THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MAKI
Use the choke. It's the knob between the seats
Give it a little gas Can you reach?
Let's try something different Maybe this will work.
Everything's all right Let me take you out.
Thank you
Don't get upset now. Where are your parents?
You must be Olli - Yes.
Right
Hello. Oh hello
Going somewhere? - To the wedding.
What wedding?
Are you going dressed like that? - I don't know.
Are they big? Yeah, a little in the front
Let me put newspaper in them
that he put you in the featherweig ht class
because he didn't want you in the same class -
he used to box in. - Elis is a good guy
Are you riding with us? - No, in 0lli's car. - Yes
Use the choke
It won't start - Try again.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, -
but do not have love
I heard they put you in the bantam weight class
Featherweight? Are they lighter than bantam weight?
No, they're heavier. 57 kilos
How much do you weigh now? - What?
Isn't there a class between them? - Bantam would be.
No, lightweight is between them
How much do the bantams weigh? - 53.5. They're very light.
Feathers are heavier than bantams? Makes no sense.
Why aren't you competing in the lightweight class? - Well.
Be quiet, kids
Good luck
"...faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love
Youth is the happiest t/me, a truly blessed t/1/ng
Hllea' with joy and longing in a seemingly endless spring
What are you doing? Trying to catch the fly
Drink the milk up so we can catch the fly with the glass.
Good job. Can I please have it?
Thank you
What are we going to do with it? - Let's kill it.
Let's release it - Let's eat it.
Shall we release it? - Yes.
Let's eat it - It's gone
Here you are
Yes. Dear guests and the bride and groom
I remember when you, Tuula, were born.
It was a beautiful spring morning
Love seems to be a serious thing
The sun was shining, and it was a bit cloudy
It wasn't raining
Put your bags in here. Hi
Did the trip go well? - Yes.
Good. Please step in the car
There's a boxing boom now
That's good. They'll come to the match
I've been sparring in the outdoor dance pavilion
Outside? - Yeah, because the match will be outside.
Damn good, as we'll be practicing at the outdoor swimming pool.
Who are these people in the photos? - That's Rocky Marciano.
Sure you know him? One of the greatest.
You have to know. Sure you know. It's Frankie
Frankie boy. Frank Sinatra
We're friends. I took the photo - Right. That's something.
Who made this? Olli, you know what it is?
That's you when you won the European Championship? - Yes
I won the gold in 1951
I fought Pierre Montané and won
I knocked him out in the last round.
That was the best day of my life
Oh, it's Laila and the kids
Hi. The guests have arrived already
Hi. This is Raija
Take the sweater off
Hi, I'm Raija - Hi.
Could you make the beds for them?
Will you be staying here or somewhere else? - I'll stay here
All right. Please make the beds for them in the kids' room.
Why there?
I wasn't expecting him to bring anyone
I'll show you the way. Not that there's much to show
Yes. Now you have to be evacuated
That's okay
Which one of you will sleep here? - Me.
Wow. - Okay, let's let our guests settle in here
C'mon, kids. Go on
Come see us later
Is it sturdy enough for your weight? - C'mon!
Who's the fatso here?
Welcome, everyone - Thank you.
Please be seated
If you run out of seats, you can stand by the door or back wall.
I'm sure there's room for everyone
Why don't we get started little by little.
Thank you for coming
Can you make room for me? Could you move a little?
On August 17th, we'll make Finnish sports history.
That's when Olli Maki The Baker of Kokkola,"
will meet Davey Moore, the current world champion
The night is organized by Askin Talli.
We promise you it'll be a spectacle
like none other you've ever seen in Finland
No one has even dared to dream about something like this
You don't have to go all the way to America to see a great show.
We're bringing America here
This is your first time competing in the featherweight class.
How do you think it'll affect your performance?
Well... I'll be a little lighter
But so will my opponent
I don't know. I guess it won't be that different
I'm Reijo Pahkamaki from Keskipohjanmaa newspaper
Is Olli under 57 kilos at the moment? - Of course not
We have over two weeks until the match.
Losing weight is a normal thing for boxers
Unlike for some
This will be the most important match
in Olli's professional career
We'll do our best to bring the title home to Finland.
The other competitors will be
That's it. Move your feet Keep your hands up.
Keep your hands up Move your feet.
Hands up. Good!
Break! Elis! - Olli, stop.
I can't do this anymore
Really good job
Let's continue
Okay
Good job, Olli!
Good. That's it
Good. Hit
Good. All right
Don't hit an old man. Excellent job. Excellent
Holy shit, Olli. It's looking great
This is going to be something You get it?
Good job. Keep up the good work
Good job, Olli
Hey, guys! Guys, listen. Oh my God
I'd like to introduce you to two gentlemen.
These guys are going to make a documentary about our event
They'll film you intensely. Everybody will be in the film
Me too? Everybody
to becoming the world champion and a national hero.
No stress
We'll try to stay out of your way and just film you training.
Luukkonen
Hi. Hello
We're in a bit of a hurry, so why don't we continue later
Good. See you
Good. Thank you
Does this have a name? - What?
Does your buddy have a name?
Elis, can you help me with the tie?
Can someone tie his tie?
Put the tie on him
We're ready. Please step in front of the camera.
Let's go, guys
All right then
Okay. Then just a hint of a smile
Look in the camera
Okay, try to concentrate now - All right.
Smile a little and
Everybody focus now
And another one
Good. Thank you
You don't need me anymore? - No.
Okay. Good
Which one? Take the red one
I should get on this?
Here? - Yes.
Will it hold? - Oh yes.
Looking good
Olli, don't be shy. Put your arms around her
Olli, I'll wait for you outside
Good. Look into the camera
Perfect. Good job, guys
Olli and I have an important dinner with a sponsor.
You can walk back to my place - Yeah.
Will you be all right? We won't be long.
I'll probably get lost in the first park. - Right
Don't take the suit off
I'll see you later, guys!
This one? - Yeah.
That's a lot of silverware - A bit too much.
We can eat here as often as we like
Of course you can't eat that much
but we can bring sponsors here
We only have to take a couple of photos with them. - Right.
Here he comes. Stay calm and cool
Oh. Hello
Hello. Olli Maki - Hello.
You like the food? - Very much.
I mean, we haven't eaten anything yet,
but the food we've seen looks good
I'll get the menu for you - Thank you.
Thank you
Let's get out of here - Take it easy now.
She'll help you. I'll get back to work. - Okay
We can take the photos after you've eaten. - Sure
All right then
Here you are, gentlemen The menu.
Okay. Thank you
How's your weight?
60 some odd kilos
What does "60 some odd" mean? - A little over 60.
Is everything okay? - Yes.
You realize this is damn important for you? - Of course.
Focus on what's important
We'll make sure that when all this is over,
you can say that August 17th, 1962
was the happiest day of your life - Yeah.
The bread is really good
Goodnight. - Goodnight
Can I take this bouquet? - Sure.
Hold this, please - Sure.
Thanks
Come here. Quick
Flowers? I thought I'd scare him
Throw them away Throw them away
I'll say they're from all of us - No.
I'll say you chose them
Give him the flowers
Something's wrong with my camera Can you give one more kiss?
Something's wrong
One more kiss, please
How have Olli's preparations gone?
Sorry, what was the question? How have your preparations gone?
They've gone very well Nothing special.
Maki has only fought ten matches as a professional.
Moore has fought 64 matches
more than half of which he's won by knockout.
Are you scared? No. Why should I be?
I'm happy to be able to fight such a good boxer.
At least I won't be losing to a bad one.
I'll fight, and we'll see what happens
"I'll fight, and... Why don't you write
Olli Maki isn't scared of anyone or anything
He won the European title in 1959
Of his ten professional matches he's won eight.
He's in incredible shape
This will be a great national sports event
We promise the audience we won't let them down.
Olli, you have to get your act together.- What?
You have to tell people you'll go through a wall if you have to, -
not "I'll fight, and we'll see what happens
Is everything okay? - Yes.
Bye.Bye
Can I be honest? - Of course. You have to be honest with me
You know, I think
I think I'm in love - Bye.
I see
This is a very bad moment to discuss things like that.
I had to tell you. I realized it at the press conference.
Can you deal with this... thing? - Sure.
We can't let anything come between you and the match
It's obvious that the match is my main goal at the moment.
Goddammit, Olli. What is this nonsense?
This is the shittiest moment to fall in love. - Yeah, yeah.
Get your act together Thanks, bye.
Ijust said that I'm in love. - Everything's okay, right?
What's so terrible about it? Ijust said...
This is what I meant
Olli, are you already under 57 kilos?
Not yet. He doesn't even need to be yet
I'm on schedule. But you will be under it?
Of course
That went well. Yes, it did. It was perfect
Speed! Way to go, Olli!
Faster!
Hey! My ankle's still bothering me
I'll buy us frankfurters - Oh.
I don't know if I can eat any
Sim Sala Bim
Wow. I love this
I can tell. - This is so much fun Let's go to the corner.
This is the best spot
Don't throw before he whistles
Fatima isn't here today
Now you can throw
Now they're swimming
A long run? - Yeah.
You ran all the way? Yeah, that's what happened
You rode your bike beside him?
Okay
I see. I see
Why did you lie to him? - He's under enough pressure as it is.
I can focus better when he's not on my back the whole time
I'll go take a shower
- Uh-huh.
A little harder
Good job, guys! - Olli!
Move your feet. Good
Hi. C'mon in. We'll warm up a bit
I think this would be a good spot for filming
Olli, that's enough
Come here. Come
Could you box for the camera? - How?
Pretend that the camera is your opponent. Like this
Right. Lights
Go ahead, box. I'll check how it looks
Box. Box
That's good. Roll it
Go ahead, box
Look cruel
Knock him out
Come closer. That's it
Thanks. That's enough - Yep. Thanks.
Damn good. This is what we need Excellent.
Thank you. Are we going to shoot the home scene today?
Hi. Hello
Go ahead, go in. Where do you want the plant?
Bring it in
Eevi and Snadi and Anneli Everybody in. Come.
Eevi, don't push the buttons Go to Mom. Go.
Look into the camera
Hi. Look into the camera
We don't need you yet
Let's start with Olli entering the house
Shall I enter alone or with Raija? - Alone.
Yeah, maybe it's better - Yeah.
Why don't you go there
Why couldn't Raija enter with me?
You're preparing for a world championship match
It doesn't look good if you have a chick on your arm all the time.
Shall we go out? Olli, please go outside
You'll greet him inside - Right.
You'll go outside, and I'll greet you inside
Shut the door
Hi. Hello
I see. Good. Thank you
Was it okay? I think it was really nice
Good
Pour the coffee, please
Pour coffee for Olli, please
Please go back to your place
Nice house - Yeah.
This belongs to an acquaintance of Elis. He doesn't use it.
I wonder what there is to do here. - Here? There's nothing to do here
Look inside
Au rig ht
What do you think?
Okay. Thank you
Hello. - Hello
When does the next train to Kokkola leave? -In an hour
Is it the last one today? - Yes, it is.
One ticket, please
Good. Keep your hands up Harder, Olli. Harder.
Move your feet. That's it. Keep your hands up all the time
Hi. Hello. Am I interrupting?
A little. What is it? I thought I'd go visit home
Ijust bought a ticket, and the train is leaving
Can you tell Olli? - Sure.
Take care. Have a good trip
Thanks
Olli, now it's starting to look What?
Did you tell her to leave? - Of course not.
She came here and said her train is leaving. But this is...
Oh, she said, "Take care
But this is starting to look good
I'll listen to your lungs
Take a deep breath
He has no business fighting in the adult weight class.
How much is it?
It's a little over
It's a little over... 60 - Over 60?
What the hell?
It's too damn much
Are you a clown? Are you a clown? - No, I'm not.
The weight is what it is
57 is too low
We agreed on this weeks ago We can't change it now.
Your class would've been right for me.
What? - 61 kilos would've been just right
How the hell can it be over 60?
How many weeks have I been telling you
you have to lose weight? How many weeks?
I've never failed to make the weight
Good
S
I'll go get some fresh air
Sit on the bench. That's good
Are you going to be okay? - Yeah, I'll be okay.
You want water?
No, I'll be fine
You look pretty serious in the picture.
I thought this was Olli's match but it's Elis's.
Elis Ask's world championship match." - Look at the poster.
Come take a photo with us - All right.
I see, high society is calling
Hello. Step in the middle
Show your fists - Well... Sure.
Thank you - Olli!
Gentlemen, this is Olli Maki
The match has been made possible by these gentlemen.
Hello. Olli
Hello
So this is what our new national hero looks like?
Well, let's fight first
but we want a world champion - Absolutely.
It's important that we have a home match
That way the Finnish people can support him. - That's right
It might be easier to fight in the home ring
but public support is really important.
How many tickets have you sold? - We still have about 4,000 left.
Could I use the phone? I need to take care of something
It's in the back - Thanks.
Hello - Hey
Hi, this is Olli
At the theater?
Yeah
No, that's okay. I can try again later
Tell her I said hi
Okay. Bye
What the hell? She wasn't home
Haven'tI mingled enough? - What are you doing?
Did I do something wrong? You need something?
You have problems? - No.
Those people are ready to give you money and support you.
And what do you do?
You sneak away to call the goddamn backwater town
What's wrong with you, Olli?
Boys, how about a group photo? - Of course.
World champion
Oh, you want to be in it too -Is it okay?
Time!
Olli, you're next
Au rig ht
Don't feel sorry for him!
Punch him!
Come on!
Punch him harder!
Good. Punch him! Don't feel sorry for him! - Time!
Good job!
All right. Now it's starting to look the way it should.
Goddammit,/
listen! How did you spend all our money?
We can 't live like this!
Get us money 1 don't care hom
Take your coats. We'll put them on downstairs
Daddy's going inside to say hi to a friend.
I'll be back soon. Wait in the car
What? You need to poop? Okay
just a moment
Wait in the car
Are you soaked?
Eevi needs to use the bathroom - Come on in.
That's why we needed to come in
Eevi needs to use the bathroom - Okay.
May she use the bathroom? - Sure It's on the left. Go ahead.
Go ahead
Go ahead, sit on the toilet
I have my daughter with me. She needed to use the bathroom
The others are waiting in the car The weather is pretty horrible.
We
How much do you need? just enough for daily expenses
For tomorrow and the day after tomorrow
300,000? 250,000?
200,000 is okay. Whatever you think is appropriate
I'll write you a check for 300,000
so that you can concentrate on your work.
Here you go. Thank you. This really helps
Your support is important
I hear Maki is a communist
Olli is an excellent boxer
I don't follow politics, so I don't know what he is
I promise you won't be disappointed
We're making a world champion here, so
Nice to hear
See you on Saturday then. Yes. Sorry for the disturbance
Let's get out quick
Thank you. Bye
Where's Eevi? Is she still in the bathroom?
Fucking hell
Wait here
Hello again. We... - We forgot his daughter in the bathroom.
Yes, we left the kid there Would it be possible...
Come on in. -Thank you
Thank you
Yeah
You have everything now? - Now we do. Thank you.
Hi, this is Olli
Is Raija home?
Right. Do you know when she'll be home?
Yeah. Okay
Well, bye then. Yes. Bye
BECOMING A CHAMPION IN AN AjANMIES SUIT
It arrives at 6:58 in Kokkola - Okay. I'll wait here.
Thank you. Welcome - Thanks.
Let's break it!
Now you get to go home
Bye. See you! - See you!
What are you thinking? - Nothing.
You're thinking about something
It's impossible to stop thinking
I ran away - Why?
I couldn't focus there. - Can you focus here?
Come help me put these away
They get mad ifI leave stuff lying around
Goddammit Olli Whats wrong with you? - Right
The arena is full of people who want to see you train.
But you run to some goddamn backwoods! - Err, well
I'm training here
Vou understand? Get back here immediately!
Tomorrow. Vou understand?
Yes. Good. Right. Bye - Vou have to train...
How are things in Helsinki? - They're good.
Don't you want to eat with us? - I still have to lose weight.
That's terrible. You're so skinny as it is
At least have coffee. - Sure. I'll have a cup
I have to pedal fast here
The road is a bit soft
Hold on
Here's a cun/e
You have to come to Helsinki with me. - Again?
I can't focus if you're not there
What do you think I am?
You can't come here just because you're scared
to be somewhere else - It's not that.
That's how you behave - Ijust...
What if I lose?
What if people are disappointed in me
and realize I'm not the guy they advertised?
What if you're disappointed?
How could I be disappointed when I haven't asked anything of you?
If anyone's disappointed
it's because of his own stupid fantasies
You're not responsible for them
Is that so? - Yes, it is
Will you marry me?
Will you become the world champion?
Of course I will
Okay, I'll marry you
Okay, let's get going
Imagine a sold-out crowd shouting "Olli! Olli! Olli!"
A terrible thought. - A terrible thought?
You might think you're modest,
but do you realize how your modesty sounds?
I'm doing all this for you
Dozens of people are here working for you
Maybe that's not exactly what I want.
What is it that you want? I want to be left in peace
Peace?
When 30,000 people are watching you getting beat up? - No, I...
I want peace before the match
"How are you feeling?" The film crew and this damn circus
You have to understand
that this damn circus pays for everything.
This isn't an amateur match
where your mom's selling tickets and your dad's selling pretzels.
Welcome to professional sports
The scale is totally different
Of course I want to fight the match. Ijust
...wish I didn't have to deal with all the people and the fuss
We can't have the match at the Workers' Hall in your small town
Raffle tickets. 20 marks each!
Pretzels, 30 marks a piece!
Davey Moore alone cost 12 million
I understand, but I'd just like to focus alone in peace
If you want peace, I'll arrange it for you
We
Are you going to be okay?
Yeah, I'll be fine
Huh?
Davey Moore
56.5 kilos
Then Olli Maki - Olli.
Can you hold this?
Take your shorts off Take them off.
Olli Maki
56.98 kilos
Thank you
Good job. Great
You did it. Olli, you did it
Oh, we're taking pictures Let's go.
Olli, come take pictures with us
Yes, we'll take these - Okay.
What do you want engraved on them? - What do people usually have?
The date and the names
Why don't you write
Raija and Olli, August 17th, 1962
Is that okay? - Yeah.
Okay. You can pick these up on Monday. - Yes.
just a moment - Thank you.
Remember that you've worked a hell of a lot for this.
You've practiced in the best possible way
You'll go out there and enjoy
Show them what you know
Don't be afraid of anything not even losing.
You know you're safe
If it starts going bad, we'll always be there for you
Is there anything else I can do for you?
No. I'm ready
Dear friends of boxing.
ladies and gentlemen, for the #rst time in Hnlanai
a world championship match.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Placing second in the 7 .957 European Amateur Championships
winner of the 7 959 European lightweight title.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Baker of /(okkola, Olli Maki
Keep your hands up. That's good
Good
Keep your feet moving
You're doing great!
All right, go
Move your feet
That's the way
Good.Good
Get up. Get up
Get up!
Hands up
Get up. Up!
Put your hands up
Hands
What happened?
- It's over.
I couldn't see anything
Ladies and gentlemen
The winner and still champion Davey Moore.
I couldn't see him coming
I thinkI had my chin too high
Olli, how are you feeling?
I don't have much to say, it happened so quickly.
How would you describe the match?
I think it was the easiest match of my professional career -
in the sense that it was over so quickly
This was over after two rounds - Make some room, will you?
Put the camera down
Elis, could you stand in the middle and pose for the camera with Olli?
We're going to take the final shot
S
Let's go take the shot - Oh. Sure.
Should we leave? - What?
Do you want to leave?
Or should we just leave now?
Olli. Come here
Raija and I are leaving - No. Come here.
Bye!
You think we'll be like them?
You mean old? Yes, and happy
Of course we will
Okay
One, two
Translated by Aretta Vahala Proofread by Rich Lyons