# The Winter War (1989)

> Finnish reservist brothers endure the brutal Winter War as ordinary farmers transformed by combat, loss, and national resistance.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/18090

## Facts

- Runtime: 189 min
- Genres: Drama, War
- Director: Pekka Parikka
- Cast: Taneli Mäkelä, Vesa Vierikko, Timo Torikka, Heikki Paavilainen, Antti Raivio, Esko Kovero, Martti Suosalo, Markku Huhtamo
- TMDB rating: 6.9/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098437/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: extreme
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: graphic
- Mood: bleak, harrowing, immersive, historical film night, war cinema marathon

## Synopsis

Two brothers face the harsh realities of war as they defend their homeland against an invading force.

## Movies like The Winter War

- [The Breath (2009)](https://ember.film/movie/16977)
- [Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)](https://ember.film/movie/6619)
- [Stalingrad (1993)](https://ember.film/movie/6127)
- [The Rifleman (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/396427)
- [The Crossing (2021)](https://ember.film/movie/7470504)
- [The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity (1959)](https://ember.film/movie/21550)
- [The Cuckoo (2002)](https://ember.film/movie/438)
- [With Heart & Soul (2009)](https://ember.film/movie/36128)
- [Mother of Mine (2005)](https://ember.film/movie/20656)
- [Sisu: Road to Revenge (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/2974361)

---

Site overview: https://ember.film/llms.txt