Matti and Liisa are living a simple life far from the civilization.Then they hear about this new thing called railroad in the village of Lapinlahti.Maybe they'd visit there next summer.Rautatie (1973) is a TV movie directed by Kari Franck.It's based on the first novel (written in 1884) by Juhani Aho, who was celebrated one week ago.I read the book earlier this year and liked it a lot.This movie I saw for the first time almost four years ago.Now I saw it from a VHS tape.Leo Jokela is most amazing as Matti.He does some quiet, subtle comedy.The humor comes from his face expressions.This was his last leading role in a movie.Two years later he died at the age of 48.Anja Pohjola, who turned 80 this year, gives a very fine performance as Liisa.She got a Jussi award from her performance.It is such a treat to watch these two together.They make their characters most lovable.Markku Riikonen plays Ville.Sakari Halonen is Rovasti and Tarja Tuulikki-Tarsala plays Ruustinna.Jaakko Haapanen plays Pehtori.Kristiina Halkola plays the part of Postineiti.Her husband Eero Melasniemi plays Asemapäällikkö.Mauri Saikkonen portrays Mies Junassa, who has some liquor with him.Timo Martinkauppi is Konduktööri.Sinikka Sokka is Piika.The movie is very funny from time to time, like when Matti gets himself drunk on the train.And the whole interaction between Matti and Liisa is quite delicious to listen to.The movie itself depicts the olden times in a great way.Finland of the 19th century really comes to life.
