🎬 Sisu (2022)
“Sisu” (2022): A Blood-Soaked Action Odyssey of Survival and Revenge
“Sisu”, directed by Jalmari Helander, is a gritty and unrelenting action film that takes audiences on a journey through the harsh landscapes of Lapland during the closing days of World War II. With its blend of visceral violence, minimalistic storytelling, and larger-than-life heroics, the film pays homage to classic revenge tales while carving out its own brutal identity.
The word “sisu” itself is a Finnish term that embodies stoic determination, grit, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds—a perfect encapsulation of the film’s protagonist and the bloody odyssey that unfolds.
Plot Summary
Set in 1944, Sisu follows Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a former Finnish soldier turned prospector. Living a solitary life in the wilderness, Aatami discovers a fortune in gold during one of his expeditions. His dreams of peace and prosperity are shattered when he crosses paths with retreating Nazi forces led by the ruthless SS officer Bruno Helldorf (Aksel Hennie).
What ensues is a relentless chase as Aatami, armed with sheer willpower and survival instincts, takes on an entire Nazi platoon determined to steal his gold. Fueled by his tragic past and unwavering resolve, Aatami transforms into a one-man army, mowing through his enemies with brutal efficiency while showcasing a near-mythical resilience.
Themes of Survival and Defiance
At its core, Sisu is a tale of survival and defiance. Aatami is not a traditional hero but an avatar of unyielding resistance against tyranny. His refusal to surrender—whether to the Nazis or the harsh elements of Lapland—symbolizes a larger theme of enduring human spirit.
The film also explores themes of greed and oppression. The Nazis’ obsession with gold mirrors their larger history of plundering resources and subjugating nations, making their eventual downfall at Aatami’s hands deeply satisfying. The contrast between Aatami’s stoic simplicity and the Nazis’ hubristic greed adds a moral underpinning to the carnage.
A Minimalistic Storytelling Approach
Sisu thrives on simplicity. Dialogue is sparse, with much of the storytelling relying on visuals, action, and the stoic presence of Jorma Tommila. Aatami barely speaks throughout the film, but his actions and expressions convey volumes. This minimalistic approach allows the audience to project their emotions onto the character, enhancing the visceral connection to his journey.
Helander’s decision to forgo extensive backstory works in the film’s favor. Aatami’s past as a legendary commando who lost everything to the war is hinted at through sparse details, leaving the audience to piece together his history. This restraint heightens his mythic aura, making him less a man and more a force of nature.
Action and Violence: Relentless and Visceral
The action in Sisu is unflinching and brutally creative. Aatami’s methods of dispatching his enemies range from the practical to the grotesquely inventive, including landmine traps, hand-to-hand combat, and improvised weapons. Helander stages the violence with a mix of gritty realism and over-the-top spectacle, evoking comparisons to films like John Wick and Mad Max: Fury Road.
The violence is not merely gratuitous; it serves to emphasize Aatami’s indomitable spirit. Even when outnumbered and outgunned, he refuses to back down, using his environment and ingenuity to level the playing field. Each kill feels earned, and every injury he suffers reinforces his near-superhuman will to survive.
Jorma Tommila’s Towering Performance
Jorma Tommila delivers a powerhouse performance as Aatami Korpi. Without much dialogue, he conveys an entire spectrum of emotions—grief, rage, determination—with subtle expressions and physicality. His weathered face and piercing gaze tell the story of a man who has endured unimaginable loss and emerged as a hardened survivor.
Tommila’s portrayal makes Aatami both relatable and mythic. He is an everyman pushed to extraordinary extremes, a symbol of resilience that transcends the specifics of his character’s story. His physicality in the action scenes is equally impressive, lending credibility to the film’s intense combat sequences.
Aksel Hennie as the Villain
Opposite Tommila, Aksel Hennie delivers a chilling performance as SS officer Bruno Helldorf. Bruno is a quintessential Nazi antagonist—cruel, calculating, and utterly devoid of humanity. While his character lacks the depth of Aatami, Hennie imbues him with enough menace to make him a formidable foil.
Bruno’s growing frustration and fear as Aatami dismantles his forces piece by piece adds a layer of dark humor to the film. His arrogance and belief in the superiority of his forces are systematically shattered, turning him from a menacing figure into a desperate man clinging to survival.
Stunning Cinematography and Atmosphere
The film’s setting in the desolate wilderness of Lapland is as much a character as Aatami or the Nazis. Cinematographer Kjell Lagerroos captures the stark beauty of the Finnish landscape, from sweeping vistas to claustrophobic swamps. The barren environment mirrors Aatami’s internal emptiness while serving as the perfect stage for the brutal cat-and-mouse game that unfolds.
The muted color palette, dominated by earthy tones and icy blues, enhances the film’s bleak atmosphere. The visual contrast between the pristine natural landscapes and the grim violence underscores the film’s themes of survival and resilience.
A Homage to Genre Cinema
Sisu wears its influences proudly. The film borrows elements from spaghetti Westerns, war films, and grindhouse cinema, combining them into a uniquely Finnish experience. Aatami’s silent demeanor and relentless pursuit of justice evoke Clint Eastwood’s iconic characters, while the over-the-top violence recalls Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.
The film’s pacing and structure are reminiscent of classic action-revenge narratives, with a straightforward plot that allows the action to take center stage. Helander’s direction strikes a balance between homage and originality, creating a film that feels both familiar and fresh.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Raw and Relentless Action: The film delivers some of the most inventive and visceral action sequences in recent cinema.
- Minimalistic Storytelling: By focusing on visual storytelling, Sisu creates a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant experience.
- Jorma Tommila’s Performance: Tommila anchors the film with a stoic yet magnetic portrayal of Aatami.
- Cinematography: The stark beauty of the Finnish landscape enhances the film’s atmosphere and themes.
- Genre Homage: The film successfully blends elements of various genres, creating a unique and exhilarating experience.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Character Depth for Villains: While Aksel Hennie is menacing as Bruno, the Nazis are largely one-dimensional caricatures.
- Predictable Plot: The straightforward narrative leaves little room for surprises, relying on the execution of its action rather than twists.
- Limited Exploration of Themes: The film’s focus on action occasionally overshadows deeper exploration of its thematic undercurrents.
Themes of National Identity and Resistance
Beyond its action-packed exterior, Sisu resonates as a story of national pride and resistance. Set against the backdrop of Finland’s harrowing experiences during World War II, the film celebrates the country’s spirit of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Aatami embodies this ethos, becoming a symbol of defiance against tyranny.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Sisu is a testament to the enduring appeal of stories about ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges. Its success lies in its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, delivering a universally relatable narrative of survival and resistance. The film’s unapologetic embrace of violence and heroism ensures its place among modern action classics.
Conclusion
Sisu (2022) is a ferocious and unrelenting action film that delivers on its promise of bloody revenge and gritty survival. Anchored by Jorma Tommila’s powerhouse performance and Jalmari Helander’s assured direction, the film offers a visceral cinematic experience that pays homage to genre cinema while carving out its own identity.
For fans of action-revenge stories, Sisu is an absolute must-watch. It’s a brutal, blood-soaked thrill ride that reminds us of the power of grit, determination, and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.
Rating: 8.5/10
