Harbour Brothers - Pekka Mandart - Finland
|
|
Harbour Brothers (Keisarikunta, 2004) Director: Pekka Mandart Presentation: Life was never easy but held an abundance of hope. The 50s represented the beginning of a new era in Finland, not just in terms of politics but an exciting change in direction for its residents' social lives, the arts and music. We travel back in time to a hazy summer in 1950's Finland and dance along with a local band's rich musical melting-pot of rock, jazz and swing in Harbour Brothers. Harbour Brothers is a warming story in all senses. Its mellow tone colors, with the predominance of reds and yellows, give us an overwhelmingly vivid resemblance of those heady, captivating summer days and match perfectly with a plot complicit in love, hope and dreams. The characters toy with the idea of a better life while accomplishing their dreams and savoring the delicacies of love relationships. Winner of two awards at the Jussi Awards in Finland, one of the oldest and most prestigious European film prizes, the film portrays the dramatic comedy of a group of jazz playing friends. Besides this, Harbour Brothers eloquently confronts a common personal conflict in life: the choice between achieving your dreams and finding true love. Synopsis: Finland in the 50s saw a time where boats from all over the world docked in the harbor city of Kotka. In addition to transporting goods, the sailors brought with them another import: jazz, swing and blues. A tale of music-loving, fearless and passionate young men decide to open Fennia, a jazz bar. Soon Fennia achieves legendary status and the men; the Harbour Brothers, play their music and hold court like emperors. Trivia: • Harbour Brothers won Best Costume Design and the People's awards at the renowned Finnish Jussi Awards in 2005. The film also received nominations for Best Sound Design, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. • Harbour Brothers was internationally presented at the 2005 Montreal Film Festival. • Maria Ylipää also has a successful musical career and has appeared in renowned West End and Broadway musical adaptations in her native Finland. |
