R peri is based on an interview novel (R peri The
years of crime 1955 2005), written by Harri Nyk nen
and Tom Sj berg. The book describes the old days of one
of the most notorious parts of Helsinki. The film is set
between 1966 and 1979
Besides the journey of Tomppa and Krisu, the main
characters of the film, R peri tells the story of Gypsy
Kari, Arska, Bisquit, Uki and a bunch of other bad boys
and criminals; it tells of their memorable and
unscrupulous journey from crime and poverty to becoming
respectable citizens, going to jail or dying too young
The wrong side of the law is seen through the eyes of
Koistinen, a local police officer
The guys who fall into a life of crime have one thing in
common: they all start by bootlegging, being sure money
is an answer to all their problems. Money is a way out
of a miserable life; it is a way to happiness and their
modest dreams. They can stop doing criminal business as
soon as they get enough money
When the guys start making more money with black-market
booze, their hunger and their dreams grow bigger
Even though the reality R peri is portrayed as rather
rugged and rotten, we can see both warmth and humor in
the characters walking the streets of R peri; these
qualities will make the audience love them. The audience
will cry and laugh with them and for them