Aatsinki: The Story of Arctic Cowboys

Dec 12 2014 Not Rated 1h 24m
Biography, Documentary, Western

In the forests of Finnish Lapland, brothers Aarne and Lasse Aatsinki carry on the generations-old tradition of reindeer herding. These modern cowboys maintain an intricate bond with the environment that has allowed them to preserve their lifestyle in one of the harshest climates imaginable. Jessica Oreck’s intimate, gorgeously lensed documentary follows the brothers for a year, sharing in the hard work, daily rituals and small joys that make up life above the Arctic Circle.

Plot

Brothers Aarne and Lasse Aatsinki are cowboys of the Arctic. Quiet but good natured, dare-devilish but humble, rugged but gentle, and exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to their little slice of wilderness. These men are what John Wayne wanted to be. The brothers, along with their wives and children, live well north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, where they are the leaders of a collective of traditional reindeer herders who manage the last group of wild reindeer in all of Finland. Aatsinki follows the family for the span of one year, quietly observing their seasonal routines and the difficulties and joys of a life so closely tied to the land.

Written by

Jessica Oreck

Directed by

Jessica Oreck

Cast

Aarne Aatsinki, Lasse Aatsinki, Lauri Aatsinki

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Finland, United States of America

Production Companies

Myriapod Productions

Languages

suomi

Awards

4 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
73
Average Rating
6.6 out of 10
Metascore
75
Popularity
NA