Documentary film by Mika Kaurismäki
Hassisen Kone is a rare phenomenon in Finnish popular music. In a short space of time, a group of four highly talented young musicians produced three albums; each more diverse, creative and iconic than the other. Finishing their career at the top, loved by critics and audiences alike, came as a shock to many and sealed the band’s cult reputation. Nevertheless, they were not quickly forgotten, as the intelligent lyrics, nuanced arrangements and incredible energy made sure that Hassisen Kone holds an undisputed spot among the masters of Finnish rock’n roll.
The Kaurismäki brothers were at the forefront of recognising the band’s greatness with their documentary Saimaa-ilmiö (1981). Mika Kaurismäki’s new documentary Hassisen Kone – 40 years later has already won the Audience Award in the Finnish category at Tampere Film Festival. The film maps out the band’s entire history, culminating in the massive comeback concert at Tampere Stadium last summer.
This film, made for the general public, is a natural continuum to the director’s other work from multiple music documentaries to the documentary Ryhmäteatteri (2018), which captures the cultural atmosphere of the 1980s. Personal experiences of fans and the exhilaration of live music are the glue that binds together the historical aspect and concert scenes of the film. The hit songs Rappiolla, Muoviruusuja omenapuissa and Tällä tiellä resonate beautifully at Ratina Stadium – as well as in the big tent in Sodankylä.
Otto Kylmälä
Mika Kaurismäki’s new documentary film Hassisen Kone 40 vuotta myöhemmin will be screened on Thursday June 15th.
The karaoke screening Hassisen Kone – Karaoke will be on Saturday June 17th.