This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ana, who is a student of the semiotics programme at the University of Tartu.
It’s movie time: List of most famous and traditional Estonian movies
Ever wondered about the film culture of Estonia? What are the most influential movies of Estonian cinematographic tradition? Have you ever seen any Estonian movies? In this article, I will present top five most famous Estonian movies, which I consider to be the best representation of Estonia’s national identity, culture and artistic expression. I hope you will enjoy this list and perhaps get inspired to watch one of those movies.
Viimne Reliikvia (The last relic) 1969- This movie is one of the greatest classics of Estonia`s cinema culture. There is no Estonian, who hasn’t seen this movie, at least once. The plot is settled in the medieval Estonia and the main character, Gabriel, ‘’a free man’’, acts as Robin Hood who robs the church and the members of the high society, in order to help out those in need and to fight for freedom from the Christian influence and destroy the relic of Saint Brigite, which the monastery so protectively guards. The movie symbolizes the resistance and fight of Estonian people against the enemies who are trying to invade and diminish their identity and tradition. Some parts of the movie were filmed in Taevaskoja, which is a really awesome place in South of Estonia I suggest to visit.
Nipernaadi (1983)- The movie was based on the novel ‘’Toomas Nipernaadi’’ by August Gailit. It follows the adventures of Toomas Nipernaadi, a writer who travels around all the parts of Estonia and finds a new girl to whom he proclaims deepest love, even though he has a wife named Ingrid. Toomas Nipernaaadi is one of the main presenters of Estonian drifter literature and the movie is filled with comedic situations and interesting and easy to comprehend, dialogue.
Seltsimees laps (The Little comrade) 2018- The movie is based on the novel of the same name written by an Estonian author, Leelo Tungal. Both the novel and the movie depict the true story of Leelo Tungal’s childhood and the memories of the Soviet Union regime in Estonia. The story follows young Leelo Tungal living happily with her parents and enjoying nature walks, until one day, her mother gets arrested under the suspicion of plotting against the Soviet Union. Leelo stays with her dad, who tries hard to protect his daughter, but also fights to rescue his wife from prison. The movie is a depiction of the tragic reality of Soviet Union life, where no one in Estonia had the right for their national holidays, showing off the flag or anything that goes against the rules of the regime. A true touching and inspiring story which brings both tears of sadness and tears of joy.
Siin me Oleme! (We are here!) 1978- Another classic which every Estonian must have seen over a thousand times. It is based on Juhan Smuul’s book Suvitajad (Summer tourists). The plot of the movie is set on Saaremaa island, where an old farmer lives with his family and neighbors. Sun, sea, beautiful nature...an ideal destination for a visit. That’s exactly what the rich couple from Tallinn had on their mind when they barged in one day in the old farmer’s house and decided to spend their holiday there. That’s when the true comedy begins; from a demanding old lady to the marching bands in the middle of the night. This movie is a true comedy gold. This movie also has a new version called Suvitajad from 2023.
Vehkleja (The Fencer) 2015- The movie is based on the life of Endel Nelis, a famous Estonian fencer. The movie was nominated for the Golden Globe Award in the best foreign movie category. The movie follows Endel Nelis, a fencing champion who works as a P.E. teacher in the elementary school in Haapsalu. Endel begins teaching his students fencing with the swords made from tree branches. He transforms his passion to his students, and they end up competing in the fencing tournament in St Petersburg and winning the tournament. An inspiring tale about dreams, fighting for those dreams and their realization.
Watching Estonian movies also helps a lot with learning and understanding Estonian language, and it’s a great way to get to know Estonian culture as well. If you wish to explore the enchanting world of Estonian movies, then this page is the right place.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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- Get to know Estonian universities through virtual tours!
- 7 benefits of studying abroad
- Studying in Estonia: Frequently Asked Questions