Viva! Love

Viva! Love is a 2003 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Reinaldo Marcantonio and written by Marjaana Savola. The movie follows the story of a 50-year-old woman, Liisi, played by Maria Joutsenniemi, who is struggling to find her place in the world. She's recently been divorced and has been trying to rebuild her life in her hometown of Oulu, Finland. Liisi's daughter, Tiia, has a boyfriend named Mikko, played by Johannes Brotherus, and the tension between Liisi and Mikko is palpable. The tension between them stems from the fact that Mikko is 25 years younger than Liisi, and she often finds herself at odds with him due to their vastly different perspectives and attitudes towards life. However, things take a surprising turn when Liisi and Mikko share a one-night stand, resulting in Liisi becoming pregnant. The news of Liisi's pregnancy sends shockwaves through the neighborhood, and the community is quick to pass judgment on her situation. The local gossip, played by Krista Kosonen, delights in spreading scandalous rumors about Liisi's behavior, further exacerbating the pressure she feels. Meanwhile, Liisi's ex-husband, played by Esko Koivusalo, tries to capitalize on her situation for personal gain. As Liisi's pregnancy progresses, Mikko is faced with the reality of becoming a father at a young age. Despite the initial reluctance, he begins to take on a more active role in Liisi's life, and the two start to form a deeper connection. Liisi, in turn, begins to see Mikko in a new light, and the two develop an unlikely romance. Their blossoming relationship raises eyebrows in the neighborhood, with many struggling to accept Liisi's choice. However, as Liisi and Mikko grow closer, they start to realize that their love for each other is genuine and pure. They learn to ignore the gossip and negativity surrounding them and focus on building a life together. Throughout the film, Liisi grapples with the societal expectations placed on her as a woman in her 50s. She's often told that she's too old to be having children or that she's too immature to be in a relationship with a younger man. However, Liisi refuses to listen to these doubts and instead follows her heart, embracing her newfound love for Mikko. As the story unfolds, Viva! Love delivers a powerful message about embracing love in all its forms and challenging societal norms. The film features stunning scenery of the Finnish countryside and a poignant exploration of the complexities of love and relationships. Ultimately, Viva! Love is a heartwarming and uplifting film that encourages viewers to re-examine their own assumptions about love and relationships. It's a testament to the power of human connection and the ability of two people to find love in the most unexpected places.