Sisu (2022)

Sisu is a Finnish action film directed by Jalmari Helander, known for his previous work on Rare Exports and Big Game. The film takes place in the untamed wilderness of Finland’s Lapland region towards the conclusion of the Second World War. It follows Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a lone man who finds gold and decides to take on a group of Nazis who want it from him.

The film is a pastiche of different genres, mixing elements of Spaghetti Western, war film, and Looney Tunes-style ridiculous adventure. This latest movie from Helander is an action film that is often gory and absurd, and it seems to take pleasure in its own ridiculousness. The main aim of Sisu is to kill as many Nazis as possible in novel and exciting ways — and, without doubt, achieves that goal.

The movie’s plot is narratively lean, but it is deliriously gory and inspired. The film piles bodies as high as a Rambo death count, and the violence is played as precise slapstick, which manages to avoid monotony through Helander’s dextrous handling. The combination of deadpan tenor and extreme violence creates a unique, absurd, and entertaining tone.

The acting and characters in the movie are well done, with Jorma Tommila’s portrayal of Aatami Korpi being a standout performance. The film’s direction, score, cinematography, and production design are all skillfully executed, blending elements of Spaghetti Western, gritty war film, and exaggerated adventure.

Sisu is a bloody and absurd action film that is sure to satisfy action fans. Some viewers may find the violence and gore too much to handle. However, if you’re looking for an entertaining movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Sisu is definitely worth a watch.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)