Kultainen vasikka
Kultainen vasikka

Movie spotlight

Kultainen vasikka

1961
Movie
91 min
Finnish

Finnish period comedy set to the times of WW I. Based on a play by Maria Jotuni.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Risto JarvaGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

A young man, Teppo, gets involved in a life of crime after being released from prison. He struggles with his past and the temptations of his old life, while trying to maintain a relationship with his girlfriend. The film explores the cyclical nature of poverty and crime, and the difficulty of escaping one's circumstances. Teppo's choices lead him down a path with increasingly dire consequences.

Critical Reception

Kultainen vasikka (The Golden Calf) was an early work by Risto Jarva and is considered a significant film in Finnish cinema for its gritty portrayal of social issues. It was noted for its realistic depiction of working-class life and the challenges faced by ex-convicts. While perhaps not as widely acclaimed internationally as Jarva's later films, it holds a respected place in Finnish film history.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its realistic portrayal of societal problems.

  • Noted for its grim and unflinching look at crime and poverty.

  • Considered an important early work of director Risto Jarva.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in black and white, a common practice for Finnish films of that era, contributing to its stark visual style.

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