This recent documentary introduces a social critic who doesn’t view the surrounding reality from an ivory tower. Tuomari (“Judge”) Nurmio comments on the world from the stages and backrooms of rock clubs, rather than from the top of the nation’s pedestal, even though he has a reserved spot there.
Tahvo Hirvonen and Anne Lakanen’s documentary is a recording from September 2024 at Tavastia, where Nurmio and his band, Pienet vihreät miehet (Little Green Men), performed a themed concert titled Songs of War and Dictatorship. Nurmio’s career-spanning collection includes both older material (“Rion satamassa!”, “Siionin tyttäret”, “Pikajuna helvettiin”) and tracks from this millennium (“Ei paha tahallaan”, “Tsaari”). The songs predict doomsday, put a rifle in your hand and tell of blood raining down on your clothes. The lyrics are fierce at times, but between the lines they contain a call to protest. Best of all, the protest proposed by Nurmio is of the danceable variety.
The documentary makers and the band have a similar approach to their work. Both channel a confident professionalism and a catchy rhythm, with no one gripping the camera or guitar with white knuckles. Both the musical and visual elements are led by Nurmio, a gifted storyteller and performer. He doesn’t pull his punches, even though he’s a man of peace.
Kaisu Tervonen