In 1917, a pivotal turning point occurred in Finland’s history as the country became an autonomous state for the first time, breaking away from the Soviet Union. The newly formed government immediately implemented strict and harsh regulations targeting the younger generation. Children and youth were subjected to intense upbringing that emphasized the importance of discipline, morality, and nationalism, without exception.

Ville Suhonen has done an impressive job with this film, incorporating archival material, photographs, radio programs, books, magazines, and even propaganda. It portrays an extremely disciplined period when children were trained for war, in a time marked by hatred. This is an important and highly relevant film today. One cannot help but think of ongoing conflicts in other parts of the world and wonder how future generations will be affected by them.

– Mia Rogersdotter Gran