Movie Review: Punk Syndrome

The Punk Syndrome (Kovasikajuttu)
Starring: Pertti Kurikka (guitarist), Kari Aalto (singer), Sami Helle (bassist), Toni Välitalo (drummer), Kalle Pajamaa, Kyösti Välitalo, Aira Välitalo, Sirkka Leikola, Jari Nordström, Niila Suoranta

Director: Jukka Kärkkäinen, J.-P. Passi

Mouka Filmi Oy, Auto Images, Film i Skåne, Indie Film, Finland, 2012.

The award-winning documentary follows the toughest punk band in Finland Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (in English: Pertti Kurikka's Name Day). What makes the band unique is that all of its members are disabled, having Down's syndrome and autism. Bands lyrics tell often about everyday problems of disabled people in society (Decisionmakers are cheaters) and also about things they like and love (Six cups of coffee). The rebellion of their punk rock arises from the demand for more rights to the disabled people and not willing to live in institution.

Kari, Pertti, Sami and Toni

Early gig

Punk attitude

Sometimes accidents happen as when the guitarist soils his pants before the gig. Sometimes band members get frustrated and angry at each other. Kari is the most emotional and writes also the band's songs. Sami seems to be the calmest but he can be also stubborn which annoys Pertti. Toni gets sometimes scared by new situations. Pertti is the oldest and has most experience of punk, but sometimes he writes too difficult riffs. The band's manager and disability support worker Kalle Pajamaa keeps the band's act together, being kind of father figure for the guys.

Some days are stressful

On tour

Pertti and Kalle

The Finnish DVD has also a mini-documentary "Pertti Kurikan nimipäivät goes Deutschland" about the trip to band's Germany tour. The ship trip and train tunnels are a bit scary for some of the band members. Also the burning question is if there are alligators in German sewers. The gig in Hamburg is partially also in the movie. And because they are in Hamburg they also have to go sightseeing tour in Reeperbahn. They also visit the Beatles-Platz.

Movie follows the band members also during their free time. Some of them are moving to their own homes or shared apartments. They also talk about love and their love problems. The documentary is funny, touching and eye-opening about the everyday life of disabled people.

Always a good advice

Gig in Hamburg

The band will also represent Finland in 2015 Eurovision song contest with song "Aina mun pitää" (I always have to)!

Rating: Very good