Emma Väänänen

Heta, the strong-willed daughter of the Niskavuori family, who is pregnant, marries Akusti, a farmhand, and remains bitter toward Santeria, who broke her heart. Heta and Akusti begin their life together on the modest Muumäki farm, where they are assisted by their loyal maid Siipirikko.

The title of the Finnish film Elokuu translates to August. Directed by Matti Kassila, one of Finland's premiere filmmakers, Elokuu was adapted from a novel by Nobel prize winning finnish author F.E. Sillanpää. Simply put, the story concerns the decline and fall of a once-proud family, thanks to the alcoholism of its paterfamilias. Toivo Makela delivers a powerfully effective performance as the inebriated protagonist, avoiding the usual "drunken" cliches. The overlong running time, coupled with the downbeat nature of the subject, limited the film's worldwide appeal.

Ahti Helpi, the pastor of a rural parish who sees himself as both a priest and a soldier, leaves for the front to continue the war. At home, his pregnant wife Lea takes care of their large family as well as the parishioners. They endure the difficult times by believing in God, home, and their fatherland.

A story of the conflict between the old and new orders of living.

Schoolboy Klaus is convicted of theft and sent to prison. At his release Klaus feels that his life has changed a lot. Despite all his hardship and difficulties he keeps up his studies under the supervision of the grim Master Kahari.

Two conservative men are surprised when they find out that their wives are actually athletes.

Maria, who lives in Hermann, Helsinki, takes in a baby abandoned on the steps of a bar. Mean neighbors call the foundling, named Stiina, a municipal orphan, which makes the girl ashamed of her background. Malicious gossip, constant poverty, and misfortune strengthen her spirit. Stiina grows up to be a brave and fair woman.

Strong women take care of the property while the men focus on chasing women.