

Laugh or Die
Humor is a matter of death
Genres
Overview
Parikka, the actor once called the Funniest Man in Finland, and his troupe are about to be executed for the atrocities committed during the Civil War in Finland. Jaeger Lieutenant Nyborg, an admirer of Parikka, suspects a definite miscarriage of justice. He wants to save the actors. The forthcoming visit of the German General von der Goltz to the prison island provides him with a suitable opportunity. Nyborg suggests that the actors prepare a comical performance for the visitor and not be shot. Instead, they will be given a new trial. Preparing a comedy in the horrible circumstances, in the midst of hunger and death, seems quite an overwhelming task. Only a handful of real actors are still alive, the rest of the troupe consists of stagehands. Parikka has to use all his inventive skills to be able to produce something funny.
Details
Budget
$1900000
Revenue
$0
Runtime
103 min
Release Date
2018-03-16
Status
Released
Original Language
Finnish
Vote Count
24
Vote Average
6.3
Martti Suosalo
Toivo Parikka
Jani Volanen
Hjalmar Kalm
Leena Pöysti
Helen Kalm
Paavo Kinnunen
Alfred Nyborg
Vesa Vierikko
Johansson
Jussi Nikkilä
Aulis
Tommi Eronen
Elo
Panu Vauhkonen
Rautio
Paleface
Äimälä
Rüdiger Klink
Von Der Goltz
Anton Kettunen
German soldier
Marko Pesonen
Prisoner cook
Jussi Lehtonen
Hannula
Marcus Hägg
Ramcke
Sökö Kaukoranta
Siikander
Eero Herranen
Lyhytkasvuinen vanki
Sami Ristiniemi
Luutnantti Winge
Mikko Reitala
Pastori
Jarmo Kääriäinen
Svinhufvud
Jari Lippo
Majuri Juvelius
Ville Vanhala
Lehtimies
Lilia Rönkkö
Palvelustyttö
Aref Rezay
Venäläinen vanki
Joona Mielonen
Kauranjyviä nyppivä vanki
Snoopi Siren
Kauranjyviä nyppivä vanki
Esko Junkkari
Työväenteatterilainen
Miihkali Jaatinen
Työväenteatterilainen
Henrikki Haavisto
Työväenteatterilainen
Peetu Kaan
Työväenteatterilainen
Jaani Kekäläinen
Työväenteatterilainen
Jaakko Kemppainen
Työväenteatterilainen
Lasse Kuismanen
Työväenteatterilainen
Roni Mäkinen
Työväenteatterilainen
Ari-Pekka Rajamäki
Työväenteatterilainen
Nico Toikka
Työväenteatterilainen
Pekka Kauhanen
Valtiorikosoikeuden jäsen
Risto Kettunen
Valtiorikosoikeuden jäsen
Mikko Lyytikäinen
Valtiorikosoikeuden jäsen
Tuomas Guseff
Haavoittunut vanki
Tuija Töyräs
Saattajavaimo satamassa
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