Once Upon a Time in the North

Contemporary Finnish directors are trying to find attractive topics in the half-forgotten moments of their history. The suspense of the drama is based on customs of 19th century farmers: the right to inherit the house and to get a local girl's hand in marriage is reserved for the first-borns, which results in a thrilling story about guilt and punishment. Although Matti is the second son, his father decides to pass the farm to him because Esko, the oldest brother, is a drunkard and a bandit. However, Esko doesn't agree with the decision and people start to die. The original paraphrase of a gangster film is shot in bright colours, but the fight is merciless – a brother against a brother, a knife against a knife. (Febiofest)