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 Self (Archive footage) Sakari Kuosmanen Self Klaus Thomasson Self Ilkka Vainio Self

Risto Asikainen Self

Vicky Rosti Self Mato Valtonen Self Timo Koivusalo Self Outi Alanen Self Sauli Niinistö Self

Laila Ruonansuu Self

Mari Ruonansuu Self

Metadata from the source database.