An overweight boy who was a bullied at school grew up to become a beloved comedian, folk artist Jope Ruonansuu. He was a versatile entertainer, but above all an impressionist, able to imitate more than 150 characters from the ruling class. Jope's journey was a natural extension of the post-war "Rillumarei" -culture. He broke through when the monoculturalism was at its most vibrant and grew in popularity as it began to crumble. With weight loss surgery, Jope sought a healthier life, but also to shed the extra pounds and childhood traumas. After the surgery, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, but continued to fight, developing a number of different projects, including an anti-bullying campaign together with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö. The project was to culminate in a joint visit to Syväkangas school, in Jope's home town of Kemi. Jope passed away before then, but Niinistö kept his promise.
Unfortunately the movie Jope – Just Think for Yourself is not yet available on HBO Max.
Production | Olli Haikka | Executive Producer |
Production | Jorma Reinilä | Executive Producer |
Writing | Marko Talli | Writer |
Sound | Juha Hakanen | Sound Designer |
Sound | Juha Hakanen | Sound Recordist |
Sound | Antti Pöntinen | Sound Recordist |
Production | Jenni Säntti | Assistant Production Manager |
Writing | Nikke Bagge | Writer |
Writing | Mika Räinä | Writer |
Editing | Mika Räinä | Archival Footage Research |
Sound | Jussi Heikkinen | Sound Recordist |
Visual Effects | Jussi Turunen | Animation |
Directing | Marko Talli | Director |
Production | Marko Talli | Producer |
Editing | Nikke Bagge | Editor |
Camera | Jarkko T. Laine | Director of Photography |
Camera | Jokke Kirmonen | Director of Photography |