THE WINTER WAR (Talvisota) | 
 enlarge | Director: Pekka Parikka
Actors: Taneli Mäkelä, Vesa Vierikko, Timo Torikka, Heikki Paavilainen, Antti Raivio
Category: DVD
List Price: $45.00
Buy New: $24.99
You Save: $20.01 (44%)
New (9) Used (5) Collectible (1) from $24.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  44 reviews
Sales Rank: 22581
Format: Color, Subtitled, Ntsc
Language: Finnish (Original Language)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 125
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
UPC: 639802290793
EAN: 0639802290793
ASIN: B0000646UN
Release Date: December 31, 1990
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW - FACTORY SEALED - FULLY GUARANTEED - TOP TEN OF BEST WAR MOVIES - FINLAND'S FINEST HOUR - WAR/HISTORY/SWASHBUCKLING/AVIATION AND WESTERN FILMS ARE OUR SPECIALTY!!!
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| Customer Reviews: Read 39 more reviews...
 One of the best.... January 8, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've watched many war movies; some foreign but mostly American. Many of the films were at best okay with even more simply Hollywood crap.
Winter War though is one of the best I've ever seen. Any grunt, of any real Army can relate to what is happening in the film. Military historians can appreciate the effort that went into this film too. From the basic Swedish Mausers of the Finnish reservists, lack of uniforms, WW1 Chauchat light MGs to the Soviet infantry carrying Mosent Naugants in their peaked Budenney caps and dark greatcoats to the T26 tanks, I17 fighters, and armored cars--serious efforts were made to do justice to a story that Americans should learn.
The homefront intervals are bittersweet. The scenes in the Church, the cameras panning across the crowds honoring their dead while praying for victory would not be shot in a Hollywood film, too unabashedly religious and patriotic. The too fleeting moments together of families before the storm and on leave are well done too, not mauldin but touching.
The fighting scenes are awesome, no other word to describe the human wave attacks and bitter trench fighting. The taking on of the light Russian armor with Molotov cocktails and tree trunks relate the desperation of the outgunned/numbered Finns. For the Finns, their fighting abilities and dogged defense is complimented by the Soviet tactical incompetence.
A great movie, perhaps one of the best in gritty realism and storytelling. I cannot praise it enough. The Finns are justifibly proud of this period in their military history, it is an inspiring tale for anyone looking at real war.
One of my top 5 war films. September 14, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Everyone else has pretty much discussed the storyline -- I'll just be brief and say that this film is incredibly well-done. It's conveyed (in Finnish) with ENGLISH SUBTITLES but they're easy to read and a good translation -- nothing goofy. "The Winter War" is one of those films that leaves Hollywood so far behind that it's really pathetic. These war scenes and action look REAL and there's no focus on aggrandizing particular actors like one has to endure with Hollywood flicks. The cinematography is second to none, beautiful scenery. If I had to pick a single war film that reflected the actual horrors of war, this would be it. It's a fine movie that you won't want to miss.
A FITTING TRIBUTE June 20, 2007
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
This film is a fitting tribute to the "Talvisota." I have a personal connection - my father was among those on the front lines, those that the movie depicts. He was one of TWO men to survive from his unit, and while he didn't like to speak of the war, the movie was extremely accurate from the accounts my father did share. As for the ending, I noted one of the reviewers didn't "get it." My dad said that one day they were shooting at each other, and the next they were fishing together. So, yes, the brutal combat ended in the blink of an eye, as soon as word came. Neither the young Finns nor the young Russians wanted to be there, they were just serving their respective countries.
As for the subtitles, I speak fluent Finnish, so I enjoyed the movie immensely. My husband, who is not fluent, wasn't particularly taken with the translation, so I translated for him and he enjoyed it more. All in all, though, I thought this was a fitting tribute to the young Finns who sacrificied their lives, and their youth - as my father did - to serve in the front lines and defend their country. Most importantly: KNOW YOUR HISTORY - FINLAND IS THE ONLY COUNTRY TO EVER REPAY ITS WAR DEBT TO THE UNITED STATES.
US DVD version cut by 70 minutes April 13, 2007
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
Be forwarned! The US version of this film is 70 minutes shorter than the original version of 195 minutes. You are missing a lot! The PAL version, as far as I know, is only available in the EU.
Superb! February 6, 2007
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
This is how war movies are supposed to be made. You feel tired by the end of this one because you almost feel like you were in those trenches with them. Outstanding movie making about a conflict which is often overlooked. Hollywood should take a lot of notes from this movie. Definitely belongs in the collection of any military history enthusiast.
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