Unknown Soldier

2018 • Action & Adventure, Drama, War & Politics

The Unknown Soldier miniseries expands the story of the 2017 film of the same name. The World War II series based on Väinö Linna's classic novel closely follows a machine gun company of the Finnish Army on the Karelian front during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union, from mobilization in 1941 to the Moscow Armistice in 1944. It's a story about how camaraderie, humor, and a desire to survive connect men on their journey. War upends the lives of both the individual soldiers and those left on the home front, and leaves its mark on the entire nation.

While the TV series 'Unknown Soldier' captures the visceral impact of war on screen, turning to Väinö Linna's source novel offers a deeper, more nuanced exploration of the human condition in times of conflict. Linna meticulously crafts each character with depth, presenting their internal battles and psychological scars which resonate beyond what visuals alone can depict. The novel provides a profound and immersive reading experience, delving into the moral dilemmas and raw emotions faced by the soldiers. The reader is invited to explore the complex narrative at their own pace, fostering a more personal connection and reflection on the themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the futility of war. By engaging with the text, one gains an appreciation for Linna’s literary artistry and historical context which enriches the narrative far beyond its televised adaptation.