The Border (2007)

Best movie of this year hands down!

Absolutely Fantastic

A Brilliant Conflict

One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

To begin with, unless you know Finnish history well, this movie won't offer much. Some tasty details are there though. This is excellent film. Not in technical or even cultural or artistic sense but in how it relates to the time and philosophies we live in and what we take for granted. Borders. Who would think twice when hear that notion? I bet not many. Yet, there is similar "definition" process behind even that groundbreaking, concrete thing (considering heavy emphasis and use of time for virtual communities and worlds now) taken granted. Yes, that is not so complicated to grasp, yet in practice takes time and devotion, as depicted by main character Carl von Munck. Without this devotion these things may never happen considering famous WW I time french philosopher that actually exact definitions are far from human nature. The interesting part in the plot and character is therefore how this ideal and mission, combined, intertwine with the daily life of the character. There are indications to what happens when pressure rises (to achieve results in daily job, scene with beggar; relate to The Limitless(2011), of nowadays depictions in movies).*spoiler*Main plot is mainly simplistic as of depiction of events (romance with Mrs. Lintu), yet credible enough to support storyline. */spoiler*The interesting part, as partly expected (from anarchy), is in the end that what happens after great crisis like war. As expected, life continues, but in no way you'd expect or would approve (or justify). Yet it does.

"Raja 1918" takes us to the world of war between Whites and Reds in Finland. After the declaration of independence Finland drifted to the situation that it was torn between Finnish and former Soviet Nation. Before the independence Finland was under the power of Russia. "Raja 1918" tells a story of a captain Karl Von Munck (Martin Bahne) who is sent to the eastern border to control the way where people want to cross the border to Finland. Von Munck falls in love with a teacher Maaria Lintu (Minna Haapkylä) who is engaged to a rebel fugitive, traitor Heikki Kiljunen (Tommi Korpela). The movement controlling is cruel. People are guaranteed, sent back to Russia or killed merciless.The cast is brilliant. Martin Bahne is a very needed addition to the Finnish actors. Bahne brings a delicate touch to the Finnish soldier scene and deliver a touching performance. Bahne also speaks Finnish, Swedish and German what is very impressive. Minna Haapkylä is again in a strong female lead. Tommi Korpela is great as tough Heikki Kiljunen. Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Risto Kaskilahti and Lauri Nurkse make also memorable roles."Raja 1918" is a well-made, well-acted and surprising war-drama. The movie makes you appreciate our freedom and safety after all wars. The Civil War was very appalling and divided the people but it strengthen the unity of Finland and formed it how it is today. "Raja 19182 is realistic and interesting. The movie holds you till the end and still you yearn for more. "Raja 1918" is one of the best movies that Finland has produced ever. Freedom is a very topical subject because of wars and Civil Wars around the world.High recommends!

Borders between countries are a logical idea, but in reality they are absurd, as there really isn't any real borders, just some pieces of land people have decided to guard after looking some maps saying "This is where it goes." "Raja 1918" is a story of an officer Von Munck (Martin Bahne), who is sent after the civil war of Finaland to the Finland/Russia border to enforce the border line. After the idealistic man arrives, he notices, that the people live at the both sides of the border river, crossing the bridge as they will, not caring on which side of the imaginary line they are. And after the Bolsheviks are starting to seize the full control of Russia, a horde of refugees appears to the border. Von Munck has to tighten his grip, but it soon comes evident, that he isn't just separating two countries, he is driving a wedge between families as well."Raja 1918" is well acted and mostly well directed film, with great settings and good atmosphere. Only major issue is, that the story is overly melodramatic, whit no happiness in sight. The subject matter is very heavy and there are moments, which try to soften the film, like the commander of Russian border line major Gentch (Leonid Mozgovoy), who offers some brief moments of comedy, as well more drama, to the story. But overall the doomed love story, the social issues and dividing of the nations is filled with a bit too much drama. Maybe the movie would have been a bit more enjoyable, if the love story plot would have been removed, as now it just adds more depression into already heavy film.But overall "Raja 1918" is well made film. I wouldn't mind of seeing more quality projects like this coming from Finland.

This is a refreshing drama taking on issues "off the beaten track" of the main stream Finnish historical dramas.It is spring of 1918. The Finnish war of independence is over. The war had turned into a bloody civil war between whites and reds. A young scientist and officer, captain von Munck, is sent to close the border between the newly independent Finland and Russia under Bolshevik revolution. St. Petersbourg is close, only 40 km away and foreign, Russian and Finnish refugees, spies and revolutionaries try to cross the border to Finland.The young man must set up a clear border between Finland and Russia, white and red, enemy and friend, us and them. While the task seems clear he finds out the execution of his command in concrete situations is very difficult. Right choices turn out to be wrong ones and correcting them make things worse.This historical war movie is the border that most other war movies take for granted. There is a border, there is us and them. This is clear - also in this movie - but where is the border, where is the "thin red line" right here and now? In the story the border, us and them ,is moving from situation to another, from place to another.The movie has some technical flaw but the script and editing work well. As a description of the situation after 1918 civil war this is a rare filmatisation. I would recommend movie makers to look slightly of the beaten track when choosing historical war and drama topics.