Urpo, an alcoholic former priest, has been in prison for manslaughter. During this time, his partner Meeri has been forced to resort to prostitution. Ulla and Väiski, homeless alcoholics, bring Lauri, who has run away from a children's home, to Urpo and Meeri's care. Has the chance for a new life already been lost?
Direction
Särkkä's unflinching eye for human wreckage.
Writing
Dialogue that aches with things unsaid.
Acting
Lindman's priest haunted by his own hollow prayers.
Director
T.J. Särkkä
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of Finland's 1960s 'rappioelokuva' (decay cinema) movement, reflecting national anxiety about alcoholism and post-war poverty.
Rose-Marie Precht, who plays Meeri, was primarily a singer; this was her dramatic breakthrough. Särkkä reportedly made her do 15 takes of the final scene.
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