The complex structure of the film The River is anchored by two key events: the sound of a military plane breaking the sound barrier one early Saturday morning, and a group of kids bungee jumping in the town square. For the kids involved, this activity represents an act of bravado, but the film’s true focus is on other characters who must consider much more significant and courageous leaps of faith. The cast of characters in this film mosaic covers every conceivable age group and class. Two pre-teen punks spot a neighbourhood girl wandering into the river with her baby in her arms. Ilpo wants to leave work early because he’s feeling ill but seems reluctant to do so even though he can barely stand. Milja balances her deathly-ill husband’s wishes against the recommendations of his doctor. Prodigal son and failed musician Esa arrives to celebrate his father’s sixtieth birthday but the latter is nowhere to be seen. Santieri is taunted because he backs out of a bungee jump at the last minute – but he is actually wrestling with far more serious issues. Waitress Leena, who’s just met the love of her life, arrives late for work in a pizzeria, only to face her co-workers’ loneliness.