Pohjalaisia (1936): Stubborn farmers vs. a bad suit

Is this for you?

Look, if you like films that feel like they were pulled straight out of a dusty attic, you’ll probably find something to love in Pohjalaisia. If you need quick cuts, snappy dialogue, or a modern pace, keep moving. This is for people who want to watch stubborn men argue about honor and land until someone finally snaps.

The whole thing is basically a slow burn about a local sheriff who acts like he’s the king of the world just because he has a badge. He’s the kind of guy who probably practices his mean glare in the mirror. Watching him push the farmers around is irritating, but that’s the point, I guess.

The vibe

There’s a real heaviness to the way these scenes are shot. It’s not like Bajirao Mastani, where everything is polished to a blinding shine. This feels lived-in, kind of sweaty, and properly cranky. The farmers aren't just background noise; they’re the soul of the thing.

Jussi—our hero, if you want to call him that—doesn’t say much. He just stares a lot. I think he spends about 40% of his screen time just looking disappointed in the sheriff's life choices. It works, though. It makes the moments when he finally stands up feel like a real event.

• The sheriff’s mustache is genuinely distracting.
• The tavern scenes have a weird, chaotic energy.
• Wait, did that guy just walk out of the frame for no reason?

Some of the acting feels a bit stagey, like they’re projecting for the back row of a theater. Sometimes a reaction shot lingers for three seconds too long, and you start wondering if the camera operator just got tired. It’s charming in a weird way. It makes the whole film feel like a real artifact rather than a product.

It’s not perfect. The middle section drags its feet a bit, wandering through village politics that might fly over your head if you aren't paying attention to the subtitles. But then you get a moment where the tension snaps, and suddenly the room is full of shouting and raised fists. That part is great.

It’s a classic story about standing your ground. Maybe a bit too classic? Sometimes it hits the 'heroic defiance' notes a little too hard. Still, I’d take this over some of the glossy, empty stuff we get these days. It’s got grit, it’s got mud on its boots, and it doesn't try to be anything it isn't. 🌾