Laina-aika

Synopsis

Laina-aika is a 2000 Finnish drama directed by Auli Mantila, starring Anna Vihanto in a captivating performance. The film follows the story of a young woman navigating the complexities of life and the struggles she faces in her quest for personal freedom and identity. As she grapples with her past and societal expectations, the narrative explores profound themes of love, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Laina-aika paints a vivid picture of the human experience, combining emotional depth with beautiful cinematography that highlights the stark yet enchanting landscapes of Finland. Through poignant moments and relatable characters, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the choices that shape them. It’s a touching depiction of resilience and the pursuit of happiness against all odds.

Cast

• Anna Vihanto

  Noora - the cashier

• 

  Anna-Elina Lyytikäinen

  Noora - the model

• Rauno Ahonen

  Niko

• Seela Sella

• 

  Ria Kataja

• Katja Joutsijoki

Reviews

Laina-aika received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised Anna Vihanto’s performance as poignant and emotionally resonant, others felt the film struggled with pacing and depth. According to IMDb, the film holds a rating of 4.8/10, reflecting the varied responses from audiences. A review on Rotten Tomatoes mentioned, 'Vihanto's performance carries the film through its less coherent moments.' They appreciated the film's cinematography but felt it ultimately did not connect on a deeper narrative level. Metacritic shows a score of 52, which indicates mixed or average reviews, with one critic stating, 'The film's struggles mirror its protagonist’s, making for an intriguing watch but one that falters in execution.' Overall, while Laina-aika has its merits, particularly in terms of its lead performance and visual style, critics seemed to agree that it left much to be desired in terms of storyline coherence and character development.