Is Solju: Live @ G Livelab Helsinki Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Solju: Live @ G Livelab Helsinki, a standout production of 2018, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Music landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The group SOLJU, formed by Ulla Pirttijärvi and her daughter Hildá Länsman, combines their heritage of northern Sámi language and traditional chant, known as yoik, with a desire for new and innovative music. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The group SOLJU, formed by Ulla Pirttijärvi and her daughter Hildá Länsman, combines their heritage of northern Sámi language and traditional chant, known as yoik, with a desire for new and innovative music. SOLJU provides a dialogue of traditional and modern Sámi culture. Solju is proud of their indigenous roots and want to show it to the world. Sámi culture and identity lie at the heart of the music, reflecting mythology and aspects of the traditional lifestyles of their homeland. The listener is taken to the far north of Europe: Sápmi. Solju soundscape ranges from the expansive wilderness of the tundra to the most intimate lávvu fireplace. The music can be described as vivacious, colourful, earthy, ethereal, and genuine. Recorde live at G Livelab, Helsinki, April 25, 2018. Songs from Solju's debut album "Odda Áigodat" (New Times), produced by Samuli Laiho and Teho Majamäki, mixed by Riku Mattila."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Hildá Länsman provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Axa Sorjanen is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 20 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Solju: Live @ G Livelab Helsinki truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Solju: Live @ G Livelab Helsinki explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Axa Sorjanen respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Solju: Live @ G Livelab Helsinki is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Hildá Länsman or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Solju: Live @ G Livelab Helsinki is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.