Väino Laes
Acting
Biography
Väino Laes (born September 26, 1951 in Jõhvi) is an Estonian actor. In 1974 he graduated from Tallinn State Conservatory. From 1978 to 1989 he worked at Rakvere Theatre, 1989–1995 in Estonian Drama Theatre, and since 1995 in Vanalinnastuudio. He has also starred in several films. In 1992 he was a nominee for the European Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Laes has been in a long-term relationship with actress Erika Kaljusaar since 1980. The couple reside in the village of Padise in Harju County, with a summer home and small farm on the island of Saaremaa.
Born: September 26, 1951
Place of Birth: Jõhvi, Ida-Viru County, Estonian SSR, USSR [now Estonia]
Known For
Midday
The film based on Eno Raua's stories "Päris kriminnene lugu" and "Telepathic lugu" takes the viewer to a summer town in Estonia, where boys and girls meet with exciting adventures, dreams and falling in love. There are no real forensics and telepathy here, but it is about the disappearance and finding of a little boy. In addition to adventures, the main characters find something else - both in life and in themselves.
Arabella, the Pirate's Daughter
Arabella is a daughter of the world's most terrifying pirate captain. She loves her father but also dreams about a life of a usual girl. One day a weird stranger is saved from the sea who will be the only friend of Arabella. At the same time a rival pirate called Raudpats plans to kidnap the girl. Will she be safe and can she ever live a normal life?
Lamb in the Down Right Corner
A warm movie about two boys, who discover a secret of a painting that was considered to be lost. The adventures begin, when a boss of a bunch of criminals finds out about the painting.
City Unplugged
In August, 1991, Estonia reclaims its independence from the USSR and brings to its national bank nearly $1 billion in gold bullion hidden in Paris for 50 years. Russian mobsters have a bold plan to hijack the gold after shutting down the capital's power at midnight
Jüri Rumm
Jüri Rumm is a hot-tempered young peasant who is not afraid of either German barons or the Russian czar, barfights or disobedience to his master's orders. Mari, a gentle peasant girl, loves Jüri despite the fact that he is very popular among young women. Evelin is a quick-tempered baron's daughter who is used to get everything she wants, including a peasant boyfriend who considers himself a free man. Yet, the free man becomes an outlaw. Where will the runaway's love lead him?
Names in Marble
Despite peaceful speeches, the army of the Soviet Russian is attacking Estonia, and the country's government is declaring a mobilization for all. Henn Ahas, the son of a poor family, hesitates to go to war.
Autumn
The main character of the film is Paunvere tailor Jorh Adniel Kiir. Two young seamstresses, Juuli and Maali, arrive in Paunvere. At first, Kiir regards them as competitors, but then he establishes friendly relations with them. Kiir marries Juuli, but he is not indifferent to Maali either. The film also follows Kiir's efforts to get his own farm.
Dear Mister Moon
When two half-sisters, thirteen-year-old white-haired Sigrid and seven-year-old black-blooded Saara meet for the first time, it turns out that their common grandmother has been taken to a nursing home. The girls come up with the idea to steal him from there and hide him in the attic where they can be with her undisturbed. Everything goes well beyond expectations until drunkards, thugs and extortionists intervene and the girls have to act decisively to escape from them.
The Joys of Midlife
Five people who have recently reached middle-age are driving through Estonia to visit a famous witch-therapist to get rid of their problems. The somber-funny road movie gives a good overview of the life, people and daily problems in Estonia at the end of the Soviet period.
Awakening
It is the night of March 25, 1949. A full moon hangs over Estonia. Endless rows of cattle cars are waiting to transport thousands of Estonian families, asleep in their homes, to Siberia. The Stalinist regime is ready to treat people like animals.
Filmography
as Father
as Treener
as Red Patrolman at the Train Station
as Uncle Oskar
as Count von Rellingshausen
as Andres
as Jakob
as Peeter
as Oskar Luts
as Arnold
as Customer at the Mall
as Bandit
as Gendarme #1
as Chimney Sweeper
as (uncredited)
as Servant