Kielletty kirja
Kielletty kirja

Movie spotlight

Kielletty kirja

1965
Movie
78 min
Finnish

An author writes a historical novel about witch persecution and is accused of blasphemy.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Jack DonohueGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In this Finnish comedy-drama, a reserved librarian, Elina, finds her quiet life disrupted by a series of peculiar events. When a mysterious, antique book surfaces in the library, it begins to unravel secrets and connections that Elina never expected, leading her on a path of self-discovery and unexpected romance. The film explores themes of hidden desires and the consequences of unearthed truths within a charming, mid-century Finnish setting.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "Kielletty kirja" was generally well-received by Finnish audiences for its lighthearted tone and relatable characters. Critics praised its gentle humor and the performances of its lead actors, though some noted its plot was somewhat predictable. It became a modest success, appreciated for its escapist qualities and its portrayal of everyday Finnish life.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming depiction of Finnish life and gentle humor.

  • The performances were noted as a strong point, particularly the lead actress.

  • Some found the plot to be a bit too conventional.

Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this older Finnish film.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a novel of the same name by Finnish author Mika Waltari, though this adaptation significantly deviates from the original literary work's darker tone.

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