A Finnish war film described as 'raw and gutsy' has been gaining attention on Prime Video, with fans hailing it as a must-watch. The Unknown Soldier, known in Finnish as Tuntematon sotilas, is an adaptation of Väinö Linna's novel and follows a machine gun unit within the Finnish Army during the Continuation War against the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1944.
Upon its debut, the production was the most expensive in Finnish cinema, carrying a budget of €7 million (£6.1 million). The film depicts a lesser-known theatre of the Second World War, focusing on the experiences of soldiers on the front line.
Eero Aho stars as Antero Rokka, an experienced corporal from the Winter War and a former farmer. His casting reportedly surprised audiences, given the actor's reputation for playing antagonistic roles. The narrative also explores the friendships and relationships destroyed by war, capturing the frustrations, agony, and futility of conflict.
Fans have taken to IMDb to share their enthusiasm. One reviewer, OzMovieWatcher, gave the film 10 stars and wrote: 'This is an impressive you must watch it movie. Absolutely Brilliant. This is a movie for WW2 history buffs as it provides authenticity and accuracy.' They added that it is 'far better than anything I have seen coming out of Hollywood' and praised its unflinching depiction of war's realities.
Another user, Zaxxxppe, described it as 'a must-watch for fans of history and World War Two', noting it provides an overview of a lesser-known theatre without glorifying conflict. They also commended the combat scenes, landscapes, uniforms, and weapons for their authenticity, and said the film encourages reflection on how war affects individuals and communities.
