Review: Mannerheim ja saksalainen suudelma

Women are forgotten when the fatherland calls

First of all, a group of Reds are brutally executed on the lands of the lord of the manor, Hjalmar Linder. Mannerheim and the German Kiss, directed by Kari Heiskanen, dives straight into the matter, and the same pace continues throughout the play.

It becomes clear how significant a role Mannerheim played both at the beginning of Finland’s independence and in the turmoil of the Second World War. The importance is underlined by the photographs and documents flashing in the background, which come in handy to refresh the viewer’s memory.

The play is not only a solid overview of Finland’s history, but also a strong depiction of the Marshal. Asko Sarkola is as if he was born to be Mannerheim. He also creates a complete picture of a great man as a ladies’ man and a cosmopolitan. However, these traits remain in the background when the fatherland calls.