Kari Väänänen

Acting

Kari Väänänen

Born September 17, 1953 · Ivalo, Finland (age 72)

Kari Kyösti Väänänen (born 17 September 1953 in Ivalo) is a Finnish actor and director. Domestically he is a member of the Ryhmäteatteri group of actors. He was introduced to international audiences by Aki Kaurismäki; and belongs to the list of his "trusted" stable of actors. His most challenging role has been the eponymous mafia hitman of Rosso, for which he learned all his lines phonetically, w…

Known For

The Grump: In Search of an EscortThe Grump: In Search of an Escort · 2022
The Grump: In Search of an Escort
5.92022
MovieComedyDrama
Grump's life follows the same familiar routines: spring is here and the early potato harvest is ripening. But Grump crashes his beloved Ford Escort and the car has to be scrapped. A new, modern vehicle is no match for quality and the nearest Escort, a 1972 model, can be found in Germany. When the Grumps's sons refuse to help, he must travel to Germany alone.
Night on EarthNight on Earth · 1991
Night on Earth
7.51991
MovieComedyDrama
A quintet of cabbies in five cities and their remarkable fares on the same eventful night.
The Unknown SoldierThe Unknown Soldier · 1985
The Unknown Soldier
6.71985
MovieDramaWar
Second silver screen adaption of the Finnish war book by Väinö Linna. The story is based on Linna's experiences as an infantry man in the Finnish army during the so called "Continuation War" (1941-1944).
Christmas StoryChristmas Story · 2007
Christmas Story
7.22007
MovieFantasyFamily
Hundreds of years ago in Lapland, a little boy named Nikolas loses his family in an accident. The villagers decide to look after the orphaned boy together. Once a year - at Christmas - Nikolas moves to a new home. To show his gratitude, Nikolas decides to make toys for the children of the families as good-bye presents. Over the years, Nikolas's former adoptive families become many, and soon almost every house has presents on its doorstep on Christmas morning. At thirteen, Nikolas is sent to live and work with Iisakki, a grumpy old carpenter, who forbids Nikolas to continue making presents for Christmas. Gradually, however, Nikolas wins Iisakki's trust. Together they begin to look after the Christmas traditional that Nikolas has begun. When the aged Iisakki has to leave Nikolas and move away, the tradition of Christmas presents is once again at risk. Thankfully, Nikolas comes up with a solution that brings children joy every Christmas, even continuing to today.
SutkiSutki · 1993
Sutki
2.01993
MovieComedy
Sutki travels around Finland selling his wife's knitted mittens at market stalls. Business is slow, and Sutki's boisterous lifestyle doesn't help matters. Sutki is an enterprising salesman. In addition to mittens, he even manages to sell lottery tickets for the disabled. However, as his name suggests, Sutki gets himself into all kinds of trouble, both possible and impossible.
AmbushAmbush · 1999
Ambush
6.01999
MovieDramaWar
It is the summer of 1941 and the Finnish army has been mobilized along the border with Russia. A platoon led by Lt. Eero Perkola is waiting for orders to go on the offensive. The platoon receives orders for a recon mission through the wilderness around the Lieksa lake to search for possible Russian defensive positions.
Drifting CloudsDrifting Clouds · 1996
Drifting Clouds
7.61996
MovieComedyDrama
The ever-poker-faced Ilona loses her job as a restaurant hostess, as her tram driver husband, Lauri, also finds himself out of work. Together they must hit the streets of Helsinki, facing up to hardship and humiliation in their quest for survival, guided through the gloom by a ray of hope.
RossoRosso · 1985
Rosso
7.41985
MovieCrimeDrama
Giancarlo Rosso, a professional assassin from Sicily, is sent to Finland to kill a very specific target. When he reaches the country, he discovers that the target is one of his past loves.

Filmography

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Christmas StoryChristmas Story · 2007
Christmas Story
7.22007
MovieFantasyFamily
Hundreds of years ago in Lapland, a little boy named Nikolas loses his family in an accident. The villagers decide to look after the orphaned boy together. Once a year - at Christmas - Nikolas moves to a new home. To show his gratitude, Nikolas decides to make toys for the children of the families as good-bye presents. Over the years, Nikolas's former adoptive families become many, and soon almost every house has presents on its doorstep on Christmas morning. At thirteen, Nikolas is sent to live and work with Iisakki, a grumpy old carpenter, who forbids Nikolas to continue making presents for Christmas. Gradually, however, Nikolas wins Iisakki's trust. Together they begin to look after the Christmas traditional that Nikolas has begun. When the aged Iisakki has to leave Nikolas and move away, the tradition of Christmas presents is once again at risk. Thankfully, Nikolas comes up with a solution that brings children joy every Christmas, even continuing to today.

Iisakki