MOVIE | A hilarious musical documentary from Scandinavia, "Punk Syndrome"
MOVIE | Finland x Punk x Four Unique Members
Hilarious Music Documentary "Punk Syndrome"
Finland's punk band "Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät," composed of individuals with intellectual disabilities, is the subject of "Punk Syndrome," a hilarious music documentary filled with their "loving humor." The film will be released sequentially nationwide starting January 17th (Saturday) at Theater Image Forum and other venues.
Text by KUROMIYA Yuzu
This is True Punk! A Unique Cry of the Soul That Enthralls Audiences
A remarkable band has emerged from Finland's punk scene. Pertti, the guitarist, is obsessed with the stitching on clothes; Kari, the vocalist, wants to cut his own toenails; Sami, the bassist, has a crush on a beautiful politician; and Toni, the drummer, doesn't want to leave home. "Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät" is a punk band where the individuality of these four members, all with intellectual disabilities, clashes.
Formed as part of a workshop, the band's rehearsals are far from straightforward, often erupting into arguments among members. However, their powerful, intense live performances and provocative lyrics quickly gained them popularity in Finland.
The camera meticulously captures their journey, from their daily lives and record debut to their international tour, chronicling their successes and twists of fate.
What draws people to "Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät" is likely that they create all their own songs. Their lyrics powerfully express frustrations with institutions and society, such as "The food at the psychiatric hospital is like pig slop," "I'll blow up the group home someday," and "I want a little respect and equality." Their live performances explode with punk spirit. The overwhelming live scenes, where the audience, regardless of disability or ability, is enthralled, are a must-see.
The film won the Best Documentary Award at the Finnish Academy Awards (Jussi Award) in its home country and received the Audience Award at the 2013 Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival in Japan.
Their cute antics, at times humorous and at times poignant, are sure to captivate not only punk fans but also a wide audience.
"Punk Syndrome"
Opening January 17th (Saturday) at Theater Image Forum and other venues nationwide
Directed by Jukka Kärkkäinen, J-P Passi
Starring Pertti Kurikka, Kari Aalto, Sami Helle, Toni Välitalo
Distribution & Promotion: Espaço Salão
2012 / Finland, Norway, Sweden / 85 min / Original Title "Kovasikajuttu"
http://punksyndrome.net/
©Mouka Filmi oy