Sampo

This (the original cut) is kind of a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre. While, in terms of mythic cycles, the Nibellungen gets most of the credit for inspiring Lord of the Rings, I think there is just as much, if not more influence from the Kalevala. The gray cloaked wizards, the twin powers of metal-working and song, the great mystical artifact with nebulous powers (its greatest strength seeming to be the ability to wage endless war): it's obvious that Tolkien took more than Quenya from the Finns. Though some base knowledge of Finnish mythology (mostly just what the Sampo is and who Vainamoinen is) might be helpful to avoid confusion in the opening act, this technicolor marvel might be one of the best ways to experience a story that has secretly influenced an enormous amount of modern fiction.

This (the original cut) is kind of a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre. While, in terms of mythic cycles, the Nibellungen gets most of the credit for inspiring Lord of the Rings, I think there is just as much, if not more influence from the Kalevala. The gray cloaked wizards, the twin powers of metal-working and song, the great mystical artifact with nebulous powers (its greatest strength seeming to be the ability to wage endless war): it's obvious that Tolkien took more than Quenya from the Finns. Though some base knowledge of Finnish mythology (mostly just what the Sampo is and who Vainamoinen is) might be helpful to avoid confusion in the opening act, this technicolor marvel might be one of the best ways to experience a story that has secretly influenced an enormous amount of modern fiction.

Terriblement overhated c’est nimp les gens, il est excellent le film

Terriblement overhated c’est nimp les gens, il est excellent le film

Sampo is a better title, for sure. I’m never a fan of titles that change for an English-speaking audience, only for the replacement to be something stupid like “The Day The Earth Froze” Boo; annoying. I love these mid-century folktale adaptations, they’re always chock-full of high contrast colors and imaginative budget friendly special effects. Especially the field of vipers, the red horse, crying birch tree and mountain spirit. All eloquently get their point across for the technological restrictions of the time. Albeit, there are some unforgivable use of bad dummies, like the flying witch and “dummy log driving down a waterfall” scenes. That being said, I felt no drive or emotional connection from our principal cast of protagonists. That witch was a hoot tho , she’s awesome.

Sampo is a better title, for sure. I’m never a fan of titles that change for an English-speaking audience, only for the replacement to be something stupid like “The Day The Earth Froze” Boo; annoying. I love these mid-century folktale adaptations, they’re always chock-full of high contrast colors and imaginative budget friendly special effects. Especially the field of vipers, the red horse, crying birch tree and mountain spirit. All eloquently get their point across for the technological restrictions of the time. Albeit, there are some unforgivable use of bad dummies, like the flying witch and “dummy log driving down a waterfall” scenes. That being said, I felt no drive or emotional connection from our principal cast of protagonists. That witch was a hoot tho , she’s awesome.

What a weird prequel to The Day The Earth Stood Still.

What a weird prequel to The Day The Earth Stood Still.

As someone who grew up reading and loving the mythology and folklore of cultures around the world and poured over pages and pages of books on all sorts of these stories, watching Sampo restored in this bright, vivid display of colour was a magical treat. Based on the Finnish epic poem Kalevala, Sampo tells the story of Lemminkäinen as he travels to rescue Annikki, who was kidnapped by the witch Louhi in order to force the blacksmith Ilmarinen to craft the Sampo for her. Ptushko and Orko fill every frame with spellbinding colour with some truly magical special effects to showcase the power and wonder of love of all kinds. Love between mother and son, fraternal love, romantic love, all of it has a place in Sampo. The way wildlife is used to as a part of human living itself is incredible. I knew I was watching something truly special when time lapses of flowers were being used to represent love blossoming.

The Deaf Crocodile release of this film just goes to show how much is lost when films are edited and cropped or just have bad transfers.

As someone who grew up reading and loving the mythology and folklore of cultures around the world and poured over pages and pages of books on all sorts of these stories, watching Sampo restored in this bright, vivid display of colour was a magical treat. Based on the Finnish epic poem Kalevala, Sampo tells the story of Lemminkäinen as he travels to rescue Annikki, who was kidnapped by the witch Louhi in order to force the blacksmith Ilmarinen to craft the Sampo for her. Ptushko and Orko fill every frame with spellbinding colour with some truly magical special effects to showcase the power and wonder of love of all kinds. Love between mother and son, fraternal love, romantic love, all of it has a place in Sampo. The way wildlife is used to as a part of human living itself is incredible. I knew I was watching something truly special when time lapses of flowers were being used to represent love blossoming.

The Deaf Crocodile release of this film just goes to show how much is lost when films are edited and cropped or just have bad transfers.