The Cuckoo

The Cuckoo is a distinctive war-themed movie that strikes a chord with its mesmerising storytelling, compelling characters and stunning visuals, all guided under the deft direction of its filmmaker, Aleksandr Rogozhkin. Originally made in Russian audio, this film presents a unique perspective on war, communication barriers, and human connection.

The film is set in September 1944, during the concluding stages of World War II. The story kicks off at the cusp of a cease-fire between Finland and the Soviet Union, offering a historically significant backdrop. The movie does not delve deeply into the details of the war itself, rather it uses this war-torn climate to set the stage and contextualise the utterly remarkable, almost absurd, and emotionally penetrating adventure of three characters from diverse backgrounds, thrown together by fate.

The film primarily follows three protagonists - Ivan, a regular soldier of the Red Army; Veiko, a Finnish sniper; and Anni, a Sami woman. Ivan is falsely accused of being a traitor by his own comrades, and with a heavy, metal plaque branding him as a ‘Fascist’, he barely escapes his execution. Meanwhile, Veiko, restricted by the prejudiced beliefs of his comrades, is left handcuffed in a primitive uniform, slated to be executed by the approaching Soviet Army. Lastly, Anni, a lone dweller of the Lapland wilderness, lives an isolated life away from the brutalities of war, until she comes across Ivan and Veiko who stumble in her path.

However, the intrigue of the movie lies not only in the wartime survival of the three characters, but also in the language barrier they face. The intricate mosaic of misunderstandings and miscommunications due to their different languages is at the heart of the narrative, offering a light-hearted irony in the midst of despair. Ivan speaks Russian, Veiko speaks Finnish and Anni speaks Saami - none of them understand each other's languages, leading to a series of humorous confusions, tense exchanges and unpredictable bonding.

The Cuckoo makes an impactful statement on the universality of certain emotions, transcending language and tradition. Though there's no common verbal language between them, the movie shows how they communicate through gestures, morality, humanity, and shared experiences. In their passage of time together, they navigate their fear, loneliness, and suspicion, eventually developing an unexpected bond.

The performances by actors Anni-Kristiina Juuso, Viktor Bychkov, and Ville Haapasalo are remarkable, each bringing a distinct charisma to their roles. Anni-Kristiina Juuso, in particular, shines with her authentic portrayal of Anni, a character whose simplicity, wisdom and fortitude are the heart of the movie.

Director Aleksandr Rogozhkin successfully integrates a sense of warmth and humour within the harsh realities of war. With its unique premise, the film doesn't primarily focus on the “good vs evil" binary typically found in war films, but rather emphasises the curiosity, misinterpretations and camaraderie born out of cultural and linguistic differences.

Aside from its captivating story and performances, The Cuckoo also boasts stunning cinematography. The vast, harsh, yet undeniably beautiful landscapes of the Finnish Lapland serve as a fitting ambience for the narrative's cohabitation, isolation and survival themes. The beauty of nature in The Cuckoo is not just a background, but a crucial part of the storytelling.

As the title signifies the symbol of a ‘cuckoo’, someone living in a nest built by others, the film metaphorically uncovers the forced situtation of its characters - akin to cuckoos in an unfamilar nest, trying to communicate and survive. The Cuckoo complicates the conventional narratives of war, focusing instead on human connections and misconnections, offering a study in communication or the lack thereof. The brilliantly crafted interactions against the backdrop of war ensure that The Cuckoo is a riveting exploration of universal human ties.

In summary, The Cuckoo is an artistic marvel that combines beautiful cinematography of the rugged Lapland landscape, a unique storyline, and stellar performances, making it a must-watch for anyone fascinated by war dramas, emotional dramas, or relationship studies, and those who appreciate the beauty of cinematic art.