Laugh or Die (2018)

Humor is a matter of death

Laugh or Die (2018) poster

Parikka, the actor once called the Funniest Man in Finland, and his troupe are about to be executed for the atrocities committed during the Civil War in Finland. Jaeger Lieutenant Nyborg, an admirer of Parikka, suspects a definite miscarriage of justice. He wants to save the actors. The forthcoming visit of the German General von der Goltz to the prison island provides him with a suitable opportunity. Nyborg suggests that the actors prepare a comical performance for the visitor and not be shot. Instead, they will be given a new trial. Preparing a comedy in the horrible circumstances, in the midst of hunger and death, seems quite an overwhelming task. Only a handful of real actors are still alive, the rest of the troupe consists of stagehands. Parikka has to use all his inventive skills to be able to produce something funny.

Director: Heikki Kujanpää
Genre: Drama, History, War
Runtime: 103 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Timo Hietala
Cinematography: Heikki Färm
Editing: Jussi Rautaniemi
Production: Ljudbang, Inland Film Company
Country: Finland, Sweden
Language: suomi, Deutsch
Budget: $2M
Original Language: fi

Keywords

dark comedy, island prison, finnish civil war

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laugh or Die about?
Parikka, the actor once called the Funniest Man in Finland, and his troupe are about to be executed for the atrocities committed during the Civil War in Finland. Jaeger Lieutenant Nyborg, an admirer of Parikka, suspects a definite miscarriage of justice. He wants to save the actors. The forthcoming visit of the German General von der Goltz to the prison island provides him with a suitable opportunity. Nyborg suggests that the actors prepare a comical performance for the visitor and not be shot. Instead, they will be given a new trial. Preparing a comedy in the horrible circumstances, in the midst of hunger and death, seems quite an overwhelming task. Only a handful of real actors are still alive, the rest of the troupe consists of stagehands. Parikka has to use all his inventive skills to be able to produce something funny.
Who directed Laugh or Die?
Laugh or Die was directed by Heikki Kujanpää.
Who stars in Laugh or Die?
Laugh or Die stars Martti Suosalo, Jani Volanen, Leena Pöysti, Paavo Kinnunen, Vesa Vierikko, Jussi Nikkilä.
How long is Laugh or Die?
Laugh or Die has a runtime of 1h 43m (103 minutes).
What genre is Laugh or Die?
Laugh or Die is a Drama, History, War film.
What is the budget of Laugh or Die?
Laugh or Die had a budget of $2M.
Where was Laugh or Die produced?
Laugh or Die was produced in Finland, Sweden.