Kovasikajuttu (The Punk Syndrome)
2012
****
Director: Jukka Kärkkäinen, Jani-Petteri Passi
Cast:
Pertti and Kari have autism, Sami and Toni have Down syndrome. Together these Finnish guys form the punk band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät. They may not be great musicians, but they play with attitude and sing about things close to their heart, such as their dislike of living in a group home or having pedicures. This laid-back and enjoyable documentary doesn't explain anything through voiceover or formal interviews. It simply follows the band on and off stage, and shows how these four men with learning disabilities deal with everyday issues, like moving away from home, finding a girlfriend, and making babies. The film doesn't patronise the quartet, it shows them full of life. Followed by Tokasikajuttu in 2017.
