Film portrays Eetu Salin and Finland’s bitter divisions

A new film about Finnish labour movement pioneer Eetu Salin depicts a country consumed by class conflict, where dissent was met with hatred. Yle reports that director Antti-Jussi Marjamäki sees parallels between the hostility of the early 20th century and today’s divisions.

In the film, Red Beast, newspapers were controlled by opposing political camps, and opponents received no understanding, Marjamäki says. He has been concerned by what he sees as a similar lack of moderation and acceptance of differing opinions today.

Salin, an iconic figure in Finland’s labour movement, believed to the end that class conflict could be resolved peacefully. The film shows clashes within the Social Democratic movement, before supporters of a violent solution eventually took the initiative.

Rather than present a broad historical overview, Marjamäki focuses on Salin’s inner struggle. The character is shown as both deeply good and deeply flawed, haunted by nightmares of a violent father forcing strict Christianity on him as a child, as well as by alcohol and his craving for drink.

Salin was aware of his darker side. When setting out for a night of drinking, he could reportedly tell police to put fresh straw on the cell floor because he was coming to spend the night. Accounts from the time say he spent more than 100 nights in a cell at the Pori police station.

The screenplay is based on Pertti Rajala’s 2022 book Eetu. Rajala was not involved in the production but watched the premiere with pride. He praised the film for showing Salin’s human side and depicting his drinking as tragic rather than comic. He also said Salin’s relationship with Iida was movingly portrayed.