In the 19th century, the capricious Baltic Sea sets the stage for Maja’s story. Married against her will to the fisherman Janne, Maja moves to a remote island in the Åland archipelago. There, the 17-year-old girl endures hard work during her husband’s long absences. As Maja matures within a traditional value system, she starts to recognize the changing times, where women begin to gain more autonomy. Amidst the challenges brought by nature and the new epoch, tender feelings blossom between Maja and Janne, helping them navigate the turbulence of life.

Based on Anni Blomqvist’s’s five-part novel series, this film is the most successful Finnish movie of recent years and a viewer favorite. The story was previously adapted into a series in the early 1970s and now, the latest screen adaptation, created in Sweden, is directed by Tampere-born actress and director Limi. Her direction brings out the dramatic natural elements, strong acting, and a contemporary yet faithful interpretation of Blomqvist’s novel. The film presents an honest, balanced view of contemporary life and the olden times, set against the gray-and-blue Baltic coast and seafaring folk of the 19th century. It’s a warm and cozy film reminiscent of Blaumanis’ novels.