Icestech

Released in 2017, The Unknown Soldier (Tuntematon sotilas), directed by Aku Louhimies, is a gripping Finnish war epic adapted from Väinö Linna’s iconic 1954 novel, a landmark of Finnish literature. The film brings to life the brutal realities of the Continuation War (1941–1944) between Finland and the Soviet Union, as witnessed through the eyes of a tight-knit group of Finnish soldiers. As the third adaptation of Linna’s novel, following the celebrated versions of 1955 and 1985, this iteration delivers a fresh, visceral portrayal that deeply resonates with modern audiences, while honoring the enduring legacy of the original story.

The film follows a Finnish Army machine gun company plunged into the unforgiving frontlines of the war against Soviet forces. At its heart are the intertwined stories of soldiers like the resilient Corporal Rokka (Eero Aho), the idealistic Lieutenant Kariluoto (Johannes Holopainen), and the sharp-tongued, cynical Corporal Koskela (Jussi Vatanen). Through their perspectives, the film masterfully explores the raw emotional landscape of war—courage, camaraderie, fear, and hopelessness—as they battle not just for survival, but for the bonds that keep them human amid the relentless chaos.

The film delivers a stark and unrelenting portrayal of war, capturing both the physical and psychological toll it exacts on the soldiers. The battle sequences are intense, visceral, and meticulously choreographed, plunging the audience into the raw chaos and fear of frontline combat. Beyond the gripping action, the film delves into deeper, thought-provoking themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the immense human cost of warfare, offering a sobering reflection on the true nature of conflict.

Escape and Evasion (2019), directed by Storm Ashwood, is a gripping Australian war drama that explores the deep psychological wounds left by combat. Josh McConville delivers a powerful performance as Seth, a soldier tormented by the lingering ghosts of his past and the emotional aftermath of war. The film offers a raw, unflinching examination of the toll that conflict takes on the human mind, presenting a poignant and compelling journey through trauma, guilt, and the struggle for redemption.

The film follows Seth, a lone soldier returning to Australia after a catastrophic mission in Myanmar that left his entire team dead, with him as the sole survivor. Struggling to readjust to civilian life, Seth is consumed by overwhelming survivor’s guilt and crippling PTSD. His days are haunted by relentless nightmares and vivid flashbacks, blurring the lines between his traumatic past and his present reality, as he grapples with the demons of war that refuse to let him go.

Amidst Seth’s battle with his inner demons, a tenacious journalist (Bonnie Sveen) seeks him out, determined to uncover the truth behind the disastrous mission and the fate of his fallen comrades. Her unwavering quest for answers forces Seth to confront the dark, buried memories he’s been desperately avoiding. Reluctantly drawn into her investigation, Seth is compelled to face the painful realities of his past, exposing secrets he’s long tried to forget and challenging him to reckon with the truth.

“Escape and Evasion” intricately examines the profound psychological effects of warfare, delving into themes of guilt, redemption, and the quest for inner peace following intense trauma. Josh McConville delivers a compelling performance as a man tormented by his past, with the film’s intense atmosphere and emotional resonance providing a deeply engaging and reflective cinematic experience.