Miami

Miami is a Finnish crime-drama film released in 2017. Directed by Zaida Bergroth, this bold and vibrant film features a captivating narrative played out in the sunny city of Miami. However, the city's exotic milieu is more of a metaphorical stage setting rather than the film’s actual location. Instead, the story unfolds amid the exotic dance clubs and gritty underworld of both Finland and the imagined Miami. The compelling film displays a dichotomy between opulence and grit and gives an unforgettable visual experience to its audience. Krista Kosonen, Sonja Kuittinen, and Juhan Ulfsak play pivotal roles, offering memorable performances that highlight the milieu, culture, and hidden dangers of the city in a powerful way.

Miami tells the story of two estranged sisters, Angela (played by Krista Kosonen) and Anna (played by Sonja Kuittinen). Angela is an exotic dancer chasing dreams of fame and fortune, traveling from city to city with her dance troupe. Meanwhile, Anna, her younger sister, has led a sheltered life living with their father.

Their paths cross when Angela unexpectedly returns home. Unwilling to stay home and haunted by dreams of stardom, Angela persuades Anna to join her on the road. The two embark on a journey that could lead them to a future they've only ever dreamed of—a life bathed in the glamour and opulence of Miami's nightlife. What starts as an exciting adventure quickly takes a turn as Anna gets pulled deeper into Angela's world of nightclubs, money, and dangerous characters.

In the central role of Angela, Krista Kosonen delivers a critically acclaimed performance. She paints a complex character who, behind the facade of provocative dances and nightlife debauchery, carries a mountain of guilt, loss, and vulnerability. Sonja Kuittinen matches Kosonen's intensity with her portrayal of the naive Anna who is drawn into a world far removed from her sheltered existence, a world she soon becomes fascinated with and ultimately entangled in.

Juhan Ulfsak's character adds a critical edge to the narrative. As an ambiguous figure who could be friend or foe, Ulfsak aids in escalating the tension of the narrative, capable of bringing both danger and safety to the sisters. He personifies the dual nature of the city—the dreamy allure of Miami and its potential danger.

Miami showcases Zaida Bergroth's impressive storytelling prowess and her adept skill in creating an intriguing atmospheric film. Together with talented cinematographer, Hena Blomberg, they craft a film filled with stunning visuals and beautifully framed shots. The vibrant portrayal of club performances, the use of neon lights, and captivating sets successfully create a world mirroring the allure and pulse of Miami, albeit in the Finnish landscape.

Miami's greatest strength, perhaps, lies in the depiction of sisterhood. The narrative perfectly showcases the sisters' contrasting personalities and how their relationship evolves over time, progressing from caution and uncertainty to deep affection and loyalty. Miami dives into the multi-layered complexities of familial ties, the potent bonds of sisterhood, and the lengths one goes to protect those they love.

Adding to the film's prowess is its music. Scored by Zaida's brother, Timo Kaukolampi, in collaboration with Tuomo Puranen, Miami's music is a mix of hypnotic beats and melodious tunes that mirror the storyline's multi-dimensional texture, echoing the highs and lows of the two central characters' journey.

Moreover, rich with symbolism and nuanced performances, Miami leaves space for various interpretations about the influence of dreams, the allure of nightlife, and their price. Considering this, the audience can take away different messages from the movie, making it a thought-provoking film.

In conclusion, beyond the palpable danger and the glistening allure of Miami's nightlife, Miami is a tale about camaraderie and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood set in the mesmerizing yet dangerous world of dance and nightlife. It's a fascinating blend of drama, crime, and family that promises to captivate audiences with its emotionally intense narrative, stunning performances, and mesmerizing visuals. An ode to dreams, their price, and the relationships that help us weather them, Miami constructs a world as glittering, intoxicating, and ethereal as the city it's named after.