In the Hall of Fame for Christmas movies, the 1951 version of Scrooge with Alistair Sim in the title role leads all the rest. There can be no argument about that, and if you disagree with me you are worse than Hitler. However, there are a number of contenders for the Number Two spot on the list. One of those who can justly be considered is a 2010 Finnish movie entitled Rare Exports.
I will not spoil the plot for you but I will give you some context that will help you understand this cinematic treat. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Christmas customs in northern and central Europe contained a number of very scary gift-bringers, such as Berchta the Disemboweller who might just as easily slit your stomach open as give you a present. In Finland there was Joulupukki, or the fierce Yule Goat with some very unpleasant habits. These frightening creatures were gradually replaced by a kindly Santa Claus figure, though they retained their old names. In Rare Exports, young Pietari learns the grim origins of Joulupukki at the same time that strange doings are afoot on the mountain where the Yule Goat is said to live.
There are genuinely tense moments in this movie so I wouldn’t recommend it for small children but there is humour and love too, and a wonderful ending that will have you laughing out loud.