Christmas Story
Joulutarina

Available on DVD

Finland 2007 colour 80 min Snapper Films Oy

***½

Children, Fantasy

cast: Hannu-Pekka Björkman (Nikolas), Otto Gustavsson (young Nikolas), Kari Väänänen (Iisakki), Mikko Leppilampi (Hannus), Minna Haapkylä (Kristiina), Mikko Kouki, Laura Birn (Aada), Ville Virtanen, Saara Pakkasvirta, Matti Ristinen, Antti Tuisku (Mikko)
credits: dir. Juha Wuolijoki, script Marko Leino (with Juha Wuolijoki and Aku Louhimies), music Leri Leskinen, DOP Mika Orasmaa, edit. Harri Ylönen, costumes Anu Pirilä, theme song sung by Antti Tuisku

How Santa Claus became as Santa Claus? This movie is an answer for that question. It tells about a small boy, who wants to make good for those, who have helped him through difficult times. At the same time it forgets religious stories of Santa Claus. It's something completely different, but still a very nice and charming tale.

Christmas Story is a pretty but still very touching movie. It's clearly something that may make you to decide to travel to Lappland. Despite of that it's something that makes you feel you warm even though you wouldn't buy a ticket for that trip. It's also just a fairytale.

The casting for this movie is OK, especially Hannu-Pekka Björkman is a joy to watch in the leading role. There's also mistakes; for example singer Antti Tuisku isn't somebody who can act. Even though his role is very small, it's painful to watch. But, on the other hand the effects look great, the story is well written... It's a lovely little movie..

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