Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Bad Luck Love
2000
**
Director: Olli Saarela
Cast: Jorma Tommila, Tommi Eronen, Maria Järvenhelmi, Ilkka Koivula

This crime drama puts a Finnish twist on the clichéd tale of an ex-con who tries to stay on the straight and narrow. That is, blame it all on the society. The film also echoes American History X and Little Odessa, as the protagonist tries to protect his baby brother. However, the over-egged story has barely a plausible moment in it, let alone a character who comes across as a believable human being. The film does have a vibrant look but Saarela could've used other cinematic effects besides slow motion.