Ambush (1999)

Sadly Over-hyped

Excellent but underrated film

Don't listen to the negative reviews

Admirable film.

I liked this movie. However I do not understand people who rank it as a masterpiece. This is an ordinary war movie. Not bad but nothing else. Hovewer it has really funny moments which will make you laugh, for instance Finnish soldier pierced by a dozen of bullets was not only still alive but was able to run and fight. Or a booby trap made of a black powder with such a primitive fuse that was obsolete I think in 16 century. Or a bunch of Finns who assaulted and kicked asses of an entire Russian battalion in a Rambo style. Sorry to say that but it was not very pleasant for me to look how my fellow countrymen were represented in this masterpiece. The stone age barbarians must have had better and cleaner cabins then "Russa". It was laughable for me but almost all my friends who watched this film felt a little bit offended. As a conclusion: I am glad that I watched it but saved my money and didn't buy DVD. Peace.

It's a shame they made a "Hollywood" movie out of it. Even though it does tell something about the situation Finland was in during that time, the movie looks like one made in Hollywood.The battle scenes were unrealistic with the characters heroically running in the forest even though the air is full of bullets and kill many of the Russians while at it (pretty much like a Rambo or Commando but not that far out). Also, the love story plays too big a role in the movie.I don't mean it's a bad movie but if you want to really get an idea of the Winter War or the Continuation War, try to see The Unknown Soldier (Tuntematon sotilas, 1955) or The Winter War (Talvisota) or read the books. Of the American depictions of war (in films), only Band of Brothers comes close to what The Unknown Soldier and The Winter War deliver.

You don't always have to find the largest, most massive, confrontation to make something impressive. The ones that portray a war without a real individual's perspective tend to get so removed from real life that they tend to glorify war.In real life war isn't a fast paced action flick. A movie made in Finland relies much more in its sense of "it could be real" then the average Hollywood product. Waiting is an essential, yet agonizing, part of war. When the action comes it can be over in 5 seconds. Waiting for that 5 sec is the definition of living on the edge. I enjoyed the tranquility of the earlier parts. In war, 10:1 odds in casualties are achieved by using the advantage when you have it. That means attacking from behind and taking out as many as you can before it's your turn. Yes it is cruel and brutal. Who said war is anything else?The movie is also visually beautiful and the soundtrack tends to amplify the beauty of the scenery, but does not go overboard obvious as is the case with some classical soundtracks. The film has an enjoyable atmosphere to it. However, I'm forced to admit that the actual events make it a bit hollow and somewhat popularistic. If you can get past the shell, which I would give maybe a 5, you can get to the core of it all. With the ambience and feel of it all, I'd give the movie's guts an 8. I'd rather grade it by that.If you are looking for an action flick for a friday night, this is not really it. Try maybe sunday.

After seeing this movie my list of the best movies got a new order.The work of the actors, the cinematographer, the composer and especially the director on this movie is absolutely excellent! Although the movie is long and has this slow pulse to it, the mood just carries the viewer and the journey is worth taking.A sad and beautiful movie with a story to tell.