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.
Genres
Cast
Jope Ruonansuu
Sakari Kuosmanen
Klaus Thomasson
Ilkka Vainio
Risto Asikainen
Vicky Rosti
Mato Valtonen
Timo Koivusalo
Outi Alanen
Sauli Niinistö
Laila Ruonansuu
Mari Ruonansuu
Ulla Ruonansuu
Seppo Ruonansuu
Jukka Ruonansuu
Sakari Ruonansuu
Jose Ruonansuu
Kari Peltonen
Matti Simola
Maxi Niemitalo
Riku Routo
Tapio Pieskä
Timo T. Tuikka
Tommi E. Virtanen
Tommi Reponen
