Jope – Just Think for Yourself

Overview

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

N/A

Klaus Thomasson

Self

N/A

Ilkka Vainio

Self

N/A

Risto Asikainen

Self

N/A

Vicky Rosti

Self

Mato Valtonen

Self

Timo Koivusalo

Self

Outi Alanen

Self

Sauli Niinistö

Self

N/A

Laila Ruonansuu

Self

N/A

Mari Ruonansuu

Self