Jope – Just Think for Yourself

Jope – Just Think for Yourself

Documentary | Feb. 10, 2023

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.

Jope – Just Think for Yourself

Documentary | Feb. 10, 2023

Jope – Just Think for Yourself
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.
IMDb rating 7.1
Producers Yellow Film & TV
Original title Jope ite
Directors Marko Talli
Writers Nikke Bagge, Mika Räinä

Cast

Jope Ruonansuu

as Self (Archive footage)

Klaus Thomasson

as Self

Ilkka Vainio

as Self

Risto Asikainen

as Self

Vicky Rosti

as Self

Mato Valtonen

as Self

Timo Koivusalo

as Self

Outi Alanen

as Self

Sauli Niinistö

as Self