The Land of Happiness (1993): Cast & Plot
The Land of Happiness is a 1993 comedy drama directed by Markku Pölönen, starring Pertti Koivula as Tenho Hirvola, Katariina Kaitue and Taisto Reimaluoto. It runs 1 hour 1 minute.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 1m (61 min)
- Director
- Markku Pölönen
- Original language
-
Finnish - Studio
- Dada-Filmi
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Land of Happiness About?
The premise of The Land of Happiness without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Set in the early 1960s when tango ruled the dance halls, this nostalgic comedy follows prodigal son Tenho as he returns from a string of unlucky city adventures to his family’s farm. Initially mocked by the local men, Tenho soon wins the affection of the village’s most sought‑after girl, sparking a passionate romance with the sensual milkmaid Virva, all underscored by popular Finnish tango melodies.
The Land of Happiness Themes & Keywords
· 40 tags- young
- tango
- farm
- 1960s
- generation
- laziness
- lazy
- tango music
- hay
- karelia finland
- field worker
- field
+28 more Show fewer
- farmer
- coming home
- record player
- record
- father son relationship
- drinking
- singer
- tango singer
- barn
- sex scene
- summer
- bully
- brother brother relationship
- boy
- rural setting
- country life
- countryside
- preacher
- illness
- dying
- death
- family relationships
- male female relationship
- dance hall
- dancing
- city country contrast
- homecoming
- death of father
The Land of Happiness Cast & Characters
Pertti Koivula leads the cast as Tenho Hirvola, with Katariina Kaitue as Virva and Taisto Reimaluoto as Aarne Tapio Hirvola. Directed by Markku Pölönen; 9 actors are credited in all.
- Director Markku Pölönen
- Pertti Koivula as Tenho Hirvola
- Katariina Kaitue as Virva
- Taisto Reimaluoto as Aarne Tapio Hirvola
- Anja Pohjola as Mummo
Also Starring in The Land of Happiness
· 5 more- Veikko Tiitinen Ukki
- Reijo Taipale tangokuningas
- Leo Raivio Hännystelijä
- Tuula Väänänen Terttu Anneli Hirvola
- Carl Mesterton Saarnamies
More from Markku Pölönen
More films directed by Markku Pölönen: Hamsters, Land of Hope, Rally On! and The Matriarch.
The Land of Happiness Plot Summary
What happens in The Land of Happiness from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Tenho, a prodigal son with patent leather shoes and dancing skills to match, returns home to his family’s rural farm for the summer after failing to make a living in the city. The film follows a season of chores, quiet routines, and the strain of keeping the farm afloat while a family navigates old ties and new tensions, all set against the open, sunlit fields that shape the mood of this Finnish summer.
Full summary
The whole story of The Land of Happiness, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Land of Happiness?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the character who returns home to his family's farm after failing to make a living in the city?
The Land of Happiness Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “Le Pays de bonheur” and “La Tierra de la felicidad”.
- Also known as
-
- Le Pays de bonheur
- La Tierra de la felicidad
- Lyckans land
Seen The Land of Happiness?
Movies Like The Land of Happiness
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Land of Love, Happiness and Blessings of the Land.
The Land of Happiness FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of The Land of Happiness, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Land of Happiness?
The Land of Happiness runs 1 hour 1 minute (61 minutes).
When was The Land of Happiness released?
The Land of Happiness was released on April 30, 1993.
Who directed The Land of Happiness?
The Land of Happiness was directed by Markku Pölönen.
More films by Markku Pölönen Who is in the cast of The Land of Happiness?
The Land of Happiness stars Pertti Koivula as Tenho Hirvola, Katariina Kaitue as Virva and Taisto Reimaluoto as Aarne Tapio Hirvola, among 9 credited actors.
Does The Land of Happiness have a post-credit scene?
No. The Land of Happiness has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is The Land of Happiness in?
The original language of The Land of Happiness is Finnish.
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