The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki

Name: The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport, Romance
Released: April 21, 2017
Duration: 92 min
Rating: 83

2017

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 17 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 13 Ratings

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8.2

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8.2	User Score Universal acclaim based on 13 Ratings

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The Happiest Day In The Life Of Olli Maki (Explicit Trailer)

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The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki

Movie Details & Credits

MUBI | Release Date: April 21, 2017 | Not Rated

Summary: The true story of Olli Mäki, the famous Finnish boxer who had a shot at the 1962 World Featherweight title. Immensely talented and equally modest, Olli’s small town life is transformed when he is swept into national stardom and suddenly regarded as a symbol of his country. There’s only one problem: Olli has just fallen in love. Inside ofThe true story of Olli Mäki, the famous Finnish boxer who had a shot at the 1962 World Featherweight title. Immensely talented and equally modest, Olli’s small town life is transformed when he is swept into national stardom and suddenly regarded as a symbol of his country. There’s only one problem: Olli has just fallen in love. Inside of the ring, it’s Finland vs. the USA, but outside, boxing and romance become unlikely adversaries vying for Olli’s attention. [MUBI]… Expand

Director: Juho Kuosmanen

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Sport, Romance

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 92 min

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Critic Reviews

100

David Rooney

May 22, 2016

The movie is a small marvel of impeccable craftsmanship. Read full review

Kenneth Turan

Apr 20, 2017

The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki is a lovely piece of work, a sweet, warmly observed tale overlaid with just the right amount of Scandinavian melancholy, a combination that perfectly suits its quietly engaging protagonist. Read full review

A.A. Dowd

Apr 20, 2017

It’s more of a gently comic character sketch in boxing trunks. Read full review

John Bleasdale

Nov 16, 2016

A unique and beautiful boxing movie. Read full review

Michael Nordine

Apr 20, 2017

Olli Mäki isn't a knockout, but it does go the distance. Read full review

The Playlist Bradley Warren

Jun 1, 2016

Although “Olli Mäki” ostensibly belongs to the boxing film genre as much as it is functions as a romantic drama, it never seems truly invested in the underdog narrative of its title character. Read full review

Chris Nashawaty

Apr 20, 2017

It’s the quiet, simple moments between Olli and Raija that stick with you, whether he’s giving her a ride on the handlebars of his bicycle on their way to a country wedding or skipping stones across the smooth surface of a lake. Read full review

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User Reviews

MAGA_Man

May 12, 2017

Really charming gem of a film, though I don't doubt it'll be overlooked in countries too distracted by Fast & Furious movies to appreciate something like this. Almost like a Finnish version of Rocky, highlighting the subtle humor, lovable introversion, and blunt common sense of NordicReally charming gem of a film, though I don't doubt it'll be overlooked in countries too distracted by Fast & Furious movies to appreciate something like this. Almost like a Finnish version of Rocky, highlighting the subtle humor, lovable introversion, and blunt common sense of Nordic culture. Well crafted, well paced, and especially well acted in the 3 leading roles, this is a genuinely sweet and honest romance that makes overproduced dreck like La-la Land look cynical by comparison.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

LeZee

May 16, 2017

Falling in love and rising in boxing!

This is a Finnish sport-biopic that was an official submission for the 2017 Oscars, but did not make it. Despite inspired by a real person, the film only focused on one event, a big event of his life. Sets in the early 60s, the country's one of theFalling in love and rising in boxing!

This is a Finnish sport-biopic that was an official submission for the 2017 Oscars, but did not make it. Despite inspired by a real person, the film only focused on one event, a big event of his life. Sets in the early 60s, the country's one of the biggest sporting event is about to take place. So the pre-event incidents, including the preparation and all those related affairs were detailed in this film.

It's hard to say that everybody would end up liking it. Especially the sport segment. That's a major drawback of the film, but the other way around this is still very good. Only if you are okay with the facts over entertainment. So as I'm who already saw the film want to give a piece of advice for those who are yet to see it that watch it as a romance film. Yep, it is a better romance film than a boxing film. That's not how the pre developments swings, but it gets there a little late and then ends with an unexpected twist.

An amateur boxer Olli Maki got a shot at pro boxing, so he's heading Helsinki and making preparation to face the strongest opponent coming from the United States. Not just for him, but for the whole country, it is a historical event. So the pressure is on Olli's team to make the right progress, especially to please their sponsors. Seems it was a smooth ride, until Olli find himself in an unwanted distraction, particularly at that time which is a turning point in his professional life. This is the flavour of romance and the boxing, can those two go along? Is what the remaining film carefully revealed.

?This is the **** moment to fall in love.?

Like any sports films we had seen, this film as well all about pre event hype and the final act is given to the grand finale on the ring. Looks 'Cutie and the Boxer' should have been a perfect title, but this is nothing like that documentary film. It was not Olli's whole life, it was his falling and rising. Falling in love and rising to be a great boxer in Finland. But the problem is, both the things happening on the same time. More like romance versus profession. It's off the ring battle for Olli and can he win it, followed by a real battle.

Now you would remember other awesome boxing films where love story and boxing had met like 'Rocky', 'Cinderella Man' and many more. This film is not comparable with them, that's the saddest part of it. It's a black and white film, and the filmmakers say that's because to take us 60 years back to Finland. They used film rolls like the old way of filmmaking. Indeed, it worked, it was the backbone of the film along the great cast. There are many characters, but revolved around only 3-4. The dialogues were minimised and let the pictures talk.

The good news it was a 90 minute film with a decent pace. The one who played Olli was really good, but even in little lesser than that role, Raija enchants us. I can't forget that smile, it still appears front my eyes. Not just Olli, you might as well fall for her (at least for the actress who player that character). I also come to know the real couple's cameo for a brief was in the final scene. This is not the finest Finnish film I've seen, but I respect biopics as they tell the truth. It seems a better film for the older and matured guys, like above 30-35. But stay away if you are looking for a pleasure.

7/10… Expand

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