Sleeping Beauty

The story of Sleeping Beauty is surely familiar to everyone, whether through the original fairytale, the Disney-animation, or the children’s song. A daughter is born to the king and queen, but a fairy’s prophecy casts a shadow over the future.

Children's fairytales have rarely been filmed in Finland, at least not on the same scale as Edvin Laine’s Sleeping Beauty. The film’s visual style is polished and possesses a timeless, fairytale look. Erkki Melartin’s music – most notably the eponymous march – fits the story seamlessly. While watching, one might regret that the film wasn’t shot in color, though the sense of vibrant colours and sparkles come through even in black and white. Sleeping Beauty won a Jussi Award for its production design in 1949. In post-war Finland, still struggling with poverty, the film was a major undertaking: the elaborate studio sets, special effects and spectacular dance sequences all speak to an impressive level of ambition and resources. It is a remarkable testament to the scale of what Finnish cinema could achieve in the aftermath of the war. 

Edvin Laine later became renowned particularly for adapting the works of Väinö Linna. His version of The Unknown Soldier remains the most-watched film in Finnish history. Sleeping Beauty has been left in the shadow of these giants, perhaps due to its fairytale nature and perceived "childishness." While certainly suitable for children, the film is guaranteed to entertain adults as well.

Iines Markkula

The film will be screened free of charge at Kino Tapiola on Sunday 23 August, as well as on Yle Teema and Yle Areena, in collaboration with Yle Teema. The screening is part of Yle’s centenary programme 100 Films You Asked For, featuring films selected based on audience requests.