Veli-Matti Saikkonen, a seasoned worker in television already since the 1960s, made his theatrical fiml debut with Takiaispallo, which numbers among the most pointed studies of its time dealing with the intergenerational gap and the cultural shift brought about by a new era. Industrialist Aaro Saarinen (Tapio Hämäläinen in a rare leading role) can’t seem to get along with his growing children, and their disharmonious life is complicated further, when Aaro develops a crush on his new neighbour. Consequently his moral authority begins to falter, as the film simultaneously examine the subcutaneous tensions of a stable society and the pent-up passions of upstanding citizens. Collective role expectations clinging to individuals are treated in a multifaceted and tragicomical way. In addition to seething angst and a balancing humaneness this portrait of an industrial town offers wonderful period atmosphere in the form of Kirka Babitzin’s electrifying presence and songs (composed by Eero Koivistoinen). (Topi E. Timonen)
Language: Finnish, no subtitles
In the presence of Eero Koivistoinen