The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki 2017
Directed by
Juho Kuosmanen
Made by
MUBI
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1962, we meet Olli Mäki, a Finnish boxer played by Jarkko Lahti, who transitions from an amateur to a professional athlete. While at a friend’s wedding, Olli becomes enamored with Raija, portrayed by Oona Airola. Their romance leads them to Helsinki, where Olli’s manager, Elis Ask (Eero Milonoff), is orchestrating Olli’s monumental opportunity: a championship match against the formidable American boxer Davey Moore (John Bosco Jr.) at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. This event is poised to be a cornerstone in Finnish sports history, yet Olli harbors doubts due to Moore’s impressive track record.
The road to the big fight is fraught with challenges. Olli must shed excess weight quickly to qualify for the featherweight class. Adding pressure, Elis is overly enthusiastic about the event—he hires a film crew to document the process, which becomes increasingly bothersome. The buildup includes lavish dinners with sponsors that force Olli into uncomfortable socializing and strict protocols. Surrounded by this chaotic atmosphere, Olli’s affection for Raija deepens, but she grows concerned about being a distraction and decides to return to Kokkola.
In a moment of clarity, Olli realizes he needs Raija, so he heads back to Kokkola, worrying Elis, who fears Olli won’t be able to meet the weight requirement for the upcoming weigh-in or adequately prepare for the fight. Ultimately, Olli convinces Elis to let him train independently. He embarks on a rigorous weight loss regime and, on the day of the weigh-in, manages to make the necessary weight just barely. That same day, he takes a moment to propose to Raija, sealing their bond with hope for the future.
When the match finally arrives, Olli starts strong in the first round, but he struggles significantly in the second, resulting in multiple knockdowns that lead the referee to call a technical knockout. Despite Elis’s disappointment with the outcome, Olli finds a sense of peace in his defeat and leaves the post-fight dinner alongside Raija, content with the journey rather than the victory.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Olli Mäki Becomes a Professional Boxer
In 1962, Olli Mäki transitions from being an amateur boxer to a professional athlete, marking a significant milestone in his sports career. This change sets the stage for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his journey towards a championship match.
Olli Meets Raija
While attending a friend's wedding, Olli Mäki meets Raija, who captivates him with her charm and warmth. Their meeting sparks a romantic connection that leads to a deepening relationship, although it soon becomes a source of distraction for Olli as he prepares for his big fight.
Journey to Helsinki
Olli and Raija's romance develops further as they travel to Helsinki. It is here that Olli's manager, Elis Ask, begins organizing a monumental championship match against American boxer Davey Moore, positioning Olli for a pivotal moment in Finnish sports history.
Preparing for the Championship Match
Elis Ask, in his excitement, hires a film crew to document Olli's preparation for the match, adding more pressure to an already stressful situation. Olli faces the daunting task of shedding weight to qualify for the featherweight class, causing him to feel overwhelmed.
Social Pressures and Discomfort
As Olli prepares for the fight, he finds himself in awkward social situations, attending lavish dinners with sponsors. These forced gatherings create further discomfort for Olli, who struggles to maintain focus on his training and his relationship with Raija.
Raija's Concern
Despite their deepening bond, Raija grows concerned about being a distraction for Olli as the fight approaches. Ultimately, she decides to return to her hometown of Kokkola, leaving Olli feeling the weight of her absence as he ramps up his training.
A Moment of Clarity
Realizing the importance of Raija in his life, Olli makes the decision to visit her in Kokkola. His journey back is spurred by the hope that her support will ground him amidst the chaotic build-up to the fight, despite Elis's increasing worry about Olli's preparations.
Independent Training Regimen
After meeting with Raija, Olli persuades Elis to allow him to train independently. He embarks on a rigorous training and weight loss regime, focusing solely on preparing for the crucial fight against Davey Moore.
The Weigh-In Day
On the day of the weigh-in, Olli successfully manages to shed the necessary weight just in time. In a heartfelt gesture, he also seizes the moment to propose to Raija, solidifying their bond with a promise for the future amidst the uncertainty of the fight.
The Championship Match
The much-anticipated match takes place at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, where Olli starts strong in the first round. However, he faces challenges in the second round, suffering multiple knockdowns that eventually lead to a technical knockout called by the referee.
Aftermath of the Fight
Despite the disappointment expressed by Elis regarding the loss, Olli experiences a sense of peace in defeat. He realizes that the journey and the connections he made along the way are more significant than the outcome of the fight itself.
A Content Departure
After the post-fight dinner, Olli decides to leave alongside Raija, feeling content with their relationship and the experiences they shared. This decision reflects his priorities shifting from solely striving for victory to valuing personal connections and self-acceptance.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Olli Mäki (Jarkko Lahti)
Olli is a passionate and dedicated boxer, struggling with the weight of expectations from his career and personal life. His journey reflects both his ambition to succeed in the ring and his deep emotional connection to Raija. Olli's character symbolizes resilience and vulnerability as he learns to balance love with his sporting pursuits.
Raija (Oona Airola)
Raija is Olli's love interest, embodying support and concern for Olli's well-being. Her character highlights the emotional strain that ambitions can put on relationships. Despite her love for Olli, she grapples with feelings of being a distraction, illustrating the challenges of love in the face of career-driven choices.
Elis Ask (Eero Milonoff)
Elis is Olli's enthusiastic manager, whose overzealous nature adds pressure to Olli's journey. He is depicted as a well-meaning but sometimes intrusive figure, exemplifying the expectations often placed on athletes. His character illustrates the complexities of management and support in sports.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1962
The early 1960s was a transformative period in Finland, marked by a burgeoning interest in sports and international competition. This era also saw significant cultural shifts as traditional values were challenged by modern influences. The context of this time adds depth to Olli's struggle between personal desires and professional expectations.
Location
Helsinki, Kokkola
Helsinki serves as the backdrop for Olli's pivotal championship match, known for its rich architecture and vibrant culture. The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a crucial site in Finnish sports history. Kokkola, Olli's hometown, represents a quieter, more intimate setting where his romance with Raija blossoms and where he seeks clarity amidst the pressures of becoming a professional athlete.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love
The theme of love is central to Olli's journey, highlighting his romantic relationship with Raija. Their connection grows amidst the pressures of his boxing career, illustrating the balance between ambition and personal relationships. Olli's decision to prioritize Raija demonstrates the transformative power of love and support.
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Ambition
Ambition drives Olli's transition from an amateur boxer to a professional contender, exemplifying the determination required to succeed in the sport. However, his ambition is tempered by self-doubt, especially as he faces a formidable opponent. This theme explores the complexities of chasing one's dreams while dealing with the consequences of pressure and expectation.
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Self-discovery
Olli’s journey is also one of self-discovery, as he navigates the challenges of weight loss and personal relationships. His realization of needing Raija's support signifies a shift in understanding what truly matters in life. This theme highlights the importance of finding peace and purpose beyond competition.
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