Pirrko and Taina are part of an esteemed family of Sahti brewers, with their dad claiming many awards and the esteemed birch hat to prove it.
So when their sister Paivi requests a hundred litres of the artisan Finnish brew for her wedding, this isn’t just a “wedding gift”. It is a matter of family pride. Add to this that Sahti, according to their dad, can make or break a wedding, and the best brewers in town have set a high bar for themselves.
After twenty two days of brewing, a taste reveals that they have made their best batch yet. It is so good that it beats their father’s award winning brews.
Unfortunately, a single taste turns into a celebratory binge fest which wipes out their entire supply. So with just two days until the wedding, Pirkko and Taina have to figure out a way to get their hands on a hundred litres of premium Sahti.
You would be forgiven for thinking this is a Finnish version of “The Hangover”. After all, the movie does show our two protagonists on a misadventurous road trip pursuing some questionable choices. There are ridiculous moments of slapstick, including some with Bridget Jones levels of cringe.
However, 100 litres of Gold offers a richer experience for the discerning movie goer.
Director Teemu Nikki has injected depth into the movie by taking his time to set the stage and introduce us to his characters. By the time we see them waking up from their drunken stupor, we have a rough understanding of their psyches.
These aren’t just women trying to do right by their family. They are misfits desperate to prove themselves and as an audience, we want desperately for them to emerge victorious. Even if it does involve dodgy solutions.
Additionally, as the movie unfolds, we see relationships unravel and gain insight into what drives the characters.
I especially love Pirjo Lonka’s Taina evolution throughout the film.
I developed a soft spot for someone I assumed was a meek sidekick. Being able to understand her history and watch her slowly emerge was satisfying.
I wished I could see what happens after the movie because I was so invested in her character. If Nikki ever makes a follow up film for her journey, I would definitely watch it.
In fact, based on the cinematography of this film, I am interested in watching more of Nikki’s work.
100 Litres of Gold features strong orange tones throughout the film. Perhaps this is to evoke the warmth of the country and a sense of nostalgia for a simpler way of life. It is especially effective in the scenes featuring Sahti brewing. It almost feels like you’re in sacred territory during this scene.
The orange tones are also reminiscent of the dust bowls of the American Western movies. There are certainly moments in the film where the sisters resemble cowboys – only Pirrko has a billhook instead of a gun.
100 Litres of Gold is classified as a black comedy but it offers so much more than that. It is one of my favourite types of movies; one that you can return to and find something new. Put this movie on your watchlist if you appreciate layered, thoughtfully-crafted narratives.
100 Litres of Gold is now showing as part of the 2025 Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival