Finland is the greatest tango nation on this planet, save Argentina. The dance pavilion is accordingly a key place in communal life. To quote Von Bagh: It is 'at the nexus of nature and civilization, town and country, dream and reality. Tenderness, toughness, seriousness bordering on moroseness, and joy derived from a flask ingeniously concealed in a jacket or a trouser pocket. Tensions coming to a dramatic head in the sense of smell: perfume, tobacco, spirits and beer sanitised with breath mints, and sweat.'
Blue Sky - Journey Into the Land of Memories was made in praise of that locus's common magic and its heart, the iskelmä (Finnish schmaltzy song). The film itself resembles a popular song, and if at the end one doesn't walk out enchanted and willing to immediately fall in love for all the pain it will bring - then surely one is just too stunned by its formal virtuosity.
- Director
- Peter von Bagh
- Country of production
- Finland
- Year
- 1978
- Festival Edition
- IFFR 2012
- Length
- 71'
- Medium
- Betacam Digi
- Original title
- Sinitaivas - Matka muistojen maisemaan
- Language
- Finnish
- Production Company
- YLE
- Screenplay
- Peter von Bagh
- Cinematography
- Lasse Naukkarinen
- Editor
- Esteri Tuovinen
- Cast
- voice of Peter von Bagh