70 Is Just a Number

70 Is Just a Number
70 on vain numero
Directed byJohanna Vuoksenmaa
Written byJohanna Vuoksenmaa
Produced byRiina Hyytiä
Nina Laurio
CinematographyHeikki Färm
Edited byJojo Erholtz
Music byKerkko Koskinen
Production
company
Release date
  • December 29, 2021 (2021-12-29) (Finland)
Running time
102 minutes
CountryFinland
LanguageFinnish
Budget€1.5 million

70 Is Just a Number (Finnish: 70 on vain numero) is a 2021 Finnish comedy film written and directed by Johanna Vuoksenmaa. The film stars Hannele Lauri as Seija Kuula, a nearly 70-year-old Finnish pop diva who becomes romantically involved with a guitarist 25 years her junior.

The film serves as the final installment in Vuoksenmaa's trilogy of relationship-focused films, following 21 Ways to Ruin a Marriage (2013) and Adult Camp (2015). While the earlier films targeted younger audiences, 70 Is Just a Number shifts focus to aging and loneliness.

Plot

Seija Kuula, a nearly 70-year-old Finnish pop diva, falls in love with Lauri, a guitarist 25 years her junior. When Lauri expresses his desire to become a father, Seija introduces her stylist, Shanella, as a potential surrogate mother. However, Shanella has her own conditions for agreeing to the arrangement.

Production

The film was primarily shot in Tampere, Finland, during March and summer 2020.[1] The film's budget was €1.5 million, with €775,000 provided by the Finnish Film Foundation.[2]

The singing voice of Seija Kuula was provided by Finnish singer Lea Laven.[3]

Release

Originally scheduled for release on January 6, 2021, the premiere of 70 Is Just a Number was delayed due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] The premiere was eventually held in a staggered fashion across Finland starting on December 29, 2021.[5]

Cast

Awards

Award Category Recipient Result
Jussi Best Actress Hannele Lauri Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Marja Packalén Won

Reception

70 Is Just a Number received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for Hannele Lauri's performance and the film's exploration of its themes, though some criticized its reliance on clichés. Episodi awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting its warmth and Lauri's acting.[6] Helsingin Sanomat rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as humorous but uneven.[7] In contrast, Katso gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, criticizing its predictable storytelling.[8]

References

  1. ^ Huhtala, Jussi (2020-01-17). "Jumalattaret eivät täytä vuosia – Hannele Lauri esittää suosittua naisartistia kotimaisessa uutuuskomediassa". Episodi (in Finnish). Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  2. ^ "70 on vain numero" (in Finnish). Finnish Film Foundation. Archived from the original on 2020-06-14. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  3. ^ Kanerva, Arla (2022-02-22). "Elokuvat" (in Finnish). Helsingin Sanomat. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  4. ^ Lehtinen, Nina (2020-06-05). "Elokuva | Johanna Vuoksenmaan uusi elokuva on "kunnianosoitus suomalaisille iskelmälaulajille" – pääosassa on Hannele Lauri ja sivuosassa yllättäen manserockin ikoni" (in Finnish). Helsingin Sanomat. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  5. ^ Koppinen, Mari (2021-12-28). "Elokuvat | 70 on vain numero saa ensi-iltansa porrastetusti ympäri Suomea" (in Finnish). Helsingin Sanomat. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  6. ^ Raatikainen, Jesse. "70 on vain numero." Episodi. December 29, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  7. ^ Avola, Pertti. "Seniori-iskelmätähden rakkauskiemurat." Helsingin Sanomat. December 31, 2021. p. B7. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  8. ^ Liukkonen, Anuliina. "Elokuva-arvio: 70 on vain numero on kiusallinen draama kliseisestä diivasta." Katso. December 29, 2021. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2022.