Directing

Veli-Matti Saikkonen

Born August 18, 1941 · Joensuu, Finland

Died October 12, 2023 · aged 82

No biography available.

Known For

The Manila RopeThe Manila Rope · 1976
The Manila Rope
5.11976
MovieWarDrama
Manillaköysi is a cult status holding TV-movie adaptation of the satirical war novel by Veijo Meri. Manillaköysi has an endless list of classic one-liners, but it is still not based on cheap laughs or anything like that. The whole humouristic aspect of it comes from describing the absurdity of war, and the whole military system, by looking it with the eyes of a simple man, who's thrown into it, and who simply does not give a rats ass of it all. The tone of it is not overly preachy or moralizing. If I would have to describe it with one word, it would be: unglamourizing. The main point of Manillaköysi is pretty much compressed in one of the most famous quotes of it: There is nothing supernatural about war, it is just work like anything else.
TähtikeinuTähtikeinu · 2003
Tähtikeinu
5.02003
MovieTV MovieDrama
L. Onerva and Eino Leino - two people, two rebels, prisoners of a difficult love relationship. Along with two passionate poets, there will be a third wheel, a young and talented composer Leevi Madetoja.
TakiaispalloTakiaispallo · 1970
Takiaispallo
5.31970
MovieDrama
Aaro Saarinen is a foreman in the paper mill. The new generation continually questions his authority in both at work and at home.
SujutSujut · 1974
Sujut
4.01974
MovieTV Movie
The Finnish army retreats during the war summer of 1944. Corporal Lauri Ojala is left on the wrong side of the Vuoksi River. He decides to break ranks with the army and goes home. Two months later, Ojala is forced to dig his own grave.
Kuoleman hellä kosketusKuoleman hellä kosketus · 1982
Kuoleman hellä kosketus
3.71982
MovieDramaTV Movie
A young man finds himself in conflict with military order and purpose.
Tykkimies Kauppalan viimeiset vaiheetTykkimies Kauppalan viimeiset vaiheet · 1977
Tykkimies Kauppalan viimeiset vaiheet
6.51977
MovieDrama
The story of a man raised in a boy's home and prison who doesn't conform to the rules and discipline of the military.
Vääpeli Sadon tapausVääpeli Sadon tapaus · 1985
Vääpeli Sadon tapaus
2.31985
MovieDrama
A TV movie based on Pentti Haanpää's novel, which tells the story of the power struggle between Sergeant Sado and Corporal Kärnä.
Yhdeksän miehen saappaatYhdeksän miehen saappaat · 1969
Yhdeksän miehen saappaat
9.51969
Series

Filmography

Sort
The Manila RopeThe Manila Rope · 1976
The Manila Rope
5.11976
MovieWarDrama
Manillaköysi is a cult status holding TV-movie adaptation of the satirical war novel by Veijo Meri. Manillaköysi has an endless list of classic one-liners, but it is still not based on cheap laughs or anything like that. The whole humouristic aspect of it comes from describing the absurdity of war, and the whole military system, by looking it with the eyes of a simple man, who's thrown into it, and who simply does not give a rats ass of it all. The tone of it is not overly preachy or moralizing. If I would have to describe it with one word, it would be: unglamourizing. The main point of Manillaköysi is pretty much compressed in one of the most famous quotes of it: There is nothing supernatural about war, it is just work like anything else.

Director