STORMSKERRY MAJA (Finland) NOOSA ONLY Sun Matinee "Beautiful."

STORMSKERRY MAJA film trailer HERE

M.  169 Min.  Directed by Tiima Lymi  Stars Amanda Jansson Linus Troedsson

Swedish, Finnish, English with English subtitles.    

Based on the book series by Anni Blomqvist, STORMSKERRY MAJA is an epic 19th Century historical drama that is an incredible testament to the fortitude of the titular character (Maja) who is married against her will, moves to Stormskerry against her will and then against the elements and the English when they 'capture it' during the Crimean War makes it her home.  Set in this remote Aland archipelago, it captures the breathtaking Finnish seasons that, on the big screen, is astonishing to look at.    

When young peasant woman Maja (Amanda Jansson, Midnight Sun) ) is married off to humble fisherman Janne (Linus Troedsson), a man she barely knows, they move to the remote island ( a skerry) known as  Stormskerry to begin their family life. The 1st act of the film shows that although Maja comes from a very religious family, she also believes, as many did then, in natural spirits and her love of nature is established. 

Stormskerry is not a welcoming place , with survival a relentless challenge, but Maja soon falls for the rugged beauty and for her new husband who is likeable, earnest and in many ways as different as Maja is.  Amidst the hardships of their isolated existence, Maja begins to become aware of a new era for women and Janne does not try to suppress her.

The couple have children and life is steady until the Crimean War lands on their doorstep and her journey becomes a test of resilience as  Janne is forced to flee and Maja and her children have to feed and board the English contingent.  

She discovers a love and inner strength that transcends the boundaries of life and death durind this time and when the English leave and Janne returns there are further tests of her will. 

It's an incredible performance from Amanda Jansson as Maja with a terrific supporting cast   

Directed by Tiina Lymi (HAPPIER TIMES, GRUMP) this beautiful, moving film surrenders to the epic landscape and delivers a meditation on life, death, lust, sorrow and love.

“A beautiful film, with sweeping images of the rugged landscape and the sparkling sea.” Filmparadiset.se

" Very moving.. Outstanding photography, direction and script. I was reminded several times of the early Bergman." Rotten Tomatoes 

" Jansson is the heart of this beautiful movie." IMDB

" A Nordic masterpiece."  IMDB 

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OFFICIAL SELECTION  International Film Festival Rotterdam 2024