Released in Finland by SF Studios, the film made history as the biggest opener ever in modern era, with €3,080,125 (including previews) from 141 locations and 200 screens, beating the previous 2015 champions Star Wars: The Force Awakens (€2,394,561) and James Bond movie Spectre (€2,381,129). The previous Finnish champion was Reunion 2 from 2016 with €1,331,111 GBO.

Timo Räisänen, Head of Theatrical Distribution at SF Studios said: “We're extremely proud that a Finnish film can compete at the box office with the biggest film productions in the world".

Aku Louhimies added: “I'm happy that so many people wanted to see The Unknown Soldier. Our film has clearly reached different generations, and it's been widely discussed in the media, social media and elsewhere. On behalf of the crew, cast and everyone else involved, I'm thankful that people have embraced this film.”

The Unknown Soldier is based on Väinö Linna’s iconic novel about a platoon of ordinary soldiers fighting the Soviets in WW2. In the title roles are Eero Aho, Johannes Holopainen, Jussi Vatanen and Aku Hirviniemi. The film produced by Louhimies, Mikko Tenhunen and Miia Haavisto was support among others by Nordisk Film & TV Fond.

The release of the film coincides with Finland’s 100 year independence celebration. Beta Cinema will pitch the film to world buyers at this week’s American Film Market in Los Angeles.