A powerful and critically acclaimed war drama, celebrated for its raw authenticity, is now available for streaming, offering UK audiences a gripping look into a lesser-known chapter of the Second World War.
A Cinematic Achievement from Finland
This feature film is an adaptation of the renowned novel by Väinö Linna and tells its story through the eyes of a machine gun unit in the Finnish Army. The narrative is set during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1944.
Upon its release, the movie held the distinguished title of Finland's most expensive film production ever, boasting a significant budget of €7 million (approximately £6.1 million).
The film is titled The Unknown Soldier, also known by its Finnish name, Tuntematon sotilas. A key performance comes from actor Eero Aho, who portrays Antero Rokka, an experienced corporal and Winter War veteran with a background as a farmer.
Audience Acclaim and Authentic Portrayal
The casting of Aho was noted as a surprise to many, given his established reputation for often playing antagonist roles. Since its arrival on streaming platforms, the film has generated a wave of positive feedback from viewers.
On the review platform IMDb, one user, OzMovieWatcher, awarded the production a perfect 10-star rating. They described it as an "impressive 'you must watch it' movie" and "Absolutely Brilliant".
Their review praised the film's historical value, stating, "This is a movie for WW2 history buffs as it provides authenticity and accuracy. This WW2 movie is far better than anything I have seen coming out of Hollywood with their multi-million dollar budgets."
They went on to highlight its unflinching nature: "The movie is raw and gutsy and holds no barriers in showing the realities of war. Friendships and relationships destroyed in war... the frustrations, the agony, the carnage and the futility are all very accurately dramatised."
Why This Film Stands Out
Another reviewer, Zaxxxppe, echoed the sentiment, calling it "a must-watch for fans of history and World War Two". They appreciated its focus on a "lesser-known theatre of war" and its refusal to glorify conflict.
The investment in the production was clearly visible to audiences. "You can really see why it is Finland's most expensive movie," the review noted, "the combat scenes are amazing, the landscapes, uniforms and weapons authentic."
The film is praised for its thoughtful approach, making viewers contemplate the wider impact of war on individuals and communities, setting it apart from more conventional Hollywood offerings.
The Unknown Soldier is available to stream now on Prime Video.
