1918 (1957)

A Finnish drama of faith, conscience, and rupture — T.J. Särkkä's portrait of a pastor cast out from the Church he can no longer believe in.

1918 - Movie Information

  • Original Title: 1918
  • Release Year: 1957
  • Directed by: T.J. Särkkä
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Runtime: 1h 41m
  • Original Language: Finnish
  • Spoken Languages: Finnish
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 20, 1957 (Finland - K-16)
  • Alternative Titles: Mies ja hänen omatuntonsa (FI)
  • Production Companies: Suomen Filmiteollisuus
  • Production Countries: Finland

1918 - Plot

Pastor Samuel Bro has lost his faith in God. He is in conflict with the Church Council and is rejected from his priesthood. He moves away to a different life.

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1918 - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • T.J. Särkkä

Main Cast

  • Åke Lindman
  • Anneli Sauli
  • Pentti Irjala
  • Helge Herala
  • Ture Ara
  • Merja Linko
  • Heikki Heino
  • Urho Lahti
  • Einari Ketola
  • Anton Soini

Writers

  • Ilmari Unho
  • T.J. Särkkä

Producers

  • T.J. Särkkä

1918 - FAQs

What is 1918 about?

1918 follows Pastor Samuel Bro, a clergyman who loses his faith in God and finds himself at odds with the Church Council. Stripped of his priesthood, he abandons his former life entirely. The film is a deeply personal drama exploring spiritual doubt, institutional conflict, and the search for personal identity.

Is 1918 based on a novel or book?

Yes, 1918 is adapted from a literary source. The screenplay was written by Ilmari Unho and T.J. Särkkä, with the production rooted in existing source material. The film's alternative Finnish title, Mies ja hänen omatuntonsa, translates to "A Man and His Conscience," reflecting its thematic core.

Who directed the 1957 Finnish film 1918?

1918 was directed by T.J. Särkkä, one of the most prolific and influential figures in Finnish cinema history. Särkkä also served as producer and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ilmari Unho, making him the dominant creative force behind the entire production.

Who are the main actors in 1918?

The film stars Åke Lindman as Pastor Samuel Bro, alongside Anneli Sauli as Essi Söderman, Pentti Irjala as Aleksanteri, Helge Herala as Hastig, Ture Ara as Dr. Ceder, Heikki Heino as Palsta, Einari Ketola as Jyske, and Anton Soini as Täi-Janne, among others.

What does the title 1918 refer to in the film?

The title 1918 references the year of the Finnish Civil War, a traumatic conflict that shaped the nation's identity and left deep social and moral scars. The film uses this historical backdrop to frame its protagonist's crisis of faith and conscience, grounding personal drama in collective national memory.

When was 1918 released?

1918 was released in Finland on September 20, 1957, with a K-16 age classification, meaning it was intended for audiences aged 16 and over. The film was produced by Suomen Filmiteollisuus, the leading Finnish film production company of the era.

How long is the film 1918?

1918 has a runtime of 101 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes. The film was shot in Finnish and produced entirely in Finland, reflecting the national character and historical concerns that define its dramatic narrative.

What are films similar to 1918?

Viewers who appreciate 1918 may also enjoy Already It's Tomorrow (1961), Monument to Holy Service (1978), The End of the Tiny World (2021), and The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards (2015). These films share thematic or stylistic connections, particularly within Nordic and European dramatic cinema traditions.

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