The Unknown Soldier (2017). A review of the WW2 Finnish war film.
The deep bonds formed between the young recruits and seasoned veterans provide the emotional weight that makes their eventual fates truly shocking. A Nuanced History The Unknown Soldier (2017)
The battle sequences are gritty and visceral, notably breaking a Guinness World Record for the most high explosives detonated in a single film take. A Nuanced History The battle sequences are gritty
Despite the high-octane action, the film's heart lies in its ensemble cast. The extended runtime (the full version is 3 hours, while a 4.5-hour TV miniseries also exists) allows for deep character development. For international audiences, the film provides a rare
For international audiences, the film provides a rare look at a unique corner of WWII. It navigates the moral complexities of Finland's "strange bedfellows" alliance with Nazi Germany against the USSR without falling into jingoism. It highlights a Finnish army that wasn't big on traditional discipline—soldiers would occasionally abandon positions against orders, driven by a pragmatic desire to survive rather than die for a cause. Rating: 9/10
The cast underwent a military boot camp and filmed in harsh, sub-zero conditions in Finnish forests without trailers or artificial lighting to ensure an authentic sense of exhaustion and camaraderie.