Tom of Finland (2017)

In the riveting cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of Touko Laaksonen, world-renowned as Tom of Finland, award-winning director Dome Karukoski masterfully illuminates the journey of one of the most iconic influencers of gay culture in the twentieth century. The narrative unveils the saga of a decorated military officer, Laaksonen, who returns home to a post-World War II Finland, only to confront a new battlefront - the pervasive persecution of homosexuals in a supposedly peaceful peacetime Helsinki. Haunted by the specters of both heroic and harrowing experiences from the war, Touko increasingly finds solace in the liberating contours of his art. He begins to channel his struggles through his pencil, crafting a series of homoerotic drawings, a celebration of muscular men, devoid of societal fetters. These drawings, marked by the signature 'Tom of Finland,' become more than just art - they morph into a resounding voice for a suppressed generation, sparking the kindling of a revolutionary wave in the gay community. Navigating between societal pressures and personal truths, pressured into matrimony and parenthood, Touko's life mirrors the struggle of many. His art becomes his refuge, his rebellion, and ultimately his legacy. The film 'Tom of Finland' paints a compelling portrait of an artist's endurance and influence, capturing the essence of a man whose work ignited the flame of a long-awaited revolution.

Tom of Finland is a drama movie featuring Pekka Strang and directed by Dome Karukoski.

Tom of Finland is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Tom of Finland on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.