Backwood Philosopher
2009 · 5.8/10
New
Kari Väänänen
Director & actor · born 17 September 1953 · Ivalo, Finland
Kari Kyösti Väänänen (born 17 September 1953 in Ivalo) is a Finnish actor and director. Domestically he is a member of the Ryhmäteatteri group of actors. He was introduced to international audiences by Aki Kaurismäki; and belongs to the list of his "trusted" stable of actors.
His most challenging role has been the eponymous mafia hitman of Rosso, for which he learned all his lines phonetically, without previously speaking a word of Italian. Kari Väänänen was featured in Star Wreck, a Finnish sci-fi parody where he played the Russian president. He also starred in Jim Jarmusch's 1991 film Night on Earth.
Where to start: Drifting Clouds (1996).
As director 4
As actor 69
The Missile
2024 · 6.0/10
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The Grump: In Search of an Escort
2022 · 6.0/10
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Fingerpori
2019 · 3.9/10
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Master Cheng
2019 · 7.0/10
Worth the Hype
Ryhmäteatteri
2018 · 9.0/10
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Kiwi Christmas
2017 · 5.2/10
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Lapland Odyssey 3
2017 · 5.2/10
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Kajaani
2017
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Dirty Hands
2015 · 5.5/10
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We Are the Pirates of the Roads
2015 · 4.6/10
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The Rise and Fall of a Friendship
2012 · 3.5/10
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Let My People Go !
2011 · 5.0/10
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Bohemian Eyes
2011 · 6.5/10
NewBackwood Philosopher
2009 · 5.8/10
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The House of Branching Love
2009 · 5.6/10
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One Foot Under
2009 · 4.5/10
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Christmas Story
2007 · 7.2/10
Worth the Hype
V2: Dead Angel
2007 · 5.6/10
Snoozefest
Rock'n Roll Never Dies
2006 · 5.3/10
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Onni von Sopanen
2006 · 9.0/10
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Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning
2005 · 6.7/10
Popcorn Flick
Trench Road
2004 · 5.7/10
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Honey Baby
2004 · 5.3/10
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Land of Love
2003 · 4.8/10
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Kymmenen riivinrautaa
2002 · 4.3/10
NewHighway Society
Highway Society
2000 · 6.4/10
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Bad Luck Love
2000 · 5.8/10
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Lakeuden kutsu
2000 · 5.8/10
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VÄNÄ
2000 · 7.0/10
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Spy Games
1999 · 4.6/10
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Ambush
1999 · 6.0/10
Popcorn Flick
The Tough Ones
1999 · 6.2/10
Popcorn Flick
Train Birds
1998 · 6.0/10
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Underwater Iceland
1997 · 6.3/10
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Sambolico
1996 · 5.0/10
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Drifting Clouds
1996 · 7.6/10
Worth the Hype
Iron Horsemen
1995 · 6.5/10
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Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses
1994 · 5.9/10
Snoozefest
The Last Border
1993 · 4.4/10
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Ripa Hits the Skids
1993 · 5.8/10
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Mestari
1992 · 4.2/10
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La Vie de Bohème
1992 · 7.5/10
Worth the Hype
Night on Earth
1991 · 7.5/10
Worth the Hype
Zombie and the Ghost Train
1991 · 6.7/10
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Amazon
1990 · 4.9/10
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Dolly and Her Lover
1990 · 4.9/10
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Paper Star
1989 · 4.7/10
NewKukunor
Kukunor
1989
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Leningrad Cowboys Go America
1989 · 6.9/10
Popcorn Flick
Cha Cha Cha
1989 · 7.0/10
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Helsinki Napoli All Night Long
1987 · 5.9/10
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Hamlet Goes Business
1987 · 6.7/10
Popcorn Flick
Siriuksen vieraat
1987 · 3.0/10
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Älä itke Iines
1987 · 3.8/10
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Näkemiin, hyvästi
1986 · 6.0/10
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Kuningas lähtee Ranskaan
1986 · 5.0/10
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Harmagedon
1986 · 8.7/10
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Laulu
1986 · 5.5/10
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The Unknown Soldier
1985 · 6.8/10
Popcorn Flick
Rosso
1985 · 7.5/10
NewTV shows 7
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Kari Väänänen movie?
By viewer score, Drifting Clouds (1996) at 7.6/10.
What are Kari Väänänen’s most popular movies?
Night on Earth, Leningrad Cowboys Go America, Drifting Clouds.
How many movies has Kari Väänänen made?
73 films on TMDB, 4 as director, 69 as actor.