10 Best Estonian Movies: A Tribute To The Cinema of Estonia

Estonia, a small country located in Northern Europe, has a rich history of filmmaking that dates back to the early 1900s.

Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its history, including occupation by foreign powers and a difficult transition to independence in the 1990s, Estonia has managed to produce a number of acclaimed films that have garnered international recognition.

One of the most famous Estonian films is Spring (1969), directed by Arvo Kruusement, which tells the story of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates life in a small village.

Another notable film is The Temptation of St. Tony (2009), directed by Veiko Õunpuu, which is a surreal and darkly comedic exploration of modern society.

In recent years, Estonian cinema has continued to flourish, with a number of emerging filmmakers bringing fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques to the screen.

Some of the most notable recent Estonian films include November (2017), directed by Rainer Sarnet, which is a haunting and surrealistic folk tale set in a rural village, and Truth and Justice (2019), directed by Tanel Toom.

Which is a sweeping historical epic about a man’s struggle to build a successful farm in pre-World War II Estonia.

Best Estonian Movies

Overall, Estonian cinema offers a unique and compelling perspective on life and culture in Northern Europe, and is well worth exploring for anyone interested in world cinema.

Films at a glance

1. Viini postmark (The Postage-Stamp of Vienna, 1968) Director: Veljo Käsper

“Viini postmark” (The Postage-Stamp of Vienna) is an Estonian comedy-drama film directed by Veljo Käsper and released in 1968.

The film follows the story of a philatelist named Peeter who becomes obsessed with finding a rare Viennese postage stamp, despite the objections of his wife and the disapproval of his colleagues.

The film was praised for its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and clever satire of the philatelist subculture. It was also notable for its use of location shooting in Vienna, which added to the film’s authenticity and visual appeal.

Despite its critical success, “Viini postmark” was not a commercial hit, and its director, Veljo Käsper, would not make another feature film for several years.

However, the film has since become a cult classic in Estonia and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most important and influential films of the 1960s.

2. Hullumeelsus (Madness, 1968) Director: Kaljo Kiisk

Hullumeelsus, also known as Madness, is a 1968 Estonian drama film directed by Kaljo Kiisk. The film follows the story of a young man named Andres (played by Arvo Kukumägi) who is committed to a mental hospital after attempting to commit suicide.

In the hospital, Andres meets a range of other patients, including a young woman named Oskar (played by Ita Ever) who becomes his love interest. As they form a bond, they begin to explore their past traumas and try to come to terms with their mental health struggles.

The film deals with themes of mental illness, love, and the struggles of young people in a changing society. It is notable for its bold and innovative visual style, which incorporates dream-like sequences and surreal imagery to explore the characters’ internal states of mind.

Hullumeelsus was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and is considered a classic of Estonian cinema. It won several awards at international film festivals, including the Golden Leopard award at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.

Overall, Hullumeelsus is a powerful and moving film that explores important themes with sensitivity and artistry. Its innovative style and strong performances have helped to establish it as a landmark of Estonian cinema.

For more about Estonia cinema, you can check out our overview of the best films from Estonia and our country-by-country exploration of global cinema.

3. Kevade (The Spring, 1969) Director: Arvo Kruusment

Kevade (The Spring) is a 1969 Estonian coming-of-age film directed by Arvo Kruusment. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Oskar Luts, which is considered a classic of Estonian literature.

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Set in a small town in Estonia in the early 20th century, Kevade follows the adventures of a group of schoolboys as they navigate the challenges and joys of growing up.

The film captures the spirit of youth with its charming and humorous portrayal of the boys’ escapades, crushes, and rivalries.

At the same time, Kevade also explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of community, highlighting the values that are at the heart of Estonian culture.

The film has become a beloved classic in Estonia and has been praised for its nostalgic and heartwarming portrayal of youth.

Kevade was also notable for its innovative use of color, which was a rarity in Estonian cinema at the time. The film’s lush and vibrant visuals add to its overall charm and make it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.

4. Hukkunud alpinisti hotel (The Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel, 1979) Director: Grigori Kromano

The Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (Hukkunud alpinisti hotell) is an Estonian science-fiction film directed by Grigori Kromanov and released in 1979. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by the Soviet-Russian writing duo Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.

The film follows a police inspector who arrives at an isolated mountain hotel to investigate a mysterious murder. He soon discovers that the hotel's other guests are extraterrestrials who have come to Earth to conduct experiments on human beings.

The film explores science-fiction themes such as the existence of other worlds, human identity, and the consequences of contact between different forms of life.

It has been praised for its unique and forward-thinking vision of science fiction, as well as its creative direction and mysterious atmosphere.

It is considered a classic of Estonian cinema and is often compared to cult science-fiction works such as The Twilight Zone and The X-Files.

5. Nukitsamees (Bumpy, 1981) Director: Helle Karis

Nukitsamees (Bumpy) is a 1981 Estonian fantasy film directed by Helle Karis, based on the beloved children’s book of the same name by Oskar Luts.

The film follows the adventures of two siblings, Teele and Teele’s younger brother, who journey into a magical forest to rescue Teele’s kidnapped baby brother, Tõnis.

The cinematography in Nukitsamees is characterized by its use of vibrant colors and dreamlike imagery, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere that immerses the audience in the fantastical world of the story.

The film also makes use of innovative camera techniques and special effects, such as stop-motion animation and puppetry, to bring the creatures and landscapes of the forest to life.

Overall, Nukitsamees is a charming and visually stunning film that has become a beloved classic of Estonian cinema, appealing to both children and adults alike.

The film’s captivating cinematography and imaginative storytelling have helped to establish it as an iconic part of Estonian cultural heritage.

6. Naerata ometi (Well, Come On, Smile aka Games for Teenagers, 1985) Directors: Leida Laius and Arvo Iho

“Naerata ometi” (Well, Come On, Smile) is a 1985 Estonian film directed by Leida Laius and Arvo Iho. The film follows the lives of several teenagers who attend a summer camp and explores their relationships and experiences as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

The film was notable for its frank and honest portrayal of teenage sexuality, which was a departure from the more conservative approach to sexuality that had been prevalent in Estonian cinema up to that point.

It also featured a cast of mostly non-professional actors, which added to the film’s naturalistic and authentic feel.

“Naerata ometi” was well received by audiences and critics alike, and is now considered a classic of Estonian cinema.

The film’s themes of youth, love, and self-discovery continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless coming-of-age story that remains relevant to new generations of viewers.

7. Need vanad armastuskirjad (Those old love letters, 1992) Director: Mati Põldre

“Need vanad armastuskirjad” (Those old love letters) is an Estonian romantic drama film directed by Mati Põldre and released in 1992. The film tells the story of a young man named Madis who finds a box of old love letters written by his father during World War II.

As he reads the letters, Madis becomes increasingly fascinated by the story of his father’s wartime romance with a young woman named Leena.

The film was praised for its sensitive portrayal of love and loss, as well as its exploration of the effects of war on personal relationships.

It was also noted for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, as the film was based on real-life letters and events from the director’s own family history.

Despite its critical success, “Need vanad armastuskirjad” was not a commercial hit, and its director, Mati Põldre, would not make another feature film for several years.

However, the film has since become a beloved classic in Estonia and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most important and influential films of the 1990s.

8. Ristumine peateega (The Highway Crossing, 1999) Director: Arko Okk

Ristumine peateega, also known as The Highway Crossing, is a 1999 Estonian drama film directed by Arko Okk. The film tells the story of a young man named Jaan (played by Mait Malmsten) who returns to his rural hometown after living in the city for several years.

Jaan reconnects with his family and friends, but also finds himself drawn to a mysterious and beautiful woman named Marju (played by Liina Vahtrik), who is involved in a dangerous love triangle with her abusive husband and her lover.

As Jaan becomes more involved in Marju’s life, he finds himself caught up in a web of violence and betrayal. The film deals with themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of living in a small community.

Ristumine peateega was well-received by critics and audiences, and is considered a landmark of Estonian cinema. It won several awards at international film festivals, including the Grand Prix at the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival in Germany.

The film is known for its powerful performances, evocative cinematography, and its exploration of complex human emotions and relationships. Overall, Ristumine peateega is a compelling and thought-provoking film that offers a unique insight into the realities of life in rural Estonia.

9. Nimed marmortahvlil (Names in marble, 2002) Director: Elmo Nüganen

“Nimed marmortahvlil” (Names in Marble) is a 2002 Estonian war drama film directed by Elmo Nüganen. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Albert Kivikas and is set during the Estonian War of Independence in 1918-1920.

The film follows the story of two young Estonian men, Joonatan and Toomas, who volunteer to fight against the invading German forces.

The two friends are tasked with the solemn duty of recording the names of fallen soldiers on marble plaques that are placed on a monument to honor the fallen.

As the war takes its toll and the friends face the harsh realities of battle, their friendship and loyalty are put to the test.

The film explores themes of sacrifice, loss, and the price of freedom, and is a powerful testament to the bravery and resilience of the Estonian people during a difficult time in their history.

“Nimed marmortahvlil” has been praised for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, particularly by the lead actors Priit Võigemast and Indrek Sammul. The film has become a beloved classic in Estonia and is considered one of the most important films in the country’s cinematic history.

10. Klass (The Class, 2007) Director: Ilmar Raag

Klass (The Class) is an Estonian drama film directed by Ilmar Raag and released in 2007. The film follows two teenagers, Joosep and Kaspar, who become caught up in bullying at their school.

Joosep is a shy, isolated boy who is regularly bullied and attacked by his classmates, while Kaspar is a popular boy who actively takes part in the harassment.

The film explores themes of bullying, violence, and cruelty in schools, as well as the emotional and psychological consequences these can have on victims.

It also shows how adults, such as teachers and parents, can be powerless or even complicit in the violence unfolding in schools.

Klass has been praised for its realistic and powerful depiction of bullying and school violence. It won several awards at international film festivals and is regarded as an important film in the fight against bullying and violence in schools. A sequel, Klass: Elu pärast (The Class: Life After), followed in 2010.

3 Characteristics of Estonian Movies

Intimate Portrayal of Human Experience: Estonian movies often focus on the lives and experiences of ordinary people. These films tend to be character-driven, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and the human condition.

The characters in Estonian movies are often complex and nuanced, with their struggles and triumphs depicted in a raw and authentic manner.

Historical Context: Many Estonian movies deal with the country’s history and its people’s experiences during times of war, occupation, and political upheaval. These films often examine the impact of these historical events on individual lives and explore themes of trauma, survival, and resilience.

Visually Stunning: Estonian movies often feature breathtaking landscapes and innovative cinematography, showcasing the natural beauty of the country. The use of symbolism and metaphor is also common, with visual storytelling playing a key role in many Estonian films.

Additionally, many Estonian movies make use of creative and unique camera techniques, adding to the overall visual appeal of the films.

3 Reasons To Watch Estonian Movies

Unique Perspective: Estonian movies offer a unique perspective on life and culture in Northern Europe. The country has a rich history and culture, and its films often reflect this through their exploration of themes such as national identity, tradition, and history.

Watching Estonian movies can provide a glimpse into a world that may be unfamiliar to many viewers, and can broaden one’s understanding of the diversity of global cinema.

Talented Filmmakers: Despite its small size, Estonia has produced a number of talented filmmakers who have gained international recognition.

Directors such as Veiko Õunpuu, Rainer Sarnet, and Tanel Toom have received critical acclaim for their innovative and daring approach to filmmaking.

Watching their films can offer an insight into their unique artistic visions and can inspire viewers to explore other works by these talented filmmakers.

Compelling Stories: Estonian films often tell compelling stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

From coming-of-age stories such as “Naerata ometi” (Well, Come On, Smile) to historical epics such as Truth and Justice, Estonian films offer a diverse range of stories and genres that can captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Watching Estonian movies can be a great way to discover new and exciting stories that might not be found in mainstream Hollywood cinema.

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Read next: 15 Best Algerian Movies: A Tribute To The Cinema Of Algeria, 11 Best Brazilian Movies: A Tribute To The Cinema of Brazil, and 7 Best Bulgarian Movies: A Tribute To Bulgarian Cinema.

Best Estonian Movies – Wrap Up

Estonia has a rich cinematic history and has produced several noteworthy movies over the years. Here are some of the best Estonian movies:

Tangerines (2013) – This anti-war drama film by Zaza Urushadze received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

The Fencer (2015) – Directed by Klaus Härö, this historical drama film tells the story of an Estonian fencer who becomes a teacher in a remote school.

The Class (2007) – This drama film by Ilmar Raag explores issues of class and social status in contemporary Estonian society.

The Last Relic (1969) – This adventure film by Grigori Kromanov was a box-office success in the Soviet Union and is considered a classic of Estonian cinema.

Viini postmark (1968) – This comedy-drama film by Veljo Käsper is a cult classic in Estonia and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most important and influential films of the 1960s.

Need vanad armastuskirjad (1992) – This romantic drama film by Mati Põldre explores the effects of war on personal relationships and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most important and influential films of the 1990s.

These are just a few examples of the best Estonian movies. There are many more great films that have been produced in Estonia, and the country’s cinematic output continues to grow and evolve with each passing year.

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