A film depicting the life of Finnish singer Kaija Koo has become the most-watched movie in Finland over the weekend, attracting significant audience turnout.
The newly released film, 'Kaunis rietas onnellinen', which chronicles the life and rise to fame of Finnish singer Kaija Koo, has quickly become the top-grossing film in Finland during its opening weekend. The movie garnered 17,243 viewers over the three-day weekend, and combined with preview screenings and the day of its premiere, the total audience has reached 29,419. Directed by Selma Vilhunen, the film features Oona Airola in the lead role as Kaija Koo and Jari Virman portraying her musician-composer husband, Markku Impiö.
Critics have responded positively to the film, describing it as both heart-wrenching and credible. In a review, IS Tv-lehti awarded it four stars, praising the performances of Airola and Virman, particularly commendable for its portrayal of Markku Impiö's struggles with alcoholism. The film's depiction of the destructive impact of addiction on relationships is noted to remain realistic and not overly dramatized, providing a balanced representation of a sensitive subject. Reviewers have echoed similar sentiments, with Helsingin Sanomat and others giving it four-star ratings as well.
The film's reception highlights the increasing interest in biographical narratives in Finnish cinema and demonstrates how they can resonate with domestic audiences. As it recounts a personal story of struggle and success, 'Kaunis rietas onnellinen' encourages discussions around the challenges faced by artists and the real-life implications of fame, further solidifying its importance in contemporary Finnish film and pop culture.
