The River Poster

The River 2001

★ 5.916 votes111 min📅 2001-09-14

Jarmo Lampela's *The River (2001)* unfolds as a delicate tapestry of interconnected dramas set against the quiet pulse of a small town. Over the course of a single Saturday, six disparate lives brush against each other, their fates entwined by chance and emotion.

Director: Jarmo Lampela

Cast

Antti Ikkala
Kimmo
Jyri Ojansivu
Jyri Ojansivu
Janne
Sanna Hietala
Sanna Hietala
Anni
Tuukka Huttunen
Tuukka Huttunen
Teppo, Annin entinen mies
Samu Loijas
Loponen, Tepon ystävä
Antti Mikkola
Antti Mikkola
Santeri
Jari Virman
Jari Virman
Eero
Pekka Hannonen
Mikko
Juha Kukkonen
Juha Kukkonen
Esa, muusikko
Juha Varis
Juha Varis
Hannu, Esan veli

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The River (2001) about?

*The River (2001)* follows six strangers in a Finnish town whose lives unexpectedly intersect over one tumultuous Saturday. Their stories explore themes of despair, resilience, and the subtle ways we impact each other—from a near-tragedy averted to a musician's desperate plea for help.

Who directed The River?

Jarmo Lampela directed *The River*. Known for his introspective storytelling, Lampela crafts a film that lingers on emotional nuances and the beauty of ordinary lives.

Who stars in The River?

The film features Antti Ikkala, Jyri Ojansivu, Sanna Hietala, Tuukka Huttunen, and Samu Loijas in its ensemble cast, each bringing depth to their intertwined roles.

Is The River (2001) worth watching?

*The River (2001)* is a poignant, low-key drama that shines in its quiet moments and character-driven storytelling. While it may not offer high-octane thrills, its gentle yet profound exploration of human connection makes it a rewarding watch for fans of introspective, European cinema.

How long is The River?

The runtime of *The River (2001)* is 111 minutes.

About The River (2001): A Small-Town Drama of Fate and Connection

Jarmo Lampela's *The River (2001)* unfolds as a delicate tapestry of interconnected dramas set against the quiet pulse of a small town. Over the course of a single Saturday, six disparate lives brush against each other, their fates entwined by chance and emotion. A pair of boys stumble upon a desperate rescue, pulling a young woman, Anni, and her infant from the river's edge—an act that sets off ripples of change in their own lives. Meanwhile, Esa, a struggling musician, faces financial ruin and seeks solace at his father's milestone birthday. Elsewhere, Leena, a waitress in a pizza parlor, plays matchmaker for her coworkers, while Ilpo discovers a trespasser in his bedroom after an early shift ends. The film weaves these stories into a melancholic yet hopeful meditation on human connection, chance encounters, and the fragile threads that bind us.

Under Lampela's sensitive direction, *The River (2001)* blends drama and romance into a meditative exploration of everyday heroism and quiet desperation. The atmosphere is one of subdued intensity, where ordinary moments crackle with latent emotion, and the river itself becomes a silent witness to the chaos and beauty of life. With its episodic structure and deeply human characters, the film invites viewers to reflect on the unseen struggles and small triumphs that shape us all.