Olen suomalainen (2019) - full transcript
The life and times of singer Kari Tapio.
A SELIN / MÄKELÄ FILM
There's a gap between us
Heaven, hell and earth
Walls breaking around us
Long days, what they're worth
Eleven years and counting
cursing and shouting
This is not singing.
Come one.
Let the dude play.
The world is changing. And music.
a
It wasn't easy for me
either to start with.
I wanted to sing Elvis.
And Tom Jones.
You know, I became 65 a while back.
Congratulations.
- You mean condolences.
This is retirement age.
My singing days are done.
You must be joking.
Humor, humor.
My voice sounds better than ever.
I have my own orchestra.
My boys are playing in it.
I could never stop singing.
Except at home.
If I start singing,
Piitu tells me to shut up.
She doesn't mean any harm.
She's always believed in me.
Even when I haven't.
Strange.
KING OF HEARTS
Let the songs take the part
Like the birds in the sky
But alone in my lonely heart
She's the only one, my my
Oh if I only could
Get to the wonderland
You know then we would
Always be hand-in-hand
Still I'm chained to the ground
But my thoughts will fly
In my heart I'm homeward bound
Across the endless sky
How old are you?
- Nineteen, sir.
Don't you call me sir, damn it.
I'm Tapsa. Always have been.
From the Worker's Sports Federation.
The first Olympic Champion of WSF.
Local sports club. Inner lane.
I'm Kari Jalkanen.
I bet you'd like a sip.
- No, thank you, sir.
No?
Well, just one, to get the taste.
You're developing a great voice.
Now you need some decent music.
No trashy pop songs.
Real songs have a story.
A beginning and an end.
Country.
- That's my music, too.
Mr. Rautavaara.
- What did I just tell you?
The band said this is the last
song without the singer. -I see.
An another thing.
The consumption of alcoholic
beverages is forbidden here.
This is not a consumption.
More like a duty.
The stories in the songs?
What should they be like?
You'll figure it out.
Tapio Rautavaara.
The winner of the song contest
and three single records -
is Kari Tapani Jalkanen.
The prize will be presented
by the maestro himself.
The kid did well.
So well that I was wondering
in the backroom -
how can I be in two places
simultaneously?
Err.
Pretty cold, ain't it? Or something.
Not terribly warm.
Tapsa, he's the boss, right?
The boss?
What sort of hillbilly talk is that?
I'd rather be watching Elvis.
This guy sings his songs.
They even call him the local Elvis.
I love to sing rock.
And one day, I'll write my own songs.
With a message. With a real story.
Wham, bam and Amen!
I see.
You girls want to have a smoke around
the corner? - I don't smoke.
I wouldn't give you one anyway.
But you can watch me smoking.
I'll join you.
Is she from Helsinki?
The way she speaks. -From Hyvinkää.
Her father is the new headmaster
of trade school.
Headmaster's daughter? Really?
Did you come here by bike?
We hitchhiked.
- All right, okay.
Let's do it like this.
Here's a couple of singles for you.
But you must fix the princess for me.
Just her, when the dancing's done.
Right.
Stop. Stop.
Shall we start from scratch?
It's not terribly warm.
Pretty cold, ain't it?
This is the place where you call me
a hillbilly. Drive, drive.
Not much traffic this time of day.
Looks like it might rain.
Does the missus live far from here?
None of your business.
- No.
But looks were going the same way.
What's it to you?
- Ride with me.
Ride? With you?
You're pretty anxious.
I was only talking about the car.
Stop.
I take taxis quite often.
You don't have your own car?
- I guess you could put it like that.
Senorita.
We could've gone all the way.
Although schools give me shivers.
No need to. Thanks anyway.
Wait.
Take that single with you.
Why?
You can listen to it
before our date tomorrow.
What date?
The one that starts at 7 PM
on the beach.
We'll see about that.
That's right. We'll see.
In your dreams.
As well, of course.
All right, okay.
Senor, what's the damage?
Six twenty.
- I can see that.
But the situation is
that I only have a fiver.
And we're six miles from where
I live. And the wrong way. You know.
Listen. I don't know.
When we move in together -
our first beds could be
those modern sofa beds.
With no legs so we don't have to
vacuum under the beds.
Wouldn't that be quite bossy?
Bossy?
Yep.
I guess.
I don't know if you're at all
serious. With me.
I'm serious with you.
Always have been. Since yesterday.
Since the first time I saw you.
You speak like that to every girl.
- No, I don't.
Only to every second girl.
Really, we just met.
That's right, we just met.
But I feel like
I've always known you.
I think you feel the same.
Right?
You don't make much sense.
- I don't?
One doesn't have to.
Some plans you have.
Right. I hereby inform that
to the headmaster himself.
No need to call me that.
Just call me engineer Viheriävaara.
I know all about your
secret engagement.
And now about your
request to marry her.
Correction; I'm not requesting.
I'm just informing you.
Kari Jalkanen.
A homeless,
unemployed street singer.
No, an ex-ski jumper -
now a printer
and soon a recording artist.
How nice.
And even nicer is that now you walk
out. And leave my daughter alone.
We don't need a man like you
in our family.
Where I come from, the daughters
are married to the man's family.
I believe in two things.
Higher powers and Pia.
And this equation you don't
seem to understand.
We'll invite you to the wedding.
Not compulsory to show up.
Thank you.
So long.
Kari Jalkanen.
What a fucking name.
Flags and banners, flying high
Wedding day, no time to cry
Father-in-law's shouting why
Let the priest drink us dry
From a wooden cup
Al right, wife. Shall we get to it?
You're awful.
Shouldn't we undress first?
I mean the present envelopes.
I was a bossy idea from you
to ask money as presents.
Ain't no bama.
It's my money, honey.
We'll have time for that later.
The pike business first.
What are you doing here?
It's only 0630 AM.
Not a hell of a lot here.
And now I lost the count.
I'll do it again.
Is that what you are doing
after the wedding night?
It's not changing anything.
I thought it'll be enough for an
exhaust pipe and shock absorbers.
But I guess we'll have to
do with just the pipe.
What? What did you just say?
You heard me. The Anglia's
exhaust pipe is a piece of junk.
Our wedding present money
doesn't fix that piece of junk.
We'll buy linen and china.
- No God damned way.
Yes, God damn it!
- No way!
Then I'm out.
Then you'll spend the first day of
your marriage with your exhaust pipe.
Piitu! Hey!
Honey!
We'll buy the china.
And maybe longjohns for both of us.
You're an asshole.
- But a lovely asshole.
Hey.
I'm starting to make money for us.
Doing gigs, writing songs. Fans.
Thinking only about you when I sing.
Only you.
And a bit about the car parts.
Play some polka!
What?
- Play some polka! So we can dance.
We've paid for this.
The ticket price was a fiver.
We deduct the previous band.
That leaves us with 70 or so pennies.
I'll make it an even one mark.
Take it and get the hell out of here.
Other folk music fans in the house?
Or can I carry on with the band?
That's what I thought.
One, two...
We don't need those jerks.
We have the best band around these
parts. -The best band with zero gigs.
Listen up. It's only a question
of time before be make a record.
I've sent out some demo tapes.
Ours? But we haven't made one.
- No, it was my own.
Who's playing on it? -A few other
guys. A really great band.
They even get some radio time.
But, but.
When the call comes,
we all go along.
If the call comes.
- When it comes.
There's always light at
the end of the track.
It'll be OK.
Do I look all right?
- You're the boss.
Must be. Going all the way to
the big city to meet the big guy.
I've waited for this like a soldier.
See, it's not the pelvis.
But the local Elvis.
I'll keep my thumbs up.
- No need to.
They wouldn't ask me
all the way there -
if they weren't serious.
Rock and rolling, you see.
You can't go
Close the door
I feel so low
Can't take it any more
You must try, try, try
You can't go, oh no
You can't go, oh no
You can't go, you can't go.
Right.
Not my thing.
The song is always the product of the
composer, in this case me -
and the lyricist -
in this case a talented young man.
Then the singer makes it -
his own, with his interpretation.
Which in this case didn't happen.
You mean I can't sing?
A hicktown Elvis is always
a hicktown Elvis.
I guess you'd learn to
even sing tango.
But first you have to
learn how to sing.
For a baritone, your middle
range is quite OK.
In the lower scale -
your flaw is the typical male bass.
The tunes you produce are
shuffling, too low.
The upper scale is not too bad.
A bit struggling, a bit too tight.
Your greatest shortcomings are
your vibrato and your timing.
You're nasal.
The vibrato should be more uptempo -
and resonate only in a small area.
So my vibrato is too wide.
Out of control.
Resembling certain
ethnic minority groups.
The worst combination is
with the lower keys.
Where my shuffling voice
meets the ear vibration.
Where have you been all night?
- In Helsinki.
Have you been drinking?
- I've had a few.
I was robbed.
- What?
They took my wallet. But here I am.
- Did you call the police?
They put me to the drunk tank. Gave
me a fine. And told me to shut up.
I asked would it help if I'd sing?
I won't be a snitch.
But I could sing about life.
But...
Did you ever make it
to the music company?
I did.
Let me put it this way;
the man who sits here -
will never ever sing -
a song written or
arranged by that man I met.
This awol day, which obviously
was a colorful one -
happened in a bad moment.
- Right. I'm sorry.
It won't happen again.
- No, it won't.
Swing by the office
and pick up your last paycheck.
Don't be like that.
Listen. I mean...
I'm pregnant.
We're having a baby.
How wonderful.
I was fired.
He's a lost and lonely man
Been here far too long
He's a racing king and fan
But he's done things so wrong
He's a lost and lonely man
No one knows who to blame
Wheelchair bound if he only can
Well that's a crying shame
He knows he'll never race again
He's a lost and lonely man
Been here far too long
There. Right there.
It kicks like a horse.
Almost breaking my ribs.
I'll smoke in the kitchen.
Not to make you feel ill.
You OK, dear?
Yep.
I'll get some sleep.
- Okay.
I'll check the newspapers.
If there's any ads.
Kari!
Kari! My waters broke!
Kari!
- I see.
Kari!
-OK, I'm coming.
God damn it.
You're drunk.
The car keys.
They must be somewhere.
We're not riding with you.
- We? Who's we?
Asshole.
Piitu!
Hello. -Why are you banging
on our door, lush?
I'll call the police.
- No, no, my wife's giving birth.
We need to get to the hospital.
- Call a cab. I'm not your driver.
I have no money.
This one time only. We must hurry.
Okay then.
I'll find my shoes.
Good. We'll wait here.
You're not coming.
- What?
I'm ashamed.
You can't come to the hospital.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
It's my child.
I'll be a father.
I'll be a father...
Look how small it is.
- It's big.
Which one is it?
- It's a boy.
Then it's Jiri.
Your name is Jiri.
Just like Jiri Raska.
A ski jumper from Czechoslovakia.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I was like that.
You know.
If I wanted an easy man -
I wouldn't have come close to you.
That's why I attacked
like a hungry pike.
Yuck. You could've
brushed your teeth.
I can't be bothered.
They hurt all the time.
I wonder why? Because you
don't take care of them.
Isn't this something?
My son.
- Right. Mommy and daddy.
A family.
- A family.
You know what that means.
- Right.
What?
- That we support each other.
I've done some thinking.
- So have 1.
All the record companies are in
Helsinki. You're moving there. -What?
Get a job in a printing house.
And get your foot in the door.
I'm not pushing myself to the
record companies. -Yes you are.
Well, how about you and Jiri?
- I'll move in with your parents.
We'll join you after
you're started.
Right?
Why not?
1970's
There. Oopsie-daisy.
Hi.
- Hi.
Hi.
- Hi.
What?
- Hi.
Look at that.
- What's this?
"The Junior".
Written by Kari Jalkanen.
It's a single.
This is your single!
That's only the B-side.
But it's my song. Written for me.
Why haven't you told me, shithead?
- It was a surprise.
How could you keep it as a secret?
Shall we play it?
- Let's.
We were doing mighty fine
Doing well all the time
Never ever out of the line
Jiri, listen how daddy can croon.
- Croon? Jesus, what language.
A city boy.
- I'll be damned.
8 years of slaving away
and now I'm a recording artist.
We have a rented flat.
And we're here, all three.
Soon four.
This will be a hit song.
You mean this could...?
- Sure. It's a great song.
Really cool lyrics.
- By a great writer.
Piitu! Piitu! The phone.
Sorry. Sorry.
Jalkanen.
I am.
How do you do?
Yes, I know the address.
Opposite the printing house.
OK. Bye.
Well? Who was it?
The boss of D-Productions.
The Big D! Danny!
I have a feeling I'm getting into
the big league now. You know?
Kari.
This song really sucks.
But you sound pretty good.
I'll make you an offer.
Snake, Rattle and Roll tour.
Three and half months. The biggest,
hottest show in country.
Interested?
As a singer?
- Mainly as a roadie.
But you get to sing
four songs a night.
Sounds like a lot of work.
Well, what's the pay?
50 marks per night.
Plus 14 marks as per diems.
You take care of your
own food and board.
I have a steady job
at the printing house.
I have to get the same money,
at least.
It's your own choice.
Maybe you stay in the job and work
your butt off until you retire.
And I'll hire someone else
for the snake tour.
Are you talking about
record company guys?
Or you can take your chances.
And start your way to the stars.
With this salary,
I'll have to hitch-hike there.
Who are the screaming ladies
coming to see? You or Danny?
I need to gel a bit more money.
We're having our second child
in July.
We're having our first one in July.
Congratulations.
Well, I have a suggestion.
Are you afraid of snakes?
Snakes? No.
OK. 70 per night plus per diems.
You're a roadie and a singer. And you
also look after Elvis and The Prez.
OK.
- Bloody good.
A few more things.
That moustache, that's history.
No way.
Well, at least keep
that tattoo covered. -No way.
At least you must change your name.
- No way.
Kari Jalkanen.
Sounds like a hillbilly.
It's not commercial.
And your name is?
You must come up with
a sexy stage name.
I have sometimes used "Jami".
- Jami Jalkanen?
No, just Jami.
- Jami.
Absolutely not.
What's your second name? -Tapani.
Kari Tapani? No.
Tapani Kari? No way.
Kari Tapio? -Take your time.
You'll come up with a decent one.
Now, if you excuse me,
I have work to do.
Before you go,
who are Elvis and The Prez?
See you.
This is The Prez. The gentle one.
- The gentle one?
Yep. Elvis is more unpredictable.
Doesn't like domestic ants.
They go under his skin,
make him itchy.
You must be careful with him.
Especially when you feed him.
Well, what does he eat? Mice?
Rabbits.
Hey, this one, hey this started...
Hey dude! Pussinen!
That Danny, he's a cool dude.
He's the boss.
It's so cool to be a part
of a world-class act.
Listen. One day you'll be
a bigger star than he is.
Sure.
Did you get the poster I sent you?
Yeah, it's really nice.
It still has my old name.
The printing house got
the stage name too late.
Where were you yesterday
when I tried to call you?
Well, what do you think? -I don't
want to think. I want you tell me.
Surprisingly, I wasn't anywhere
beyond the sand box.
With who?
Who do you fucking think?
- Oh, I see. Of course. Sure.
Hey, your mommy told me there's
a story about you in the local paper.
About the new single?
- About being in Danny-show.
Well, what did they think about the
single? -They haven't heard it yet.
It doesn't get much radio time.
They don't advertise it much.
Do you sleep in hotels?
- We can't afford that.
I wouldn't be bringing home any
bacon. Only Danny stays in hotels.
Where do the rest of you sleep then?
- In the bus. In the truck.
Awful. Are you getting any sleep?
I sleep like a log.
It's pretty tough being on the road.
OK then. We miss you a lot. Jiri's
asking after daddy all the time.
Are you washing your teeth
every night? -Yes, mommy.
You must be an example to Jiri.
And to the new one.
How else will they learn
to look after their teeth?
Right, I must hang up now.
These calls are so expensive.
I'll call again tomorrow. OK?
- You don't have to call me every day.
But I have to.
How come I gel this sudden feeling
you don't want me calling you?
There we go again. You're delirious.
I hang up now. Bye.
Pia! Hey!
What happened with the single?
- Which one?
The latest one. "Keep the secret".
Just like the title implies.
It was a kept as a secret.
It came and went.
One more flop.
I have no gigs.
My records don't sell.
No one even notices when they
come out. No one markets them.
You can't make people to buy records.
I'll give you a solid piece of
advise. Don't give up your day job.
What day job? I quit a year ago,
when I went on the road with Danny.
I'm running on empty here. Trying to
make ends meet, on the dole.
Swallow your pride and go back
to the bakery. -Printing house.
It ain't that easy.
They've fired half of their staff.
This bloody business.
This is the way it works.
If I only could get
one decent single.
To get me on my feet.
Productionwise, it's a bit...
But let me write this down.
Let's try to find a
new song for you.
Any timetable?
- No.
Any chance of an advance?
To get me on my feet?
I have another meeting.
If the kid's thirsty, the soda
pop is on the house. See you.
I've been thinking about...
About what?
To get a new livelihood.
What? -At least until the singing
starts paying our bills.
Yep. No way.
What do you mean no way?
- No way. I have faith in you.
Your faith doesn't feed the kids.
Come on, for real. Don't overreact.
No one's starving here.
You must try harder.
No one can succeed part-time.
What more could I do? -Shape up.
If they don't give you songs -
you find them yourself.
And offer them to Discophon.
I'm not sure.
Eat your soup! Shape up!
Quitting is not an option.
You sure haven't changed.
- Neither have you. Unfortunately.
Jiri. Have you seen this?
Yuck!
What are you thinking about?
- What will we live on?
I have already thought about that.
No point of you wasting your talent.
I'll get a decent job.
- What decent job?
The new social legislation will
revolutionize the whole healthcare.
What legislation? -You don't know
anything about anything.
The new law obligates dental care -
for everyone under 17.
That will create a lot of new jobs.
I'll be a dental nurse.
A dental nurse?
Not a major surprise.
But I have to think about our future.
Hey, do you remember
why we came here?
To this suburb?
For this flat?
No, stupid.
Where's the man -
who's like a hungry pike?
Show me that pike.
Where's that pike?
Let me have a look at that pike.
Grr.
Pikes don't growl like that.
This one does.
Ding dong, amore
What do you say?
I found it by chance.
From an Italian tv-series.
The theme song.
This is a surefire hit.
Let's get the Finnish lyrics asap.
God damn it!
What's the celebration?
- No special reason.
Let's celebrate us.
Or your upcoming hit song.
What upcoming hit?
The one I took to the record company
six months ago and never heard back?
Maybe they didn't even
translate the lyrics. -They'll do it.
When they have the time.
- I guess you're right. Again.
Boys! Come and drink some juice!
A long and lonely night
I know you're going away
I never promised it to you.
I only said it's a certain hit.
Grön is one of our A-list artists.
But it was me who found the song.
It's perfect for my voice.
Sure. And nothing stops you
performing it on your gigs.
But I don't have any! That song
could've brought me some gigs.
You must understand we can't
give a song like that to you.
Not after all your flops.
I've had enough.
I'll change the company. God damn it!
With your track record...
I feel like my career is going
nowhere.
No hits. Stuck like glue.
Year after year. -Not for long.
Welcome to Scandia.
Here you can make an album of hits.
An album?
- Yep.
We'll fill your almanac.
And the stomachs of your kids.
And maybe even your bank account.
Paul Anka has written a new song
for Sinatra. "Let me try again".
That would sit nice
with the new record.
No, you're too young.
The elderly have their own singers.
We're aiming at younger audiences.
We have already chosen
the songs for your LP. - I see.
We want to play it safe with you.
- OK.
That hairdo is cool. Let it grow.
Next time dye it blonde,
the same way.
Actually, it's my natural color.
- Of course.
Well, don't change it.
We'll take the cover pictures.
BTW, Chrisse will
produce your record.
Chrisse? She's good,
she's really good. -She's the best.
OK.
That's the song list.
- Good.
What the hell?
They're all Danny's old songs.
Right. All old hits
that everyone knows.
Makes no sense to record
Danny's old songs.
Scandia wants to recycle
the background tracks.
It's your record.
No one else's.
Don't worry.
I'll fade Danny's voice out.
I don't want to be a bloody
backup-Danny.
I want to record new songs. That
haven't been heard in this country.
Chrisse, I'm serious.
I can't sing old songs
to old background tracks.
This is the way it goes.
Don't worry too much.
Just sing better than Danny.
People will rush to the record shops.
And to your gigs.
It's like shitting
in one's own nest.
I'm experienced enough -
to know how this business works.
- God damn it.
You either sing these songs
or don't work for us at all.
Right. You have now published
your first LP.
Congratulations.
- Thanks. It's been a long wait.
We have a double celebration here.
Pia graduated as a dental nurse.
Thanks to the new social laws.
- Don't start about that, stupid.
Come on.
It's as important as this.
You see, I follow things
outside music business. -Right.
You said it's been a long wait.
- Yes.
It's been my dream
for at least 13 years.
That's why it feels a bit strange -
that this anticipated first record
has only Danny's hit songs.
You even sing them the same way.
Don't get insulted -
but it feels you want to be Danny II.
Absolutely not.
The coffee's ready if you'd...
Let's take the picture first.
Pia, sit next to Kari.
A nice family portrait.
Even your hair is dyed Danny-style.
And your clothes are the same way.
Is the record some sort of
revenge on Danny -
because you never worked
with him since the snake tour?
Let me get the facts straight.
The songs were chosen by the company.
I choose my own clothes.
My hair is dyed by the sun.
Write that down, bloody hell.
Let's take that picture now.
"Now I realize it was a mistake
to record Danny's repertoire.
Talking about my hair,
the sun does it to me every summer.
I buy my own clothes
from public stores.
So I'm not imitating anyone.
...cleaning up his
questionable reputation."
Not quite the marketing
article the company wanted.
The whole record was a mistake.
Well?
What's the plan?
So, you want to be a star?
I don't want to be a star.
I want to work in the music
business and support my family.
I guess we can fix that.
Along with the stardom.
Let me only say this:
watch your mail.
How secretive.
- It is.
Coming up;
"Sing My Love Song" in Finnish.
Only two more weeks
and it's out.
Widely waited, lovingly lusted,
always anticipated.
Sung by the guy
with the praised voice.
Only one thing has been missing.
- The thing they call the hit song.
But now it's Kari Tapio's turn.
The Finnish name of the song is still
a secret but we'll find it out soon.
The single will be out in September.
So, let the weeks roll past.
"With informative regards,
Scandia Music. Chrisse Johansson."
How wonderful.
Sing my love song
Chrisse ordered the lyrics
from a guy -
who's also Fredi's producer.
So the guy took the text first
to Fredi and then to us.
And Fredi cut a record.
Which will be published
a day after your version.
God damn it. Fredi sells
almost as much as Danny.
Actually, a bit more.
He's the most popular domestic
artist of the decade.
Fucking guys!
It's over.
- Nothing's over!
Let's get the big guns out.
Proper marketing.
We'll put out a collection of hits.
New hits. Upcoming hits.
It's wartime!
Sing my love song
Sing my love song
Sing my love song
Bitter fight over hits.
Will Kari Tapio stop Fredi's career?
Sing my love song
Try to remember to feel stronger
The days will be longer
Sing my love song
Sing my love song
Kari Tapio on charts.
Where's Fredi?
I'll put a nickel in the jukebox
And play the Truck Drivin' Man
The waitress just brought
Me some coffee
I thanked her but
Called her again
1980's
Drinking away, way too much
Nothing really works for me
Water's the only drink I can touch
Too little's too much to be
Cut it. Let's have a break.
Promised too much, way too much,
No way I can ever be true
I feel I've lost my my touch
Except my love, now I'm so blue
That was it.
- That was it.
And your own version which tells
us you have a way with words -
you can sing on your own
notorious private gigs.
Pisses me off to sing these
whining love songs.
I'm a Finnish craftsman,
not a Japanese haiku singer.
I know. Your version is much better.
OK, see you at nine.
We'll do "Julia".
That's a good song. But I guess it
won't be the hit I'm longing after.
You can never tell.
We're one song short.
And then the album's done.
What could that song be?
- Don't know.
We'll figure out something.
- We'll figure it out.
Well, so long.
Play the new song.
What's this? -A new song we found
from Midem in Cannes.
We'll cut it a bit later.
We don't have the lyrics yet.
We don't yet know
which way to go.
It should be something strong.
Something real. Finnish.
Right, I could talk to the lyricist.
That's a good direction.
Hell of a melody.
Smells like a hit.
Who'd do this? -The company
was thinking about Danny.
Or Tapani Kansa.
Give it to me.
I'm not sure.
Why?
- It's perfect for my voice.
It's perfect for him, too.
I'm just thinking about the facts.
- You mean you're the best singer?
I have the biggest
tab in the house.
I owe the company a hell of a lot of
money. Plus the royalty advances.
Well, that's true.
I'll talk to the brass.
We could think about the lyrics.
All right.
- How could it go?
Give me the background tracks
on a compact cassette. -You got it.
Au revoir.
- He sure knows his Italian.
This is good. Pretty good.
Really?
- This is a bossy song.
What?
- No one says that any more.
Bossy?
- I just said.
After I cut this,
the money will start rolling in.
Maybe I could write songs to
other singers as well.
Get going now.
Veikko! -Klabbi, damn it.
In time, for a change.
I couldn't get any sleep.
About that song...
- What's this?
Lyrics to the song they've found.
Who wrote this? You?
Damn good you didn't.
I have some great news for you.
We already have hell of a text
for it.
We could rehearse right away.
Cool, huh? Cool. -Cool.
Do you want that song or not?
-of course I do.
With this song you can bury
your haiku-fears.
What's the title?
All right. Okay.
Good evening.
My name is Kari Tapio.
And I'm a Finnish man.
Under the North Star
Under the blue clear sky
I sing about life and that is why
I'm a Finnish man
Oh if they'd only know out there
What it's like to be in here, where
With our tears running wild
the oceans running dry
All those lonely nights
But always so much forbidden love
The stories, the joy they're bringing
All the poems and songs I'm singing
"I'm a Finnish Man"
takes Finland by storm
Kari Tapio
"I'm a Finnish Man"
Under the North Star
Under the blue clear sky
I sing about life and that is why
I'm a Finnish man
I sing about love
A man and and a woman
I'm a child from above
I'm a Finnish man
Cut. That was it.
Was that it?
- Yep.
Was it any good?
- It was real good.
Did the door sway too much?
It felt pretty good to me.
Drive carefully.
- Always.
Call me when you get there.
- Yep.
When you get where exactly?
- Hicktown. Bigtown.
Well, some place somewhere.
And remember...
- To wash my teeth. Yeah, yeah.
See you in a week or so.
In short, so long.
OK doggie, you're in charge here.
I know all the turns and corners
Of the highway number four
Starlets of the night and mourners
Nights of weary bars and more
All the jails, judges and byways
Every hotel, barn and inn
All the roads, trails and highways
No matter where I've been
With open eyes, hammer all down
Makes me think every once in a while
Been in every village, city and town
If this is the very last time
If there's a wide open road
And a tank full of gas
Just like going around
in the same fucking circle.
It's me.
- Why do you call at this hour?
Am I interrupting something?
- My sleep.
Good thing the boys didn't wake up.
It's a school day tomorrow.
Right. How's the little one?
He's good. They all miss their dad.
- Right.
What?
Has something happened?
- No. I just can't sleep.
I miss you.
Al sorts of thoughts in my mind.
- You always have.
You're my true love
My friend
My love, my dear, my wife
Without you my world ends
For the rest of my life
Thank you.
All right. Okay.
Good evening.
Senor Big Pike.
How are we doing here?
Let's roll. All right.
Okay. The wagons are rolling.
Reiska. Listen. Listen.
Two weeks in Spain. Yeah, yeah.
we'll find the time.
The wives are there for one week
only. Then we stay for another one...
Hillsides, hillsides
Hillsides, hillsides
Hillsides, hillsides
Mr. Singer.
I should clean up the room.
The next guest is waiting.
Fill the minibar.
I have a four o'clock...
Winter's been long and lonely
Ice won't stop me, if I only knew
Darkness won't scare me if only
You are there to help me through
I love you always, over seasons
For a million different reasons
What the hell?
For fuck's sake.
Where are the boys? Huh?
At school? -They're at your mom's.
Why not at school? Why are you not
at work? -It's Christmas break.
Christmas?
Where are the decorations?
No tree. No ham this time.
And I wonder why? What do you think?
I told your mom we'll show up.
That you have gigs
until the Christmas Eve.
Like you bloody did.
You've been gone for a week.
People have been calling here,
worried as hell.
Reijo Taipale and Junnu Vainio.
You were supposed to be
in the studio last week.
I'll take care of it.
And I'll do my gigs.
On my own expense.
When will you fucking understand
that there's not such a thing?
It's all away from this family.
You've taken money
from the home loan account.
How do we pay the mortgage?
Your tax debts?
We have unpaid bills
for over ten grand.
We'll buy a cheaper car.
Car! What a jolly idea!
Where is our car anyway? The Merc?
You came home in a taxi.
I'll find it.
- Swell.
Do you know what?
The worst thing is not your
endless boozing.
Blowing away all our money.
Piitu.
Honey.
- If this letter is true -
that's the worst thing.
Read it. Read it!
No. I know what's there.
So, it's true?
Yep. But you must understand...
I'm the one who has to understand?
You are screwing another woman -
and I'm taking care of the kids. And
I'm the one who has to understand?
You have to understand it was
nothing. -Nothing? How awesome.
How about if
it would've been something?
You are playing house
with someone else.
All right then. Let's split. God damn
it. So you get the fuck away from me.
No way.
You're not getting
away that easily.
We're not divorcing.
How dare you, asshole?
Forgive me.
I'm a terrible sack of shit.
I'm sorry. I love you.
I love you.
Don't you fucking touch me.
The boys don't need to know about
this. They still worship you.
They don't need to know
what an asshole their dad is.
But... -There's no buts. This is
the way it goes. Are we clear?
Will you forgive me?
I don't know.
And it doesn't make
any difference.
But you only have one family.
Joona-Poona and Nakke.
Merry Christmas, dudes. Damn.
Tight collars. Tight collars.
All right.
That family is us.
You're not breaking that family.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Mommy's dear.
Your mother...
is so proud of you.
Dad...
I'm an alcoholic.
I can't drink anything.
- I know.
I see.
- Pia hasn't said a word.
But I'm not blind.
Fathers know their sons.
Always.
For me, it's over.
For good.
I want to give my sons
a safe childhood.
Happy New Year then.
Don't shoot me. Cut it out.
Wave to me.
Run from there.
Wave it around.
Piitu, Happy New Year.
From now on, Joona will
come with you on the road.
What? The road's no place for a kid.
Why not?
If you're serious with your promises.
Of course I am. But...
- Agreed then. End of story.
Piitu, listen...
Listen, no more talking.
Now it's time for action. Right?
Right?
OK. Wave to me!
We've bought banners
from every town. -Wow.
We can put them
on the wall when you come home.
We are up north.
Daddy's singing pretty soon.
Hey, let daddy say a few words.
Daddy wants to talk.
Right. Bye.
Hello.
- You've been OK?
Really OK. I had to sing "The Finnish
Man" three times last night.
People don't seem to
get enough of it.
I guess that's better than howling
slimy love songs night after night.
What kind of band you have tonight?
- Quite OK.
The notes were not upside down. The
guitar strings had no knots in them.
Nice.
How's the little man?
- Everybody's spoiling him.
Candy, soda pop,
ice cream all the time.
He's put on a few pounds.
See that he also gets decent food.
And...-We'll wash our teeth.
You'll be home tomorrow?
Yep. We'll head home
straight after breakfast.
Nice. See you them.
Don't let Joona stay up too late.
I'll tuck him in
and head for the venue.
Good night.
- Good night.
Where was it again?
Here. See, daddy was born here.
Have I told you?
The sports club. The inner lane.
I'm a Finnish man
Thank you.
Next an old classic -
from the songbook of the old master.
"Vagabond's Evening Star".
D-minor, with the left foot.
One, three...
Now I lay me
down to sleep -
I pray the Lord
my soul to keep.
If I should die
before I wake -
I pray the Lord
my soul to take.
Amen.
Daddy?
Just get some sleep.
I'll be right back. OK?
Are you going to sing again?
- No, just seeing some old friends.
Go to sleep. Good night.
- Good night.
I'm leaving my heart behind
It's time for me to go away
So cold is the fall and twined
So little chance for me to stay
I'm leaving my heart ahead
This is where it belongs
Time for me to rest my weary head
To the whisper of all these songs
Summer nights, maybe the last drink
Wind whispers gently to the shore
If you trust more
Than you think there's...
Sorry, Pia.
This was the last time. I swear.
- Don't fucking swear.
How much did you spend?
Pretty much. Everything I had.
- There we are.
This was the last time.
Now I've realized
how to put things together.
Don't say a word.
- No, really.
When I was on the wagon this spring -
I realized how happy we were.
How well this family was.
The boys even got better grades.
Bring in the Bible,
I swear it's over now.
Really.
Never again. Never.
I think it was fair to come out with
my problem and not hide it anymore.
It was.
It is manly to speak about
your drinking problem to the media.
But businesswise,
whining like that it's not so great.
No one wants to book you any more.
You're the national
celebrity drunk a 2.
God damn it, I haven't had a drop
in three months. -Fucking great.
Hey, if I do a hundred gigs
well and then miss a few -
I think I'm not treated fair here.
Look, you must understand
that the promotors fear -
that their gig is the one
you can't pull off.
See, no one trusts an alcoholic.
He lay face down in the desert sand
Clutching his six-gun in his hand
Shot from behind, I thought he's dead
Under his heart was an ounce of lead
But a spark still burned
So I used my knife
And late that night
I saved the life of Ringo
Kari.
Kari, for real.
I want to sleep. Can you stop now?
The days went by, he mended fast
Then from dawn till setting sun
He practiced with that deadly gun
No human being could
match the draw of Ringo
The inner lane!
Strange you
can't sing in your own house.
Officers, attention!
Let's sing!
Under the North Star
I'm the Finnish man
Everyone else has a burn-out
but I have a burn-in!
Hey neighbor, how do you do?
I'm doing great!
Hey Piitu! Piitu!
I'll never forget you!
1990's
What, what city is this?
- Lahti.
Lahti?
A White Russian...
I don't think that's a good idea.
- Thanks.
Thanks.
Bloody hell.
This is not police business. -He
hasn't paid his bill for two weeks.
Just the minibar is over 4000.
Pia.
I think... I promise that...
I'm leaving you. We're moving out.
Pia.
- I'll take my maiden name back.
I don't want to have
your name any more.
You promised not to leave me.
Not to break this family.
There's no family
to break any more.
You've broken it already.
I love you. I love you.
I can't make it without you.
I can't make it alone.
I won't make it alone.
After the very last night
I've made up my mind
I'm sticking to my call
Crying won't help me at all
Closing the doors and falling
You must understand my calling
Never, never
No, give the phone to Pia.
Give the phone to Pia.
Give it to Pia.
Open up, it's Reiska!
Open up, it's Reiska!
What?
What?
Open up, it's Reiska.
Who the hell is Reiska?
Reiska.
Reiska Taipale. The local lumberjack.
- What the hell?
I don't know any Reiska.
Are you coming?
- Get the hell our of here.
Not a nice thing to say to an old
buddy.-Get the fuck out now.
Open the damn door
or I'll kick it in.
Why is the man crying?
- Everything. Everything's gone.
The gigs are down the drain.
Pia walked out on me.
Do you remember what Junnu used
to say? -What did he use to say?
Have you killed someone?
No. No, I haven't.
Can you still get it up?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. -Well, there
we are. Nothing to worry about.
Pia left me.
Ask her back and she'll come back.
- She won't.
Pull yourself together
and she'll come back.
How? -You could start
with cleaning up this pigsty.
This was it.
- Pull yourself together.
Hi, lie.
It's Kari.
Err, my family walked out
on me a while ago.
I don't have a record company
or an agent.
And the taxman is on my heels.
Any chance of co-operation?
Sure. Haul your ass over here for
a pow-wow. Tuesday at 10 OK with you?
Of course it is.
See you then. Thanks. Thanks.
Thanks a lot.
Guess I was the last boy on the line
The pressure sure was down on me
I thought I was doin' mighty fine
All or nothing, the way it used to be
Time pulled the rug
From under my feet
You're like dental caries. Once
you got it, you never get rid of it.
What a nice thing to say.
You haven't done anything in here.
You haven't even vacuumed.
Piitu.
- What?
Put that on the door.
Where are the boys?
Getting groceries.
We knew there's nothing in here.
Right. What about the song?
The lyrics I sent you. I wrote them.
Did you like them?
Was that so hard on your manhood?
What?
- Putting that doorsign up.
How come?
- You're all sweaty and pale.
A bit of a heartburn.
Did you say something?
God damn it. Damn it.
Kari.
Kari.
Kari. Oh my God. Kari. Kari.
Pia. I'm sorry.
I promise there will be a change.
For real. For good.
Kari.
- I'll do whatever you want me to do.
I'll join the AA.
Whatever you want.
Don't leave me.
- Kari.
You haven't been drinking.
You had a stroke.
You almost died.
Well, that was it then.
What?
- The music's over.
No, it's not. You'll be OK.
Time to turn out the lights.
- No, you'll get over this.
I'm so sleepy.
I'm sleepy.
The doctor said you'll be OK.
But you have to change your ways.
Change living into dying.
- Shut up.
We haven't come all this way
to watch you giving up.
Well, what could I do?
- Start your own band.
Who'd play in it?
- Well, at least me.
And Jani. Joona will be the manager.
He'll sell our gigs.
Right. Finally, you'll get your
own band. -His orchestra.
Who's?
- His. His orchestra.
Kari Tapio and his orchestra.
That's the name of the band.
Hallelujah! And you?
What are you doing?
I'm behind the wheel.
So you don't have to drive any more.
Are you planning to quit
your day job? - I already have.
We're a family business.
Klabbi Ltd. Right.
Let's roll.
Out of the the shadows
Into the light
Can't make it without you
Even if I tried
There's no more darkness,
No more night
When you're walking there,
Always by my side
Out of the the shadows,
Into the light
With humble minds
That's my
Well, look at this.
The gold where you can see it.
Hi.
I have an appointment with lie.
He's still in the previous meeting.
Have a seat, I'll bring you coffee.
OK, thanks.
Could you bring some water
for the dog please?
We'll sit here and wait.
Hi.
- Hi.
Hi, Klabbi. Sorry to keep you
waiting. Danny just bumped in.
But not to worry, grab the cat and
walk right in to my humble abode.
Hey, how do you feel?
Pretty good, thanks.
Never been in better shape.
- Good to hear.
Things have changed. -What?
Are you signing with someone else?
No, careerwise it's the same.
But for the first time
I want my own band.
And yes, the wife's back.
She'll be my driver.
That's great stuff. A cool raport.
- So it is, thanks.
Well, how about it? Would you
be interested in a voice like this?
Would I? Hell, yes.
Listen,
I already scribbled our agreement.
Just check out if you're OK with
all the percents and permilles.
Don't need to, I trust you.
Give me a pen and I'll sign.
I'll just add one more clause.
PS. See you in court.
A company man!
Welcome to the club!
God damn it, what are these?
Ostrich skin boots. For you.
To seal our deal.
God damn it. Pretty cool slippers.
They are rougher than my face.
You have a bad skin but a good heart.
Just like your old man.
Bloody hell. Well, why not?
Look at these lyrics.
If they're any good. -Give them to me
and I'll have a look.
After I'm gone.
So I don't feel embarrassed.
OK.
- I must be going.
So long.
- So long.
Oh, one more thing.
Never keep me waiting
because of Danny-Boy.
After the storm, the rain is gone
Now I see that I see the dawn
We don't know our fate
The time is getting late
After the storm, the rain is gone
The sun is back, high above
One day I'll find the haven, faraway
The end of the rainbow, I will stay
See what happens
when you start hiding my cognac.
Going out dressed like that? -A man's
gotta do what a man's gotta do.
My slippers have seen fancier places.
They'll be OK for the corner pub.
Kari.
What if I'd open the cognac
and you'd stay home?
Piitu. What's the damage
if I pop out to have a few?
See some real life.
In the old days I could drink for a
week. Now one night is quite enough.
A week was never enough for you. You
should be honest about your drinking.
Yeah, yeah.
I always have come back. Like a
boomerang. And will this time, too.
So long.
- So long.
Piitu. I love you. Always.
Remember, wherever I may roam,
I'll never forget you.
Like my tattoo says.
Without you, I wouldn't be here.
- Right.
Without the boys.
And without the fans.
- Get going. No one listens to that.
Au revoir.
- Right.
What if we'd open the cognac?
Just the two of us.
DECEMBER 5th, 2010
Let's go. -Listen. Listen.
I never get enough of this.
We'll be running out of songs.
- Jonde-Ponde.
Tonight we're not
running out of songs.
Let's roll.
Way to go, dudes.
Damn it!
Piitu's calling.
Hello.
Hell of a gig.
No, I'm already in a taxi.
Heading home.
See you soon.
Yep. Yep.
I'm so God damn tired.
This is the best day in my life.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
There's always sun,
even behind the darkest clouds.
"After the storm".
Kari Tapio and his orchestra -
kindly and heartily thank you all.
Kari Tapio has published
30 LP's, 54 singles and EP's
altogether 497 recordings
His record in ski-jumping
was 44,5 meters
He always touched the ground
Telemark-style
Subtitles:
Mika Karttunen
There's a gap between us
Heaven, hell and earth
Walls breaking around us
Long days, what they're worth
Eleven years and counting
cursing and shouting
This is not singing.
Come one.
Let the dude play.
The world is changing. And music.
a
It wasn't easy for me
either to start with.
I wanted to sing Elvis.
And Tom Jones.
You know, I became 65 a while back.
Congratulations.
- You mean condolences.
This is retirement age.
My singing days are done.
You must be joking.
Humor, humor.
My voice sounds better than ever.
I have my own orchestra.
My boys are playing in it.
I could never stop singing.
Except at home.
If I start singing,
Piitu tells me to shut up.
She doesn't mean any harm.
She's always believed in me.
Even when I haven't.
Strange.
KING OF HEARTS
Let the songs take the part
Like the birds in the sky
But alone in my lonely heart
She's the only one, my my
Oh if I only could
Get to the wonderland
You know then we would
Always be hand-in-hand
Still I'm chained to the ground
But my thoughts will fly
In my heart I'm homeward bound
Across the endless sky
How old are you?
- Nineteen, sir.
Don't you call me sir, damn it.
I'm Tapsa. Always have been.
From the Worker's Sports Federation.
The first Olympic Champion of WSF.
Local sports club. Inner lane.
I'm Kari Jalkanen.
I bet you'd like a sip.
- No, thank you, sir.
No?
Well, just one, to get the taste.
You're developing a great voice.
Now you need some decent music.
No trashy pop songs.
Real songs have a story.
A beginning and an end.
Country.
- That's my music, too.
Mr. Rautavaara.
- What did I just tell you?
The band said this is the last
song without the singer. -I see.
An another thing.
The consumption of alcoholic
beverages is forbidden here.
This is not a consumption.
More like a duty.
The stories in the songs?
What should they be like?
You'll figure it out.
Tapio Rautavaara.
The winner of the song contest
and three single records -
is Kari Tapani Jalkanen.
The prize will be presented
by the maestro himself.
The kid did well.
So well that I was wondering
in the backroom -
how can I be in two places
simultaneously?
Err.
Pretty cold, ain't it? Or something.
Not terribly warm.
Tapsa, he's the boss, right?
The boss?
What sort of hillbilly talk is that?
I'd rather be watching Elvis.
This guy sings his songs.
They even call him the local Elvis.
I love to sing rock.
And one day, I'll write my own songs.
With a message. With a real story.
Wham, bam and Amen!
I see.
You girls want to have a smoke around
the corner? - I don't smoke.
I wouldn't give you one anyway.
But you can watch me smoking.
I'll join you.
Is she from Helsinki?
The way she speaks. -From Hyvinkää.
Her father is the new headmaster
of trade school.
Headmaster's daughter? Really?
Did you come here by bike?
We hitchhiked.
- All right, okay.
Let's do it like this.
Here's a couple of singles for you.
But you must fix the princess for me.
Just her, when the dancing's done.
Right.
Stop. Stop.
Shall we start from scratch?
It's not terribly warm.
Pretty cold, ain't it?
This is the place where you call me
a hillbilly. Drive, drive.
Not much traffic this time of day.
Looks like it might rain.
Does the missus live far from here?
None of your business.
- No.
But looks were going the same way.
What's it to you?
- Ride with me.
Ride? With you?
You're pretty anxious.
I was only talking about the car.
Stop.
I take taxis quite often.
You don't have your own car?
- I guess you could put it like that.
Senorita.
We could've gone all the way.
Although schools give me shivers.
No need to. Thanks anyway.
Wait.
Take that single with you.
Why?
You can listen to it
before our date tomorrow.
What date?
The one that starts at 7 PM
on the beach.
We'll see about that.
That's right. We'll see.
In your dreams.
As well, of course.
All right, okay.
Senor, what's the damage?
Six twenty.
- I can see that.
But the situation is
that I only have a fiver.
And we're six miles from where
I live. And the wrong way. You know.
Listen. I don't know.
When we move in together -
our first beds could be
those modern sofa beds.
With no legs so we don't have to
vacuum under the beds.
Wouldn't that be quite bossy?
Bossy?
Yep.
I guess.
I don't know if you're at all
serious. With me.
I'm serious with you.
Always have been. Since yesterday.
Since the first time I saw you.
You speak like that to every girl.
- No, I don't.
Only to every second girl.
Really, we just met.
That's right, we just met.
But I feel like
I've always known you.
I think you feel the same.
Right?
You don't make much sense.
- I don't?
One doesn't have to.
Some plans you have.
Right. I hereby inform that
to the headmaster himself.
No need to call me that.
Just call me engineer Viheriävaara.
I know all about your
secret engagement.
And now about your
request to marry her.
Correction; I'm not requesting.
I'm just informing you.
Kari Jalkanen.
A homeless,
unemployed street singer.
No, an ex-ski jumper -
now a printer
and soon a recording artist.
How nice.
And even nicer is that now you walk
out. And leave my daughter alone.
We don't need a man like you
in our family.
Where I come from, the daughters
are married to the man's family.
I believe in two things.
Higher powers and Pia.
And this equation you don't
seem to understand.
We'll invite you to the wedding.
Not compulsory to show up.
Thank you.
So long.
Kari Jalkanen.
What a fucking name.
Flags and banners, flying high
Wedding day, no time to cry
Father-in-law's shouting why
Let the priest drink us dry
From a wooden cup
Al right, wife. Shall we get to it?
You're awful.
Shouldn't we undress first?
I mean the present envelopes.
I was a bossy idea from you
to ask money as presents.
Ain't no bama.
It's my money, honey.
We'll have time for that later.
The pike business first.
What are you doing here?
It's only 0630 AM.
Not a hell of a lot here.
And now I lost the count.
I'll do it again.
Is that what you are doing
after the wedding night?
It's not changing anything.
I thought it'll be enough for an
exhaust pipe and shock absorbers.
But I guess we'll have to
do with just the pipe.
What? What did you just say?
You heard me. The Anglia's
exhaust pipe is a piece of junk.
Our wedding present money
doesn't fix that piece of junk.
We'll buy linen and china.
- No God damned way.
Yes, God damn it!
- No way!
Then I'm out.
Then you'll spend the first day of
your marriage with your exhaust pipe.
Piitu! Hey!
Honey!
We'll buy the china.
And maybe longjohns for both of us.
You're an asshole.
- But a lovely asshole.
Hey.
I'm starting to make money for us.
Doing gigs, writing songs. Fans.
Thinking only about you when I sing.
Only you.
And a bit about the car parts.
Play some polka!
What?
- Play some polka! So we can dance.
We've paid for this.
The ticket price was a fiver.
We deduct the previous band.
That leaves us with 70 or so pennies.
I'll make it an even one mark.
Take it and get the hell out of here.
Other folk music fans in the house?
Or can I carry on with the band?
That's what I thought.
One, two...
We don't need those jerks.
We have the best band around these
parts. -The best band with zero gigs.
Listen up. It's only a question
of time before be make a record.
I've sent out some demo tapes.
Ours? But we haven't made one.
- No, it was my own.
Who's playing on it? -A few other
guys. A really great band.
They even get some radio time.
But, but.
When the call comes,
we all go along.
If the call comes.
- When it comes.
There's always light at
the end of the track.
It'll be OK.
Do I look all right?
- You're the boss.
Must be. Going all the way to
the big city to meet the big guy.
I've waited for this like a soldier.
See, it's not the pelvis.
But the local Elvis.
I'll keep my thumbs up.
- No need to.
They wouldn't ask me
all the way there -
if they weren't serious.
Rock and rolling, you see.
You can't go
Close the door
I feel so low
Can't take it any more
You must try, try, try
You can't go, oh no
You can't go, oh no
You can't go, you can't go.
Right.
Not my thing.
The song is always the product of the
composer, in this case me -
and the lyricist -
in this case a talented young man.
Then the singer makes it -
his own, with his interpretation.
Which in this case didn't happen.
You mean I can't sing?
A hicktown Elvis is always
a hicktown Elvis.
I guess you'd learn to
even sing tango.
But first you have to
learn how to sing.
For a baritone, your middle
range is quite OK.
In the lower scale -
your flaw is the typical male bass.
The tunes you produce are
shuffling, too low.
The upper scale is not too bad.
A bit struggling, a bit too tight.
Your greatest shortcomings are
your vibrato and your timing.
You're nasal.
The vibrato should be more uptempo -
and resonate only in a small area.
So my vibrato is too wide.
Out of control.
Resembling certain
ethnic minority groups.
The worst combination is
with the lower keys.
Where my shuffling voice
meets the ear vibration.
Where have you been all night?
- In Helsinki.
Have you been drinking?
- I've had a few.
I was robbed.
- What?
They took my wallet. But here I am.
- Did you call the police?
They put me to the drunk tank. Gave
me a fine. And told me to shut up.
I asked would it help if I'd sing?
I won't be a snitch.
But I could sing about life.
But...
Did you ever make it
to the music company?
I did.
Let me put it this way;
the man who sits here -
will never ever sing -
a song written or
arranged by that man I met.
This awol day, which obviously
was a colorful one -
happened in a bad moment.
- Right. I'm sorry.
It won't happen again.
- No, it won't.
Swing by the office
and pick up your last paycheck.
Don't be like that.
Listen. I mean...
I'm pregnant.
We're having a baby.
How wonderful.
I was fired.
He's a lost and lonely man
Been here far too long
He's a racing king and fan
But he's done things so wrong
He's a lost and lonely man
No one knows who to blame
Wheelchair bound if he only can
Well that's a crying shame
He knows he'll never race again
He's a lost and lonely man
Been here far too long
There. Right there.
It kicks like a horse.
Almost breaking my ribs.
I'll smoke in the kitchen.
Not to make you feel ill.
You OK, dear?
Yep.
I'll get some sleep.
- Okay.
I'll check the newspapers.
If there's any ads.
Kari!
Kari! My waters broke!
Kari!
- I see.
Kari!
-OK, I'm coming.
God damn it.
You're drunk.
The car keys.
They must be somewhere.
We're not riding with you.
- We? Who's we?
Asshole.
Piitu!
Hello. -Why are you banging
on our door, lush?
I'll call the police.
- No, no, my wife's giving birth.
We need to get to the hospital.
- Call a cab. I'm not your driver.
I have no money.
This one time only. We must hurry.
Okay then.
I'll find my shoes.
Good. We'll wait here.
You're not coming.
- What?
I'm ashamed.
You can't come to the hospital.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
It's my child.
I'll be a father.
I'll be a father...
Look how small it is.
- It's big.
Which one is it?
- It's a boy.
Then it's Jiri.
Your name is Jiri.
Just like Jiri Raska.
A ski jumper from Czechoslovakia.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I was like that.
You know.
If I wanted an easy man -
I wouldn't have come close to you.
That's why I attacked
like a hungry pike.
Yuck. You could've
brushed your teeth.
I can't be bothered.
They hurt all the time.
I wonder why? Because you
don't take care of them.
Isn't this something?
My son.
- Right. Mommy and daddy.
A family.
- A family.
You know what that means.
- Right.
What?
- That we support each other.
I've done some thinking.
- So have 1.
All the record companies are in
Helsinki. You're moving there. -What?
Get a job in a printing house.
And get your foot in the door.
I'm not pushing myself to the
record companies. -Yes you are.
Well, how about you and Jiri?
- I'll move in with your parents.
We'll join you after
you're started.
Right?
Why not?
1970's
There. Oopsie-daisy.
Hi.
- Hi.
Hi.
- Hi.
What?
- Hi.
Look at that.
- What's this?
"The Junior".
Written by Kari Jalkanen.
It's a single.
This is your single!
That's only the B-side.
But it's my song. Written for me.
Why haven't you told me, shithead?
- It was a surprise.
How could you keep it as a secret?
Shall we play it?
- Let's.
We were doing mighty fine
Doing well all the time
Never ever out of the line
Jiri, listen how daddy can croon.
- Croon? Jesus, what language.
A city boy.
- I'll be damned.
8 years of slaving away
and now I'm a recording artist.
We have a rented flat.
And we're here, all three.
Soon four.
This will be a hit song.
You mean this could...?
- Sure. It's a great song.
Really cool lyrics.
- By a great writer.
Piitu! Piitu! The phone.
Sorry. Sorry.
Jalkanen.
I am.
How do you do?
Yes, I know the address.
Opposite the printing house.
OK. Bye.
Well? Who was it?
The boss of D-Productions.
The Big D! Danny!
I have a feeling I'm getting into
the big league now. You know?
Kari.
This song really sucks.
But you sound pretty good.
I'll make you an offer.
Snake, Rattle and Roll tour.
Three and half months. The biggest,
hottest show in country.
Interested?
As a singer?
- Mainly as a roadie.
But you get to sing
four songs a night.
Sounds like a lot of work.
Well, what's the pay?
50 marks per night.
Plus 14 marks as per diems.
You take care of your
own food and board.
I have a steady job
at the printing house.
I have to get the same money,
at least.
It's your own choice.
Maybe you stay in the job and work
your butt off until you retire.
And I'll hire someone else
for the snake tour.
Are you talking about
record company guys?
Or you can take your chances.
And start your way to the stars.
With this salary,
I'll have to hitch-hike there.
Who are the screaming ladies
coming to see? You or Danny?
I need to gel a bit more money.
We're having our second child
in July.
We're having our first one in July.
Congratulations.
Well, I have a suggestion.
Are you afraid of snakes?
Snakes? No.
OK. 70 per night plus per diems.
You're a roadie and a singer. And you
also look after Elvis and The Prez.
OK.
- Bloody good.
A few more things.
That moustache, that's history.
No way.
Well, at least keep
that tattoo covered. -No way.
At least you must change your name.
- No way.
Kari Jalkanen.
Sounds like a hillbilly.
It's not commercial.
And your name is?
You must come up with
a sexy stage name.
I have sometimes used "Jami".
- Jami Jalkanen?
No, just Jami.
- Jami.
Absolutely not.
What's your second name? -Tapani.
Kari Tapani? No.
Tapani Kari? No way.
Kari Tapio? -Take your time.
You'll come up with a decent one.
Now, if you excuse me,
I have work to do.
Before you go,
who are Elvis and The Prez?
See you.
This is The Prez. The gentle one.
- The gentle one?
Yep. Elvis is more unpredictable.
Doesn't like domestic ants.
They go under his skin,
make him itchy.
You must be careful with him.
Especially when you feed him.
Well, what does he eat? Mice?
Rabbits.
Hey, this one, hey this started...
Hey dude! Pussinen!
That Danny, he's a cool dude.
He's the boss.
It's so cool to be a part
of a world-class act.
Listen. One day you'll be
a bigger star than he is.
Sure.
Did you get the poster I sent you?
Yeah, it's really nice.
It still has my old name.
The printing house got
the stage name too late.
Where were you yesterday
when I tried to call you?
Well, what do you think? -I don't
want to think. I want you tell me.
Surprisingly, I wasn't anywhere
beyond the sand box.
With who?
Who do you fucking think?
- Oh, I see. Of course. Sure.
Hey, your mommy told me there's
a story about you in the local paper.
About the new single?
- About being in Danny-show.
Well, what did they think about the
single? -They haven't heard it yet.
It doesn't get much radio time.
They don't advertise it much.
Do you sleep in hotels?
- We can't afford that.
I wouldn't be bringing home any
bacon. Only Danny stays in hotels.
Where do the rest of you sleep then?
- In the bus. In the truck.
Awful. Are you getting any sleep?
I sleep like a log.
It's pretty tough being on the road.
OK then. We miss you a lot. Jiri's
asking after daddy all the time.
Are you washing your teeth
every night? -Yes, mommy.
You must be an example to Jiri.
And to the new one.
How else will they learn
to look after their teeth?
Right, I must hang up now.
These calls are so expensive.
I'll call again tomorrow. OK?
- You don't have to call me every day.
But I have to.
How come I gel this sudden feeling
you don't want me calling you?
There we go again. You're delirious.
I hang up now. Bye.
Pia! Hey!
What happened with the single?
- Which one?
The latest one. "Keep the secret".
Just like the title implies.
It was a kept as a secret.
It came and went.
One more flop.
I have no gigs.
My records don't sell.
No one even notices when they
come out. No one markets them.
You can't make people to buy records.
I'll give you a solid piece of
advise. Don't give up your day job.
What day job? I quit a year ago,
when I went on the road with Danny.
I'm running on empty here. Trying to
make ends meet, on the dole.
Swallow your pride and go back
to the bakery. -Printing house.
It ain't that easy.
They've fired half of their staff.
This bloody business.
This is the way it works.
If I only could get
one decent single.
To get me on my feet.
Productionwise, it's a bit...
But let me write this down.
Let's try to find a
new song for you.
Any timetable?
- No.
Any chance of an advance?
To get me on my feet?
I have another meeting.
If the kid's thirsty, the soda
pop is on the house. See you.
I've been thinking about...
About what?
To get a new livelihood.
What? -At least until the singing
starts paying our bills.
Yep. No way.
What do you mean no way?
- No way. I have faith in you.
Your faith doesn't feed the kids.
Come on, for real. Don't overreact.
No one's starving here.
You must try harder.
No one can succeed part-time.
What more could I do? -Shape up.
If they don't give you songs -
you find them yourself.
And offer them to Discophon.
I'm not sure.
Eat your soup! Shape up!
Quitting is not an option.
You sure haven't changed.
- Neither have you. Unfortunately.
Jiri. Have you seen this?
Yuck!
What are you thinking about?
- What will we live on?
I have already thought about that.
No point of you wasting your talent.
I'll get a decent job.
- What decent job?
The new social legislation will
revolutionize the whole healthcare.
What legislation? -You don't know
anything about anything.
The new law obligates dental care -
for everyone under 17.
That will create a lot of new jobs.
I'll be a dental nurse.
A dental nurse?
Not a major surprise.
But I have to think about our future.
Hey, do you remember
why we came here?
To this suburb?
For this flat?
No, stupid.
Where's the man -
who's like a hungry pike?
Show me that pike.
Where's that pike?
Let me have a look at that pike.
Grr.
Pikes don't growl like that.
This one does.
Ding dong, amore
What do you say?
I found it by chance.
From an Italian tv-series.
The theme song.
This is a surefire hit.
Let's get the Finnish lyrics asap.
God damn it!
What's the celebration?
- No special reason.
Let's celebrate us.
Or your upcoming hit song.
What upcoming hit?
The one I took to the record company
six months ago and never heard back?
Maybe they didn't even
translate the lyrics. -They'll do it.
When they have the time.
- I guess you're right. Again.
Boys! Come and drink some juice!
A long and lonely night
I know you're going away
I never promised it to you.
I only said it's a certain hit.
Grön is one of our A-list artists.
But it was me who found the song.
It's perfect for my voice.
Sure. And nothing stops you
performing it on your gigs.
But I don't have any! That song
could've brought me some gigs.
You must understand we can't
give a song like that to you.
Not after all your flops.
I've had enough.
I'll change the company. God damn it!
With your track record...
I feel like my career is going
nowhere.
No hits. Stuck like glue.
Year after year. -Not for long.
Welcome to Scandia.
Here you can make an album of hits.
An album?
- Yep.
We'll fill your almanac.
And the stomachs of your kids.
And maybe even your bank account.
Paul Anka has written a new song
for Sinatra. "Let me try again".
That would sit nice
with the new record.
No, you're too young.
The elderly have their own singers.
We're aiming at younger audiences.
We have already chosen
the songs for your LP. - I see.
We want to play it safe with you.
- OK.
That hairdo is cool. Let it grow.
Next time dye it blonde,
the same way.
Actually, it's my natural color.
- Of course.
Well, don't change it.
We'll take the cover pictures.
BTW, Chrisse will
produce your record.
Chrisse? She's good,
she's really good. -She's the best.
OK.
That's the song list.
- Good.
What the hell?
They're all Danny's old songs.
Right. All old hits
that everyone knows.
Makes no sense to record
Danny's old songs.
Scandia wants to recycle
the background tracks.
It's your record.
No one else's.
Don't worry.
I'll fade Danny's voice out.
I don't want to be a bloody
backup-Danny.
I want to record new songs. That
haven't been heard in this country.
Chrisse, I'm serious.
I can't sing old songs
to old background tracks.
This is the way it goes.
Don't worry too much.
Just sing better than Danny.
People will rush to the record shops.
And to your gigs.
It's like shitting
in one's own nest.
I'm experienced enough -
to know how this business works.
- God damn it.
You either sing these songs
or don't work for us at all.
Right. You have now published
your first LP.
Congratulations.
- Thanks. It's been a long wait.
We have a double celebration here.
Pia graduated as a dental nurse.
Thanks to the new social laws.
- Don't start about that, stupid.
Come on.
It's as important as this.
You see, I follow things
outside music business. -Right.
You said it's been a long wait.
- Yes.
It's been my dream
for at least 13 years.
That's why it feels a bit strange -
that this anticipated first record
has only Danny's hit songs.
You even sing them the same way.
Don't get insulted -
but it feels you want to be Danny II.
Absolutely not.
The coffee's ready if you'd...
Let's take the picture first.
Pia, sit next to Kari.
A nice family portrait.
Even your hair is dyed Danny-style.
And your clothes are the same way.
Is the record some sort of
revenge on Danny -
because you never worked
with him since the snake tour?
Let me get the facts straight.
The songs were chosen by the company.
I choose my own clothes.
My hair is dyed by the sun.
Write that down, bloody hell.
Let's take that picture now.
"Now I realize it was a mistake
to record Danny's repertoire.
Talking about my hair,
the sun does it to me every summer.
I buy my own clothes
from public stores.
So I'm not imitating anyone.
...cleaning up his
questionable reputation."
Not quite the marketing
article the company wanted.
The whole record was a mistake.
Well?
What's the plan?
So, you want to be a star?
I don't want to be a star.
I want to work in the music
business and support my family.
I guess we can fix that.
Along with the stardom.
Let me only say this:
watch your mail.
How secretive.
- It is.
Coming up;
"Sing My Love Song" in Finnish.
Only two more weeks
and it's out.
Widely waited, lovingly lusted,
always anticipated.
Sung by the guy
with the praised voice.
Only one thing has been missing.
- The thing they call the hit song.
But now it's Kari Tapio's turn.
The Finnish name of the song is still
a secret but we'll find it out soon.
The single will be out in September.
So, let the weeks roll past.
"With informative regards,
Scandia Music. Chrisse Johansson."
How wonderful.
Sing my love song
Chrisse ordered the lyrics
from a guy -
who's also Fredi's producer.
So the guy took the text first
to Fredi and then to us.
And Fredi cut a record.
Which will be published
a day after your version.
God damn it. Fredi sells
almost as much as Danny.
Actually, a bit more.
He's the most popular domestic
artist of the decade.
Fucking guys!
It's over.
- Nothing's over!
Let's get the big guns out.
Proper marketing.
We'll put out a collection of hits.
New hits. Upcoming hits.
It's wartime!
Sing my love song
Sing my love song
Sing my love song
Bitter fight over hits.
Will Kari Tapio stop Fredi's career?
Sing my love song
Try to remember to feel stronger
The days will be longer
Sing my love song
Sing my love song
Kari Tapio on charts.
Where's Fredi?
I'll put a nickel in the jukebox
And play the Truck Drivin' Man
The waitress just brought
Me some coffee
I thanked her but
Called her again
1980's
Drinking away, way too much
Nothing really works for me
Water's the only drink I can touch
Too little's too much to be
Cut it. Let's have a break.
Promised too much, way too much,
No way I can ever be true
I feel I've lost my my touch
Except my love, now I'm so blue
That was it.
- That was it.
And your own version which tells
us you have a way with words -
you can sing on your own
notorious private gigs.
Pisses me off to sing these
whining love songs.
I'm a Finnish craftsman,
not a Japanese haiku singer.
I know. Your version is much better.
OK, see you at nine.
We'll do "Julia".
That's a good song. But I guess it
won't be the hit I'm longing after.
You can never tell.
We're one song short.
And then the album's done.
What could that song be?
- Don't know.
We'll figure out something.
- We'll figure it out.
Well, so long.
Play the new song.
What's this? -A new song we found
from Midem in Cannes.
We'll cut it a bit later.
We don't have the lyrics yet.
We don't yet know
which way to go.
It should be something strong.
Something real. Finnish.
Right, I could talk to the lyricist.
That's a good direction.
Hell of a melody.
Smells like a hit.
Who'd do this? -The company
was thinking about Danny.
Or Tapani Kansa.
Give it to me.
I'm not sure.
Why?
- It's perfect for my voice.
It's perfect for him, too.
I'm just thinking about the facts.
- You mean you're the best singer?
I have the biggest
tab in the house.
I owe the company a hell of a lot of
money. Plus the royalty advances.
Well, that's true.
I'll talk to the brass.
We could think about the lyrics.
All right.
- How could it go?
Give me the background tracks
on a compact cassette. -You got it.
Au revoir.
- He sure knows his Italian.
This is good. Pretty good.
Really?
- This is a bossy song.
What?
- No one says that any more.
Bossy?
- I just said.
After I cut this,
the money will start rolling in.
Maybe I could write songs to
other singers as well.
Get going now.
Veikko! -Klabbi, damn it.
In time, for a change.
I couldn't get any sleep.
About that song...
- What's this?
Lyrics to the song they've found.
Who wrote this? You?
Damn good you didn't.
I have some great news for you.
We already have hell of a text
for it.
We could rehearse right away.
Cool, huh? Cool. -Cool.
Do you want that song or not?
-of course I do.
With this song you can bury
your haiku-fears.
What's the title?
All right. Okay.
Good evening.
My name is Kari Tapio.
And I'm a Finnish man.
Under the North Star
Under the blue clear sky
I sing about life and that is why
I'm a Finnish man
Oh if they'd only know out there
What it's like to be in here, where
With our tears running wild
the oceans running dry
All those lonely nights
But always so much forbidden love
The stories, the joy they're bringing
All the poems and songs I'm singing
"I'm a Finnish Man"
takes Finland by storm
Kari Tapio
"I'm a Finnish Man"
Under the North Star
Under the blue clear sky
I sing about life and that is why
I'm a Finnish man
I sing about love
A man and and a woman
I'm a child from above
I'm a Finnish man
Cut. That was it.
Was that it?
- Yep.
Was it any good?
- It was real good.
Did the door sway too much?
It felt pretty good to me.
Drive carefully.
- Always.
Call me when you get there.
- Yep.
When you get where exactly?
- Hicktown. Bigtown.
Well, some place somewhere.
And remember...
- To wash my teeth. Yeah, yeah.
See you in a week or so.
In short, so long.
OK doggie, you're in charge here.
I know all the turns and corners
Of the highway number four
Starlets of the night and mourners
Nights of weary bars and more
All the jails, judges and byways
Every hotel, barn and inn
All the roads, trails and highways
No matter where I've been
With open eyes, hammer all down
Makes me think every once in a while
Been in every village, city and town
If this is the very last time
If there's a wide open road
And a tank full of gas
Just like going around
in the same fucking circle.
It's me.
- Why do you call at this hour?
Am I interrupting something?
- My sleep.
Good thing the boys didn't wake up.
It's a school day tomorrow.
Right. How's the little one?
He's good. They all miss their dad.
- Right.
What?
Has something happened?
- No. I just can't sleep.
I miss you.
Al sorts of thoughts in my mind.
- You always have.
You're my true love
My friend
My love, my dear, my wife
Without you my world ends
For the rest of my life
Thank you.
All right. Okay.
Good evening.
Senor Big Pike.
How are we doing here?
Let's roll. All right.
Okay. The wagons are rolling.
Reiska. Listen. Listen.
Two weeks in Spain. Yeah, yeah.
we'll find the time.
The wives are there for one week
only. Then we stay for another one...
Hillsides, hillsides
Hillsides, hillsides
Hillsides, hillsides
Mr. Singer.
I should clean up the room.
The next guest is waiting.
Fill the minibar.
I have a four o'clock...
Winter's been long and lonely
Ice won't stop me, if I only knew
Darkness won't scare me if only
You are there to help me through
I love you always, over seasons
For a million different reasons
What the hell?
For fuck's sake.
Where are the boys? Huh?
At school? -They're at your mom's.
Why not at school? Why are you not
at work? -It's Christmas break.
Christmas?
Where are the decorations?
No tree. No ham this time.
And I wonder why? What do you think?
I told your mom we'll show up.
That you have gigs
until the Christmas Eve.
Like you bloody did.
You've been gone for a week.
People have been calling here,
worried as hell.
Reijo Taipale and Junnu Vainio.
You were supposed to be
in the studio last week.
I'll take care of it.
And I'll do my gigs.
On my own expense.
When will you fucking understand
that there's not such a thing?
It's all away from this family.
You've taken money
from the home loan account.
How do we pay the mortgage?
Your tax debts?
We have unpaid bills
for over ten grand.
We'll buy a cheaper car.
Car! What a jolly idea!
Where is our car anyway? The Merc?
You came home in a taxi.
I'll find it.
- Swell.
Do you know what?
The worst thing is not your
endless boozing.
Blowing away all our money.
Piitu.
Honey.
- If this letter is true -
that's the worst thing.
Read it. Read it!
No. I know what's there.
So, it's true?
Yep. But you must understand...
I'm the one who has to understand?
You are screwing another woman -
and I'm taking care of the kids. And
I'm the one who has to understand?
You have to understand it was
nothing. -Nothing? How awesome.
How about if
it would've been something?
You are playing house
with someone else.
All right then. Let's split. God damn
it. So you get the fuck away from me.
No way.
You're not getting
away that easily.
We're not divorcing.
How dare you, asshole?
Forgive me.
I'm a terrible sack of shit.
I'm sorry. I love you.
I love you.
Don't you fucking touch me.
The boys don't need to know about
this. They still worship you.
They don't need to know
what an asshole their dad is.
But... -There's no buts. This is
the way it goes. Are we clear?
Will you forgive me?
I don't know.
And it doesn't make
any difference.
But you only have one family.
Joona-Poona and Nakke.
Merry Christmas, dudes. Damn.
Tight collars. Tight collars.
All right.
That family is us.
You're not breaking that family.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Mommy's dear.
Your mother...
is so proud of you.
Dad...
I'm an alcoholic.
I can't drink anything.
- I know.
I see.
- Pia hasn't said a word.
But I'm not blind.
Fathers know their sons.
Always.
For me, it's over.
For good.
I want to give my sons
a safe childhood.
Happy New Year then.
Don't shoot me. Cut it out.
Wave to me.
Run from there.
Wave it around.
Piitu, Happy New Year.
From now on, Joona will
come with you on the road.
What? The road's no place for a kid.
Why not?
If you're serious with your promises.
Of course I am. But...
- Agreed then. End of story.
Piitu, listen...
Listen, no more talking.
Now it's time for action. Right?
Right?
OK. Wave to me!
We've bought banners
from every town. -Wow.
We can put them
on the wall when you come home.
We are up north.
Daddy's singing pretty soon.
Hey, let daddy say a few words.
Daddy wants to talk.
Right. Bye.
Hello.
- You've been OK?
Really OK. I had to sing "The Finnish
Man" three times last night.
People don't seem to
get enough of it.
I guess that's better than howling
slimy love songs night after night.
What kind of band you have tonight?
- Quite OK.
The notes were not upside down. The
guitar strings had no knots in them.
Nice.
How's the little man?
- Everybody's spoiling him.
Candy, soda pop,
ice cream all the time.
He's put on a few pounds.
See that he also gets decent food.
And...-We'll wash our teeth.
You'll be home tomorrow?
Yep. We'll head home
straight after breakfast.
Nice. See you them.
Don't let Joona stay up too late.
I'll tuck him in
and head for the venue.
Good night.
- Good night.
Where was it again?
Here. See, daddy was born here.
Have I told you?
The sports club. The inner lane.
I'm a Finnish man
Thank you.
Next an old classic -
from the songbook of the old master.
"Vagabond's Evening Star".
D-minor, with the left foot.
One, three...
Now I lay me
down to sleep -
I pray the Lord
my soul to keep.
If I should die
before I wake -
I pray the Lord
my soul to take.
Amen.
Daddy?
Just get some sleep.
I'll be right back. OK?
Are you going to sing again?
- No, just seeing some old friends.
Go to sleep. Good night.
- Good night.
I'm leaving my heart behind
It's time for me to go away
So cold is the fall and twined
So little chance for me to stay
I'm leaving my heart ahead
This is where it belongs
Time for me to rest my weary head
To the whisper of all these songs
Summer nights, maybe the last drink
Wind whispers gently to the shore
If you trust more
Than you think there's...
Sorry, Pia.
This was the last time. I swear.
- Don't fucking swear.
How much did you spend?
Pretty much. Everything I had.
- There we are.
This was the last time.
Now I've realized
how to put things together.
Don't say a word.
- No, really.
When I was on the wagon this spring -
I realized how happy we were.
How well this family was.
The boys even got better grades.
Bring in the Bible,
I swear it's over now.
Really.
Never again. Never.
I think it was fair to come out with
my problem and not hide it anymore.
It was.
It is manly to speak about
your drinking problem to the media.
But businesswise,
whining like that it's not so great.
No one wants to book you any more.
You're the national
celebrity drunk a 2.
God damn it, I haven't had a drop
in three months. -Fucking great.
Hey, if I do a hundred gigs
well and then miss a few -
I think I'm not treated fair here.
Look, you must understand
that the promotors fear -
that their gig is the one
you can't pull off.
See, no one trusts an alcoholic.
He lay face down in the desert sand
Clutching his six-gun in his hand
Shot from behind, I thought he's dead
Under his heart was an ounce of lead
But a spark still burned
So I used my knife
And late that night
I saved the life of Ringo
Kari.
Kari, for real.
I want to sleep. Can you stop now?
The days went by, he mended fast
Then from dawn till setting sun
He practiced with that deadly gun
No human being could
match the draw of Ringo
The inner lane!
Strange you
can't sing in your own house.
Officers, attention!
Let's sing!
Under the North Star
I'm the Finnish man
Everyone else has a burn-out
but I have a burn-in!
Hey neighbor, how do you do?
I'm doing great!
Hey Piitu! Piitu!
I'll never forget you!
1990's
What, what city is this?
- Lahti.
Lahti?
A White Russian...
I don't think that's a good idea.
- Thanks.
Thanks.
Bloody hell.
This is not police business. -He
hasn't paid his bill for two weeks.
Just the minibar is over 4000.
Pia.
I think... I promise that...
I'm leaving you. We're moving out.
Pia.
- I'll take my maiden name back.
I don't want to have
your name any more.
You promised not to leave me.
Not to break this family.
There's no family
to break any more.
You've broken it already.
I love you. I love you.
I can't make it without you.
I can't make it alone.
I won't make it alone.
After the very last night
I've made up my mind
I'm sticking to my call
Crying won't help me at all
Closing the doors and falling
You must understand my calling
Never, never
No, give the phone to Pia.
Give the phone to Pia.
Give it to Pia.
Open up, it's Reiska!
Open up, it's Reiska!
What?
What?
Open up, it's Reiska.
Who the hell is Reiska?
Reiska.
Reiska Taipale. The local lumberjack.
- What the hell?
I don't know any Reiska.
Are you coming?
- Get the hell our of here.
Not a nice thing to say to an old
buddy.-Get the fuck out now.
Open the damn door
or I'll kick it in.
Why is the man crying?
- Everything. Everything's gone.
The gigs are down the drain.
Pia walked out on me.
Do you remember what Junnu used
to say? -What did he use to say?
Have you killed someone?
No. No, I haven't.
Can you still get it up?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. -Well, there
we are. Nothing to worry about.
Pia left me.
Ask her back and she'll come back.
- She won't.
Pull yourself together
and she'll come back.
How? -You could start
with cleaning up this pigsty.
This was it.
- Pull yourself together.
Hi, lie.
It's Kari.
Err, my family walked out
on me a while ago.
I don't have a record company
or an agent.
And the taxman is on my heels.
Any chance of co-operation?
Sure. Haul your ass over here for
a pow-wow. Tuesday at 10 OK with you?
Of course it is.
See you then. Thanks. Thanks.
Thanks a lot.
Guess I was the last boy on the line
The pressure sure was down on me
I thought I was doin' mighty fine
All or nothing, the way it used to be
Time pulled the rug
From under my feet
You're like dental caries. Once
you got it, you never get rid of it.
What a nice thing to say.
You haven't done anything in here.
You haven't even vacuumed.
Piitu.
- What?
Put that on the door.
Where are the boys?
Getting groceries.
We knew there's nothing in here.
Right. What about the song?
The lyrics I sent you. I wrote them.
Did you like them?
Was that so hard on your manhood?
What?
- Putting that doorsign up.
How come?
- You're all sweaty and pale.
A bit of a heartburn.
Did you say something?
God damn it. Damn it.
Kari.
Kari.
Kari. Oh my God. Kari. Kari.
Pia. I'm sorry.
I promise there will be a change.
For real. For good.
Kari.
- I'll do whatever you want me to do.
I'll join the AA.
Whatever you want.
Don't leave me.
- Kari.
You haven't been drinking.
You had a stroke.
You almost died.
Well, that was it then.
What?
- The music's over.
No, it's not. You'll be OK.
Time to turn out the lights.
- No, you'll get over this.
I'm so sleepy.
I'm sleepy.
The doctor said you'll be OK.
But you have to change your ways.
Change living into dying.
- Shut up.
We haven't come all this way
to watch you giving up.
Well, what could I do?
- Start your own band.
Who'd play in it?
- Well, at least me.
And Jani. Joona will be the manager.
He'll sell our gigs.
Right. Finally, you'll get your
own band. -His orchestra.
Who's?
- His. His orchestra.
Kari Tapio and his orchestra.
That's the name of the band.
Hallelujah! And you?
What are you doing?
I'm behind the wheel.
So you don't have to drive any more.
Are you planning to quit
your day job? - I already have.
We're a family business.
Klabbi Ltd. Right.
Let's roll.
Out of the the shadows
Into the light
Can't make it without you
Even if I tried
There's no more darkness,
No more night
When you're walking there,
Always by my side
Out of the the shadows,
Into the light
With humble minds
That's my
Well, look at this.
The gold where you can see it.
Hi.
I have an appointment with lie.
He's still in the previous meeting.
Have a seat, I'll bring you coffee.
OK, thanks.
Could you bring some water
for the dog please?
We'll sit here and wait.
Hi.
- Hi.
Hi, Klabbi. Sorry to keep you
waiting. Danny just bumped in.
But not to worry, grab the cat and
walk right in to my humble abode.
Hey, how do you feel?
Pretty good, thanks.
Never been in better shape.
- Good to hear.
Things have changed. -What?
Are you signing with someone else?
No, careerwise it's the same.
But for the first time
I want my own band.
And yes, the wife's back.
She'll be my driver.
That's great stuff. A cool raport.
- So it is, thanks.
Well, how about it? Would you
be interested in a voice like this?
Would I? Hell, yes.
Listen,
I already scribbled our agreement.
Just check out if you're OK with
all the percents and permilles.
Don't need to, I trust you.
Give me a pen and I'll sign.
I'll just add one more clause.
PS. See you in court.
A company man!
Welcome to the club!
God damn it, what are these?
Ostrich skin boots. For you.
To seal our deal.
God damn it. Pretty cool slippers.
They are rougher than my face.
You have a bad skin but a good heart.
Just like your old man.
Bloody hell. Well, why not?
Look at these lyrics.
If they're any good. -Give them to me
and I'll have a look.
After I'm gone.
So I don't feel embarrassed.
OK.
- I must be going.
So long.
- So long.
Oh, one more thing.
Never keep me waiting
because of Danny-Boy.
After the storm, the rain is gone
Now I see that I see the dawn
We don't know our fate
The time is getting late
After the storm, the rain is gone
The sun is back, high above
One day I'll find the haven, faraway
The end of the rainbow, I will stay
See what happens
when you start hiding my cognac.
Going out dressed like that? -A man's
gotta do what a man's gotta do.
My slippers have seen fancier places.
They'll be OK for the corner pub.
Kari.
What if I'd open the cognac
and you'd stay home?
Piitu. What's the damage
if I pop out to have a few?
See some real life.
In the old days I could drink for a
week. Now one night is quite enough.
A week was never enough for you. You
should be honest about your drinking.
Yeah, yeah.
I always have come back. Like a
boomerang. And will this time, too.
So long.
- So long.
Piitu. I love you. Always.
Remember, wherever I may roam,
I'll never forget you.
Like my tattoo says.
Without you, I wouldn't be here.
- Right.
Without the boys.
And without the fans.
- Get going. No one listens to that.
Au revoir.
- Right.
What if we'd open the cognac?
Just the two of us.
DECEMBER 5th, 2010
Let's go. -Listen. Listen.
I never get enough of this.
We'll be running out of songs.
- Jonde-Ponde.
Tonight we're not
running out of songs.
Let's roll.
Way to go, dudes.
Damn it!
Piitu's calling.
Hello.
Hell of a gig.
No, I'm already in a taxi.
Heading home.
See you soon.
Yep. Yep.
I'm so God damn tired.
This is the best day in my life.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
There's always sun,
even behind the darkest clouds.
"After the storm".
Kari Tapio and his orchestra -
kindly and heartily thank you all.
Kari Tapio has published
30 LP's, 54 singles and EP's
altogether 497 recordings
His record in ski-jumping
was 44,5 meters
He always touched the ground
Telemark-style
Subtitles:
Mika Karttunen