The novelty film about Neumann and Dingo offers a nice nostalgia trip and good music, but not much else.
Dingo members of the Restless Cinderella movie from left to right: Quuppa (Valtteri Lehtinen), Jonttu (Emil Kihlström), Nipa (Saku Taittonen), Pete (Samuel Kujala) and Eve (Mauno Terävä). HANNA-MARIA GRÖNLUND
Restless Cinderella
Finland, 2024
Directed by: Mari Rantasila
IL rating: ⭐⭐⭐
There is no shortage of films in Finland about musicians, singers and bands who have become almost national heroes.
There is From Kari Tapio narrative I’m Finnish (2019), Juice (2018), From Cheek narrative My brother’s keeper (2018), of Irwin narrative A rose of relaxation (2001), Padding (2000), Tapio from Rautavaara and Reino from Helismaa narrative Tramp and swan (1999) as well as many others From Sibelius To Leningrad Cowboys.
In itself, it is easy to understand the subject choice of the makers of the films in question, because at least in theory there is already a potential audience for such films who want to see the story of the artist they admire on the big screen as well.
Unfortunately, these films almost always follow the same formula: The story begins with the musician’s childhood, where he has problems with his parents, or at least with his other parent. School is also often bad. After that, there is an unlikely rise to success, setbacks, the failure of a relationship, a possible slip into drugs and finally, almost without exception, getting sober, self-discovery and acceptance.
This same formula is also followed Restless Cinderella. It offers familiar and safe viewing, with a gentle touch and without risks or surprises.
Restless Cinderella tells especially Pertti “Nipa” Neumann a story whose climax is of course the rise and fall of Dingo, founded in 1982. Unfortunately, however, Dingo’s story seems to end far too quickly in the film. I would have liked to have followed the band’s performances more. Supervisor Mari Rantasila and screenwriter Hanna Leivonniemi however, have wanted to focus Dingo more on Neumann’s life stages and his spiritual maturation.
Although the film’s story leaves a lot to be desired, there is still a lot of good in the film. Saku Taittonen plays Neumann with excellent intensity and also the film’s period faithful costuming and Dingo’s songs make it worth watching. Elias Salonen withdraws his role instead Lasse as Norres so over the top that it sometimes even slips into parody.
Since these kinds of films will certainly continue to be made, hopefully we will see them on the big screen in the near future at least Clown Million life story. The name would already be ready for it: The highway is hot. Of course.
The Restless Cinderella premiered on December 25, 2024.