Jope – Just Think for Yourself
An overweight boy who was a bullied at school grew up to become a beloved comedian, folk artist Jope Ruonansuu. He was a versatile entertainer, but above all an impressionist, able to imitate more than 150 characters from the ruling class. Jope's journey was a natural extension of the post-war "Rillumarei" -culture. He broke through when the monoculturalism was at its most vibrant and grew in popularity as it began to crumble. With weight loss surgery, Jope sought a healthier life, but also to shed the extra pounds and childhood traumas. After the surgery, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, but continued to fight, developing a number of different projects, including an anti-bullying campaign together with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö. The project was to culminate in a joint visit to Syväkangas school, in Jope's home town of Kemi. Jope passed away before then, but Niinistö kept his promise.
Cast
Jope Ruonansuu
as Self (Archive footage)
Sakari Kuosmanen
as Self
Klaus Thomasson
as Self
Ilkka Vainio
as Self
Risto Asikainen
as Self
Vicky Rosti
as Self
Mato Valtonen
as Self
Timo Koivusalo
as Self
Outi Alanen
as Self
Sauli Niinistö
as Self
