Tom of Finland portrays the life of Touko Laaksonen, who had a significant influence on gay culture in the 20th century. Moving between the present and the past, this film views his life and art as a gay, capturing the essence of the time. We follow his progress from his discharge from military service during World War II to the closed and oppressive Finnish society of his birth. Here he finds a release for his desires and enforced feelings of guilt via illustrations of sexy, muscular male characters in black leather, eventually becoming known as “Tom of Finland.” Music amplifies the emotion and immerses the viewer; the repeated and elegant background music and sweet melodies, played during the scenes of him stealing Nipa’s heart at a picnic and the moment they enjoy life as a couple, make the power of love truly beautiful. Tom of Finland boasts exceptional coloring and a solid structure, as well as skills of leading mature Scandinavian director Dome Karukoski. (RHEE Souewon)