The Kidnapping of a President - Hurtigruten Nordic Film Fest 2026

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https://nordicfilmfestival.com.au/films/nor26-the-kidnapping-of-a-president

Date Reviewed: 18/07/2026

Who would have thought history could be such fun?

Finnish director Samuli Valkama's film, The Kidnapping of a President about the real-life 1930 kidnapping of the president of Finland is not your standard historical cinematic recreation.

This film uses humour to explore the dangers of political extremism, the fragility of democracy, and how incompetence can derail even the most dangerous schemes.

Valkama has chosen to tell the story as a zany dark comedy, highlighting the ineptitude of the right-wing army officers behind the kidnapping. These misguided officers see it as a first step in seizing control of the country.

The main character is an army officer Eero Kuussaari (Jussi Vatanen) who desperately wants promotion, but is not looked upon kindly by his superiors. Eero is also a drinker, and it is after an alcoholic binge that he finds himself leading a plot to kidnap Kaarlo Juho Stahlberg (Pertti Sveholm), the retired former president of Finland. The next morning, however, Kuussaari has no memory of giving the order.
The brains behind the kidnapping is General Kurt Wallenius (Aku Sipola), who believes Finland should lean towards the right and that he is the right man to lead the push. Along with his followers, including Eero, employ a group of bumbling young men to kidnap the former president. The kidnappers make an early mistake when they detain not only the president, but his wife as well, a tough-minded woman named Ester (Riitta Havukainen) who insists on accompanying her husband rather than leaving him to face the kidnappers alone. The plan soon goes from bad to worse, all while Eero and Kurt drink (and drink) and dream of the right-wing rule they will bring to Finland.

Of course, Eero and Kurt's takeover is destined to fail, the kidnapping descends into a series of increasingly absurd mishaps (including an hilarious accident involving a cow), but is this satisfying or a reminder of how quickly a nation can be hijacked by right-wing madmen (a relevant topic in today's world)?

This kidnapping attempt did not succeed, but under even different circumstances the outcome could have been disastrous for democracy. In fact, almost 100 years later, the power and weaponry used by the incompetent soldiers has increased to such a degree that the outcome may not have been so favourable for peace in Europe and the world.

Valkama's direction is tight, focussed and strikes a nice balance between history and fiction with the major premise being historical, while the telling is humorous. The cinematography is gritty, with all the grey and brown tones expected in a retelling of an historical event. The performances vary from farce to serious character portrayal, particularly Vatanen in the leading role and Havukainen as the feisty president’s wife who are outstanding in their roles.

The Kidnapping of a President is a highly entertaining, light hearted take on a serious episode in European history. It is eighty-seven minutes of fun whether you are a history buff or just a lover of dark comedy. Well worth a watch!

Reviewed by Barry Hill OAM