Milka: A Film About Taboos (1980) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language

1980 · 110 mins · Finnish

Loading streaming availability…

Directed by

Rauni Mollberg

Starring

Ulla Tapaninen, Tauno Lehtihalmes, Toivo Tuomainen, Esa Niemelä, Leena Suomu, Eikka Lehtonen

Based on Timo Mukka’s novel, the film follows Milka (Irma Huntus), a girl in northern Finland who becomes pregnant by fieldhand Ojanen (Matti Turunen). Her mother, who hoped to marry Ojanen, sees her plans overturned. The landscape frames poetic dialogue and long silences, with Milka reciting verses outdoors. The story ends with Ojanen’s choice, sealing the women’s fates.