8-Ball (2013)
A Finnish crime drama about a woman's fight to leave her past behind — and the moment it comes knocking again.
8-Ball - Movie Information
- Original Title: 8-pallo
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Aku Louhimies
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: Finnish
- Spoken Languages: Finnish
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 22, 2013 (Finland - K-16)
- Alternative Titles: Fekete golyó (HU)
- Production Companies: Blind Spot Pictures, Elokuvatuotantoyhtiö MJÖLK
- Production Countries: Finland
8-Ball - Plot
8-Ball tells the story of single mother Pike who, having just been released from prison, is trying to start her life anew. When her former boyfriend Lalli comes back from abroad, it opens a window into a past that Pike wants to put behind her.
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8-Ball - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Aku Louhimies
Main Cast
- Jessica Grabowsky
- Eero Aho
- Pirkka-Pekka Petelius
- Mikko Leppilampi
- Jakob Öhrman
- Mikko Kouki
- Jenni Utriainen
- Cecilia McMillan
- Rosa Salomaa
- Manna Jäntti
Writers
- Jari Rantala
Producers
- Yrjö Nieminen
- Tero Kaukomaa
- Marko Antila
8-Ball - FAQs
What is 8-Ball about?
8-Ball follows Pike, a single mother freshly released from prison who is determined to turn her life around. When her former boyfriend Lalli unexpectedly returns from abroad, old wounds are reopened and Pike must decide whether she can truly escape the life she left behind.
Is 8-Ball based on a book or novel?
Yes, 8-Ball is adapted from a literary source. The screenplay was written by Jari Rantala, and the film draws on source material from a novel or book, bringing a grounded, character-driven story to the screen under director Aku Louhimies.
Who directed 8-Ball?
8-Ball was directed by Aku Louhimies, a Finnish filmmaker known for his raw, emotionally intense style. Louhimies brings a gritty realism to this story of redemption and the weight of the past, making it a compelling entry in Finnish crime drama.
Who plays Pike in 8-Ball?
Pike, the film's central character, is played by Jessica Grabowsky. Her portrayal of a single mother fighting to rebuild her life after prison is at the heart of the film. Eero Aho plays Lalli, her former boyfriend whose return sets the story in motion.
When was 8-Ball released?
8-Ball had its Finnish theatrical release on February 22, 2013, with a K-16 age rating in Finland. The film was produced by Blind Spot Pictures and Elokuvatuotantoyhtiö MJÖLK, two Finnish production companies.
What genre is 8-Ball?
8-Ball is a Drama and Crime film. It blends the emotional depth of a character study with the tension of a crime narrative, exploring themes of redemption, identity, and the difficulty of escaping one's past in a contemporary Finnish setting.
How long is 8-Ball?
8-Ball runs for 1 hour and 47 minutes (107 minutes). It's a focused, character-driven runtime that gives director Aku Louhimies enough space to develop Pike's story without overstaying its welcome.
What are some movies similar to 8-Ball?
If you enjoyed 8-Ball, you might also like Little Siberia, The Unforgivable, or Marmalade — films that share themes of crime, redemption, and complex characters navigating difficult second chances. The Killer and Trap House also offer similarly gritty, tension-filled storytelling.
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