'Gritty masterpiece' war film now on Amazon Prime leaves viewers in awe

Daily Mirror

07-05-2025

The Winter War, which was first released in 1989, is based on a true story and is now available on Amazon Prime.
Amazon Prime has unearthed a "lesser known masterpiece" for its viewers – providing a 'gritty' and 'hard hitting' watch compared to the best war films of all time.
The intense military drama first hit screens back in 1989 and is now ready to stream. The film, which has been met with thunderous applause from critics and fans alike, is being hailed as an absolute must-see.
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Pekka Parikka's cinematic gem, The Winter War, draws its narrative from Antti Tuuri's 1984 novel Talvisota and features Taneli Mäkelä in the role of a farmer who enlists in the Finnish Army's 23rd Regiment. Rewinding to 1939, the film captures Finland's valiant stand against the colossal Soviet forces that bombarded their borders with hulking tanks, heavy artillery, a formidable air force, and heavily armed troops.
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The conflict raged for 105 days amidst the brutal chill and hostility of winter. Against all odds, the Finnish forces stood resolute.
Upon its release in Finland on November 30, 1989, The Winter War smashed box office records, becoming the nation's most-watched movie with over 600,000 admissions, reports the Express. The film scooped up six Jussi Awards and represented Finland in the race for Best Foreign Language Film at the 63rd Academy Awards, although it didn't make the cut as a nominee.
At the heart of the story is Martti Hakala, a married farmer who heads to the warfront alongside his younger brother Paavo. As they depart, their mother entrusts Martti with a heartfelt plea to shield Paavo in battle.
Honouring her wish, Martti convinces their platoon leader to assign them to the same squad, leading the brothers to train, march, and fortify positions together along the treacherous front lines. Cinema buffs continue to heap praise on the epic war drama, which boasts an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One reviewer enthused: "A relatively less known Finnish masterpiece about The Winter War 1939-40. One of first 'gritty, realistic war movies', if not The First, which had direct or indirect influence to most war movies directed after it.
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"No Hollywoodisms, no artificial forced plot, no superheroes, no glorification of war. There are no false notes in this masterpiece, even considering relatively small budget and production values relative to contemporary movies of this kind.
"Talvisota's realism goes that far that even landscapes of battles were chosen to depict rather accurately to their historical place." Another viewer chimed in: "Though I'm not a great fan of war-movies I must say this one made quite the impression.
"I can't really tell what it was but the story struck me. Not only did this movie give you a story about the war itself, but also on the impact it had on the families afflicted by it.
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"Excellent acting and a chillingly choice of filming made this movie one to remember. Forget about ' saving private ryan' this movie shows a war in all it's roughness without the fancy actors doing their best to be the "brave soldier" (no offense to some, but lots to others)."
One fan enthused: "Could be greatest Finnish war movie." While another chimed in: "Why are the Europeans so much better at producing hard hitting, gritty war films than those in Hollywood? I wish I knew.
"Talvisota is an excellent example of this and is infinitely better than what has been produced in the U.S. If you have seen 'Saving Private Ryan' or 'Enemy at the Gates' and think you have seen the best...you're sadly mistaken."
The film initially graced screens with a lengthy three-hour cut, with the international audience getting a slightly abridged version clocking in at just over two hours.
The Winter War is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.