Sisu (2022), directed by Jalmari Helander, is a gritty Finnish action film set during the final days of World War II. It delivers a high-octane, blood-soaked adventure that blends war drama with revenge thriller, giving viewers a raw and intense viewing experience.

Plot Summary:

The film follows Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a grizzled, solitary prospector living in the Finnish wilderness. After striking gold, he encounters a retreating Nazi battalion led by the brutal SS officer Bruno Helldorf (Aksel Hennie). The Nazis, upon discovering his fortune, attempt to rob and kill him. What they don’t realize is that Aatami is a legendary ex-soldier with unmatched survival and combat skills. What follows is a relentless, brutal cat-and-mouse chase as Aatami takes on the entire Nazi unit with sheer determination, turning his quest for survival into a violent quest for vengeance.

Strengths:

• Action and Choreography: The film’s action sequences are intense, bloody, and creatively staged. Helander expertly crafts scenes that highlight Aatami’s resourcefulness and deadly skills, whether it’s brutal hand-to-hand combat or inventive use of the environment to dispatch his enemies. The action is relentless and visceral, with an almost John Wick-like flair, but set against the bleak backdrop of war-torn Finland.
• Visual Style and Cinematography: The desolate Finnish wilderness is captured beautifully, providing a stark contrast to the violence that unfolds. The landscapes, along with the muted, gritty cinematography, create a visually striking film that feels both raw and

• Characterization of Aatami: Aatami Korpi is a man of few words but immense presence. Jorma Tommila’s silent, stoic performance conveys strength, determination, and pain without needing much dialogue. His character’s backstory as a legendary soldier is revealed through his actions, making him a mythic figure of vengeance.

• Pacing and Tension: The film wastes no time getting into the action and keeps a tight pace throughout. Its lean runtime ensures that the tension never lets up, and the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Aatami and the Nazis is thrilling to watch. The film knows when to pull back and when to unleash chaos, making for a tightly constructed narrative.
• Dark Humor and Hyperviolence: Though primarily a violent war film, Sisu carries elements of dark humor, particularly in the exaggerated ways Aatami dispatches his enemies. The over-the-top violence, while brutal, has a pulpy, almost comic-book quality to it at times, reminiscent of films like Mad Max: Fury Road.

Weaknesses:

• Simple Storyline: The plot is straightforward and doesn’t offer much in terms of complexity or emotional depth. It’s essentially a revenge survival story with little exploration of character arcs or motivations beyond the surface level. This might make it feel one-dimensional for viewers looking for more narrative depth.
• Character Development: While Aatami is a compelling protagonist, the supporting characters, particularly the Nazis, are fairly one-note. Bruno Helldorf and his men are mostly there to serve as cannon fodder for Aatami’s revenge. The lack of fleshed-out antagonists makes the conflict less personal, though it still works as a straightforward good-vs-evil tale.
• Violence May Be Over-the-Top for Some: The film’s unrelenting violence, while stylish and well-executed, may not appeal to all viewers. Those sensitive to graphic content or who prefer subtler action might find the film too excessive in its gore and brutality.

Conclusion:

Sisu is a highly entertaining, brutal action film that thrives on its simplicity and relentless pace. With a strong central performance from Jorma Tommila, stunning visuals, and inventive, violent action sequences, it’s a movie that knows exactly what it is—a raw, revenge-fueled survival thriller. While its story may be simple and the violence intense, it’s a satisfying ride for fans of action and war films, especially those who enjoy a touch of dark humor and hyper-stylized combat.