Wulf ground attack planes made a great job in Tali-Ihantala 1944. Tali-Ihantala was filmed too! It is a highly recommendable war movie too. Also in DVD! Halsundbeinbruch! (Luftwaffe jargon to wish good luck.)
Check out also. Tali-Ihantala, a total of around 50,000 Finns took part in the largest battle in the history of the Nordic countries at different stages
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.
Finland did not surrender. We made a preliminary peace in 1944 and the real peace in 1947. Russians were in hurry to get in Berlin and we had stil an remarkable defenceline the Salpalinja waiting for them. Russians wanted the atomic reseachers from the germans. Them couldn’t use more time in the Finnish front, when them needed the men in attacking Germany. Our timing for the peace were optimaalinen for that situation.
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!
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
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.
The characters in the movie are fictional, but the author of the original book this movie was made of, did fight the war and some of the stuff on book/movie was based on his experiences. Like some characters might be loosely based on someone he met (like maybe he met an ignorant fool officer who shot the guy retreating or that sort of similarities), but still fictional characters. And yes the reason why its called "unknown soldier" is symbolic for all the heroes who were not heard of. The idea is not to make a movie of some particular war hero, but to represent all of them by just talking about unknown soldiers.
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.
13:30 The character of undersergeant (later sergeant) Antero Rokka is based on real war hero named Viljami Pylkäs. The author of the book Väinö Linna fought alongside with Pylkäs.
Thanks mate - yes I have managed to learn about him from great commentors like your good self. He felt like a real character to me in the Movie so I was glad to hear that. I have a copy of the book ordered so I can't wait to read it.
Thanks mate - a few people have mentioned to me that the translations are a bit dodgy due to the different Finnish dialects that are used in the book but I will see how I get on
I dont know if someone told yet + Im superlate, but I believe the name was basically meant to symbol how the unknown=underrated finnish army put up a fight against soviet union rather than being an easy victory
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Finnish Air Force was one of the most formidable forces skillwise....some of the top pilots in WW2 (with most kills) were finns....it was the lack of resources....not enough planes that let them down
@@JTRetroReactions I do have to walk back on that a little...in WW2 Aces list there are 82 or so Germans before there is one Japanese....then more Germans until you find the Finn Juutilainen on position 124 with his 94 air victories....incidentally the top allied pilot was a Russian on position 254. The first US pilot on position 466 with 38 air victories and position 482 is first UK pilot with 36 air victories
@@kimmo9466 The fighter aces from all countries had more or less "extra" kills - despite of the official confirmations. The kill records seem to have been more accurate, when the aerial combats were fought over the own territory. However the Japanese and especially the soviet records were notoriously inflated. In reality Ilmari Juutilainen (a Finn) most likely was the highest scoring non-German ace. I wonder if the soviets had any real aces at all.
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
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'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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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
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...
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!
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.
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.
Thanks for sharing that mate - I appreciate it! I know some other commentors have shared a Movie with me that focuses more on Koskela's story so I will be reacting to that as well - if I can find myself a copy with English Subs. He seems like an interesting Guy and his Family's story seems to have been eventful as 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.
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.
Osasto(detachment) Kuhlmay saved our asses. This consisted of Focke-Wulfs and Stukas flew from Estonia, had their owm mechanics bombs and gas. finnish summer 1944 had light 24h. These men were professonals. Those who saw watch in amezement when they flew 5 misions in 24h. They hit sent reconnaice plane and hit again for two weeks regarding their casualties. Front line Finns got huge moral boost. Finally help from the Sky!
Thanks for watching and for sharing that information on the Finnish air force. I appreciate it. I wonder if they'll ever make a movie about that. It sounds like a fantastic script but would be likely expensive to make
00:02 Finns had our own, Swedish, and Italian helmets, which all look quite similar than Soviet. Plus ofcourse we had German coal shuttle style. We did not use Soviet ones in frontlines, while they were widely available. Unfortunate, but we were piss poor country. The helmet is propably Finnish one. Italian one has slight curve on brim, and Swedish one has 360 degrees flaring out near brim. Germans did comment in summer 1941 that Finnish Army look and march like bunch of gyp... The Aryan master race did not flap their mouth 6 months later when Finnish troops were needed to sent rescue them Berlin city boys from dying in minus 35 centigrade weather in forest. German calculus did not reach level: If there is too cold you to move, you can make huge fires and warm up, eat and drink well, dry your clothes, etc.. as if you cant move because cold, enemy cant either. 😂 And Germans are supposed to be good on logical thinking. This was boreal wilderness, no real threath from air at the time.
Hey Orion, thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel. To be honest Rokka did not need anyone else so he was right! I was particularly impressed when I heard the real life Character actually took out 83 Soldiers in that flanking defence operation. Amazing really!
I think the name Unknown Soldier was exactly due to the lost people in the war. Also it represents the different classes in Finnish society, and how the old grudges from the horrible civil war of 1918, which was more bloody than american civil war, still affected us, and Mannerheim was the leader of the Whites in the civil war. Still, somehow they did it and got this country together, as even the most of the left leaning guys didn't love Russia.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
ua-cam.com/video/4PzyIveOWBI/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=wwII+finnish+air+force
ua-cam.com/video/g5agH_cpHo8/v-deo.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 UA-cam.
@@JTRetroReactions Finnish theatrical (Usually means European version) is 3 hours long, extended uncut TV version is 5 hours long!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Cheers from Finland and thank you for your great analogy, thoughts and understanding our true helplessness, yet unwawering will of those brave, brave man, who defended this beautiful nation with their lives and sadly many of them lose it for generations to come. I was Military Police and Corporal in rank in army but because of what man like my gran-grandfather did in war(s), we can live in peace and hopefully it stays like that. This movie means so much to many people and you understanding it, means lot to probably any finnish human. Thank you, at least from my part.
Hey mate - thanks for watching the video and for your very kind comments - I really appreciate that and it makes doing these videos worthwhile! I'm glad you enjoyed as genuinely I really enjoyed this movie and as a result of this I managed to gain a greater understanding of Finnish history and the many similarities between the historical struggles of Finland and Ireland. May God bless both of our Nations and may we both have a long, happy and peaceful future!
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
"Isä oli kirkkoväärti, äiti Lottasväärtti ja minusta ei tullut minkään väärti"
= My father was a member of local church council, my mother was Lotta Svärd. And me: totally worthless!
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.
Hi, my big father was in that ambulance what get shooted, Lauri Järvelä, he is dead about 35 years ago. Badly injured.
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!
That Antti Rokka was in real life Viljami Pylkäs..and in an hour he shoot 83 enemy..with submachinegun..600 shots,there was swedish volunteers nearby,and they give him magasines..so this is correct..but when Väinö Linna skrive the book he kontacted Viljami and he says that there were too many,dont write it.. -And then come the book.."Sotaromaani" -Cheers!
Thanks for watching mate and for sharing that information. I know some others on here said that they cut down the number of kills Anti had in that ambush at the directors decision as he felt it would not be believed by Foreign audiences and I can see why if that was the case as it's astonishing really. I have read the book since and enjoyed it!
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.
My grandfather was Jäeger in Finnish army. Spent 2 years in the front all around the border. RIP 2004, never forget. The thing that broke me was the moment in the end where only one person was swimming in the river..
Thanks for watching the video mate and for your comment! Respect to your Grandad for his bravery and service to his country and thanks as well for sharing his story. It's important to keep memories like that alive.
@@JTRetroReactions Thank you sir
@@OriginalThisAndThat You're welcome mate. Enjoy your weekend
The alsso called Antti was in real life farmer called Viljami Pylkäs, he serwed in the same battallion with the author.
Thanks and yes - you're correct which I was glad to hear as Anti really reminded me of some NCOs I had in my youth - sad to say I don't think that type exists anymore - one of the reasons I left the Army - maybe just Ireland - I don't know but wokeness has infected everything and in many cases, like the armed forces, not for the good - just my opinion of course!
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
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm a Finn and my background is from karelia. My grandmother used to tell stories how the russian fighter planes took down some of the refugees when they were crossing the ice. She had to cross with a white blanket during the night so she wouldn't get shot.
I kind of understand that you can't see your target from an early war airplane, but I still find it despicable.
Yeah it's not good mate and thanks for watching and sharing your Grandma's story - I appreciate it and I'm glad she made it out ok
@@JTRetroReactions Another short story about my grandfather: when I was 10 years old in the 2000's I found him gasping for his breath while picking berries. We couldn't save him and that was his last call. He had 5 bullets in his chest from the war since he was shot so many times as a machinegunner, but still managed to live to an old age. Tenacious bastard.
I can only imagine the horrors he had seen. We had found from old letters how many battle buddies had their heads explode next to him and he still kept shooting.
Rest in peace Väinö. I hope he finally got to relax and the night terrors are over.
@@JTRetroReactions I'm no "reclaim Karelia" -guy, as some of those skinheads are called here. But the stories inspired me to apply for an NCO position during conscription, I reasoned that if ever shit really hits the fan, I can hopefully make a difference. In the end I got sent to the officer school and I was well liked by the troops. I saw so many dickheads like in this movie who aren't humble and wouldn't take care of their troops but rather of their own ego.
The Finnish reserve officer school was a very enlightening experience. I wouldn't have minded to stay when they tried to recruit me for a permanent position (after staff officer school of course), but I saw how many stupid warheads wanted to stay I couldn't see my career with the army. Same goes for many of the officers I had to work with. Some of those men are just insane and would get fired on the spot in civilian life.
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.
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 UA-cam 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 UA-cam 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?
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.
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.
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
No more war. Greetings from Finland.
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.
Exactly said:Karelian Isthmus, Salla area, and 1944 Finland lost Petsamo in north. In my opinion Soviets made a violent robbery or theft then.
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.
Finland fought hardily and had a bit of luck too, big sacrifices but stayed free after all.
London, Moscow and Helsinki were the only capitals in the WW2 in Europe that were never occupied by enemy.
Thanks for watching the video. The statement on the capitals though is not correct. You can also add Valetta, Dublin, Madrid etc. into that, however, Dublin and Madrid were not involved in the War but Malta was as a British Protectorate. Not sure about Cyprus either - I will have to look that up.
@@JTRetroReactions Naturally, talking about independent nations that participated in the WW2.
Malta and Cyprus became independent a lot later, Ireland and Spain didn't participated in the WW2 officially.
Correct mate - and that's what I meant - it is more down to how it's defined. Have a good weekend!
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.
11:40 Finnish Army tradition is old Imperial German Army. We always counter-attack, without thinking twice. Movies name is from book it was based on. There is many characters who are based on real persons. Väinö Linnas Tuntematon Sotilas from year 1954. Writer served in army, in same unit he is writing about. In that scene in winter where NCO Rokka ambushes Soviets trying to attack from flank, the actual NCO who did it (Viljam Pylkäs) had 83 Soviet corpses count. It has been toned down in movies, so that housewives dont puke on movie theater floor.
Thanks again and I have since read the book as I managed to get my hands on an English translation copy - I appreciate you sharing the information. Cheers.
Yes, once they gave leave for a family that had lost five sons. The sixth, youngest didn't have to fiight. Finland didn't really have a choice the enemy was outnumbering us so heavily. It really wasn't an option to have Soviets to invade us. The result would have been a genocide. And there was a third war, Finnish war against Nazis that happened after peace treaty. My grandfather fought all these three wars and it's not common, cause Soviets wanted to sent mainly young Finns without experience in war to fight in Lapland just to get more of us killed.
Thanks for sharing that - it's hard to hear stories like that, which is why mixed units should also be preferred - but I hear you on the numbers issue given that Ireland is a similar small nation we would be in a similar situation.
As a fin I really liked to see you react to this movie! Great video!
Thanks for watching mate and for your kind comments - I appreciate it! Have a good evening!
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
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
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.
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!
7:34 I know it's a long time ago since this video was made but he's a captain :)
Thanks for sharing that information and for watching the video - much appreciated!
@@JTRetroReactions
"Kariluoto" started the Continuation War in 1941 as a fresh reserve 2nd Lieutenant and got killed as a Captain in 1944.
Farming is one of the most dangerous professions out there, not all old timers have all their fingers and a full function of all their limbs. Their work ethic is something exemplary, as their income depends on what they do. Especially the the hand and finger strength on them is something incredible, the older farmer brother of my father in law could win any arm wrestling competition just by crushing and twisting the opponent's hand.
Thanks for watching and as you'll know from my comments I agree with everything you say. Working the land is a tough profession particularly back in the day. Even when I grew up you started working on the farm as soon as you could walk
Finland did have an air force but it was small. Germany helped Finland in Tali-Ihantala battle in 1944 with their Stuka fleet (Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey).
Thanks again and the movie of that battle is next on my Finnish Movie watch list
Kuhlmey's Stukas and Focke-Wulf ground attack planes made a great job in Tali-Ihantala 1944.
Tali-Ihantala was filmed too! It is a highly recommendable war movie too. Also in DVD! Halsundbeinbruch! (Luftwaffe jargon to wish good luck.)
Check out also.
Tali-Ihantala, a total of around 50,000 Finns took part in the largest battle in the history of the Nordic countries at different stages
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
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.
Finland did not surrender. We made a preliminary peace in 1944 and the real peace in 1947. Russians were in hurry to get in Berlin and we had stil an remarkable defenceline the Salpalinja waiting for them. Russians wanted the atomic reseachers from the germans. Them couldn’t use more time in the Finnish front, when them needed the men in attacking Germany. Our timing for the peace were optimaalinen for that situation.
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
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.
The characters in the movie are fictional, but the author of the original book this movie was made of, did fight the war and some of the stuff on book/movie was based on his experiences. Like some characters might be loosely based on someone he met (like maybe he met an ignorant fool officer who shot the guy retreating or that sort of similarities), but still fictional characters. And yes the reason why its called "unknown soldier" is symbolic for all the heroes who were not heard of. The idea is not to make a movie of some particular war hero, but to represent all of them by just talking about unknown soldiers.
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.
The book was mandatory to read when I was in school and then give a review of the book.
13:30 The character of undersergeant (later sergeant) Antero Rokka is based on real war hero named Viljami Pylkäs. The author of the book Väinö Linna fought alongside with Pylkäs.
Thanks mate - yes I have managed to learn about him from great commentors like your good self. He felt like a real character to me in the Movie so I was glad to hear that. I have a copy of the book ordered so I can't wait to read it.
@@JTRetroReactions Great purchage, I mean the book Unknown Soldier. I hope that nothing is lost via translation.
Thanks mate - a few people have mentioned to me that the translations are a bit dodgy due to the different Finnish dialects that are used in the book but I will see how I get on
I dont know if someone told yet + Im superlate, but I believe the name was basically meant to symbol how the unknown=underrated finnish army put up a fight against soviet union rather than being an easy victory
But also the people who died unknown
Thanks for watching and people have put forward a few theories. I tend to agree with yours
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Finnish Air Force was one of the most formidable forces skillwise....some of the top pilots in WW2 (with most kills) were finns....it was the lack of resources....not enough planes that let them down
Thanks for watching and for the comment. I only learned about that from Commenters like yourself as I never knew that before reacting to this movie
@@JTRetroReactions I do have to walk back on that a little...in WW2 Aces list there are 82 or so Germans before there is one Japanese....then more Germans until you find the Finn Juutilainen on position 124 with his 94 air victories....incidentally the top allied pilot was a Russian on position 254. The first US pilot on position 466 with 38 air victories and position 482 is first UK pilot with 36 air victories
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The fighter aces from all countries had more or less "extra" kills - despite of the official confirmations. The kill records seem to have been more accurate, when the aerial combats were fought over the own territory.
However the Japanese and especially the soviet records were notoriously inflated. In reality Ilmari Juutilainen (a Finn) most likely was the highest scoring non-German ace. I wonder if the soviets had any real aces at all.
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
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'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.
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
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!
It might be a good way to enforce troops to fight with river behind them, so they don't run as easily. Sun Tzu knew this.
Possibly but I'm always about preserving experienced troops first as they are the hardest things to replace
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
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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!
Lt. Koskela is from Täällä Pohjantähden Alla, same author same family.
Thanks for sharing that mate - I appreciate it! I know some other commentors have shared a Movie with me that focuses more on Koskela's story so I will be reacting to that as well - if I can find myself a copy with English Subs. He seems like an interesting Guy and his Family's story seems to have been eventful as well.
Whole name Vilho Johannes Koskela. Absolutely great story about Finland, finnish people and finnish family.
Brilliant. Thanks again for sharing mate. I appreciate 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.
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.
Osasto(detachment) Kuhlmay saved our asses. This consisted of Focke-Wulfs and Stukas flew from Estonia, had their owm mechanics bombs and gas. finnish summer 1944 had light 24h. These men were professonals. Those who saw watch in amezement when they flew 5 misions in 24h. They hit sent reconnaice plane and hit again for two weeks regarding their casualties. Front line Finns got huge moral boost. Finally help from the Sky!
Thanks for watching and for sharing that information on the Finnish air force. I appreciate it. I wonder if they'll ever make a movie about that. It sounds like a fantastic script but would be likely expensive to make
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?
00:02 Finns had our own, Swedish, and Italian helmets, which all look quite similar than Soviet. Plus ofcourse we had German coal shuttle style. We did not use Soviet ones in frontlines, while they were widely available. Unfortunate, but we were piss poor country. The helmet is propably Finnish one. Italian one has slight curve on brim, and Swedish one has 360 degrees flaring out near brim. Germans did comment in summer 1941 that Finnish Army look and march like bunch of gyp... The Aryan master race did not flap their mouth 6 months later when Finnish troops were needed to sent rescue them Berlin city boys from dying in minus 35 centigrade weather in forest. German calculus did not reach level: If there is too cold you to move, you can make huge fires and warm up, eat and drink well, dry your clothes, etc.. as if you cant move because cold, enemy cant either. 😂 And Germans are supposed to be good on logical thinking. This was boreal wilderness, no real threath from air at the time.
Thanks again for sharing that information as I hadn't heard most of it before. Cheers for that!
My great grandpa got wounded while being in sauna. Soviets threw a granade inside. My other grandpa got wounded by a tank machine gun
Thanks Viikkinu for sharing that story of your Grandfathers experiences. It was interesting to hear and I appreciate it!
Haha, at 11:41 he (Antti Rokka) says "I'm the kind of an assault team that you don't need anyone else"
Hey Orion, thanks for the comment and welcome to the Channel. To be honest Rokka did not need anyone else so he was right! I was particularly impressed when I heard the real life Character actually took out 83 Soldiers in that flanking defence operation. Amazing really!
A very well done take on this movie I thought. Cheers!
Thanks mate - I appreciate you saying that! Have a good weekend!
I think the name Unknown Soldier was exactly due to the lost people in the war. Also it represents the different classes in Finnish society, and how the old grudges from the horrible civil war of 1918, which was more bloody than american civil war, still affected us, and Mannerheim was the leader of the Whites in the civil war. Still, somehow they did it and got this country together, as even the most of the left leaning guys didn't love Russia.
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 gun they are using is not ppsh in fact it is suomi kp (kp=submachine gun) wich is a Finnish made gun
Thanks for watching and for sharing that information. To be honest I had never heard of the Suomi KP before doing this reaction.
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
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
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.