poster

Jope – Just Think for Yourself

70% | Feb 10, 2023
Documentary

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.

Top Billed Cast

Featured Crew

crew
Jenni Säntti
Assistant Production Manager
crew
Olli Haikka
Executive Producer
crew
Jorma Reinilä
Executive Producer
crew
Marko Talli
Writer
crew
Juha Hakanen
Sound Designer
crew
Antti Pöntinen
Sound Recordist
crew
Mika Räinä
Writer
crew
Jussi Heikkinen
Sound Recordist
crew
Juha Hakanen
Sound Recordist
crew
Mika Räinä
Archival Footage Research
crew
Nikke Bagge
Writer
crew
Jussi Turunen
Animation

Images

Videos