The Unknown Soldier (Tuntematon Sotilas in Finnish) is a 1955 Finnish war drama film directed by Edvin Laine. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Väinö Linna, which tells the story of a fictional Finnish machine gun company during the Continuation War (1941-1944) between Finland and the Soviet Union.
The movie follows the experiences of a group of soldiers from their training to their deployment on the front lines. The main characters are mostly young, inexperienced recruits who have different personalities and motivations for fighting in the war, ranging from patriotism to conscription or desperation.
As the war progresses, the soldiers face various challenges, including extreme weather conditions, psychological stress, hunger, disease, and the constant threat of enemy attacks. The movie depicts the brutal reality of war and its impact on the soldiers and their families back home.
Despite the hardships, the soldiers find camaraderie, humor, and moments of humanity amidst the violence and death. Many of them also show courage and leadership under fire, even as they question the purpose and outcome of the war.
The Unknown Soldier is notable for its realistic portrayal of the Finnish military culture and the soldiers' dialect and vernacular language, which reflects the regional diversity and social background of the characters. The movie was also praised for its technical and artistic merits, including the cinematography, music score, and acting performances.
The Unknown Soldier became a critical and commercial success in Finland and gained international recognition as well. It was screened at various film festivals and received several awards, including three Jussi Awards (the Finnish equivalent of Oscars) for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor (Kosti Klemelä). The movie has since become a classic of Finnish cinema and a symbol of national identity and remembrance of the sacrifices and losses in the war. Several remakes and adaptations of the novel have been made, but the 1955 version remains the most beloved and iconic.
