Class Reunion: Why this 'absolutely terrible' film became a phenomenon that drew half a million Finns

When you look back at the spring of 2015, what's the first thing that comes to mind? I, for one, distinctly remember one debate that split opinion on the pub smoking terrace: is Class Reunion the funniest Finnish comedy ever made, or something else entirely? The fact is, it got everyone talking.

Now, years later, this film – starring Renny Harlin and scheduled for a Monday night TV slot – is back in the spotlight. And while time can be unforgiving, you have to admit the movie remains a perfect example of how American Pie: Reunion-style humour was transplanted onto Finnish soil. It was sometimes a bit of a forced fit, but above all, it was a massive crowd-pleaser.

Half a million Finns can't be wrong – or can they?

Back in the day, the reception was harsh. It was described as "primitive crude comedy" and even "utterly awful rubbish." Yet, over half a million Finns went to the cinema to see it. That's a figure you can't put down to mere curiosity. We wanted to see what it looked like when Finnish men tried their hand at an American-style comedy. And when it worked, it worked. The film was such a big hit that it spawned two sequels – a rare feat in Finnish cinema.

So, what actually works about this film?

Watching it now, you realise it doesn't try to be anything other than pure entertainment. It's like that hilarious bloke in your class who sometimes oversteps the mark, but you still enjoy having a pint with him. The film is packed with situations we've all joked about with our mates:

• The awkwardness of old patterns: No one's really changed, but everyone's pretending they have.
• Unapologetic humour: It's crude, it's direct, and at times it's so daft you just have to watch.
• Nostalgia: It takes you back to the days when the class reunion was the highlight of the year – an event you'd dress up for and really make an effort.

Why is Class Reunion still a talking point?

Repeats on TV always pull in an audience. It's as if the Class Reunion brand has become a phenomenon in its own right. It's not just a film; it's an experience. It's a reminder that we Finns can laugh at ourselves. Even if that laughter is sometimes a bit forced and through gritted teeth, it's genuine. This is our version of that American lads' comedy, made on our own terms.

So, next time you're channel-hopping and stumble across it, don't automatically flick past. Give it a chance. Remember the days you were wondering what to wear to your own school reunion. Or what it felt like seeing an old flame for the first time in years. Because, for all the criticism it received, it succeeded in one crucial thing: it made us feel something. And that's more than many so-called "art films" manage to achieve.

Today, we know that a Finnish comedy in the vein of American Pie: Reunion was a gamble that paid off. It wasn't perfect, but it was ours. And that's absolutely fine.