Sisu – Film Review

During the last days of World War II, a solitary prospector crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northern Finland. When the soldiers decide to steal his gold, they quickly discover they just tangled with no ordinary miner.

In the depths of war-torn Finland, where desperation and violence hang heavy in the air, director Jalmari Helander‘s Sisu offers a glimpse into the last days of World War II. With a bold and captivating lead performance from Jorma Tommila as the incredibly badass and deadly Aatami Korpi, this film takes viewers on a dark and gritty journey through a scorched-earth retreat.

From the very beginning, Sisu sets the stage with an impressively grim atmosphere that seeps into every frame. The cinematography by Kjell Lagerroos further enhances this tone, utilizing a desaturated color palette and stark landscapes to reflect the desolation of the war-torn setting. The hauntingly beautiful shots of the northern Finnish wilderness add an additional layer of depth to the film, making it an immersive visual experience.

Tommila’s performance as Aatami Korpi is undeniably the highlight of the film. He exudes a rugged and weathered charisma that instantly draws viewers into his world. Korpi is a man of few words but immense strength, and Tommila effortlessly embodies the character’s determination and survival instincts. His physicality and presence on screen command attention, and it’s clear that Tommila fully commits to the role, delivering a performance that is both intense and nuanced.

While Sisu promises intense action sequences, it falls slightly short of expectations. The few action scenes present in the film are indeed entertaining, showcasing Aatami Korpi’s skills and resourcefulness. However, they lack the bloody and over-the-top nature that was hyped up in the film’s trailer. It feels as though the best parts were already revealed in the promotional material, leaving audiences craving for more. Nonetheless, the action that does unfold on screen is well-choreographed and maintains a certain level of excitement.

One aspect that hampers the rewatchability factor of Sisu is its similarity in execution to the popular John Wick movies. While the film stands on its own and has its unique elements, the core premise of a lone protagonist facing off against an onslaught of adversaries feels familiar. The gritty action, the relentless pursuit, and the high-stakes showdowns have been explored in other films, and Sisu doesn’t bring much new to the table in terms of storytelling. As a result, it may not have the lasting impact that compels viewers to revisit it repeatedly.

That being said, Sisu is an entertaining enough movie to watch, especially for those who appreciate gritty action thrillers. The compelling performance by Jorma Tommila and the atmospheric cinematography create a world that pulls viewers in, immersing them in the harsh realities of war-torn Finland. The film successfully captures the desperation and violence of the era, providing a glimpse into a dark and unforgiving chapter of history.

Sisu showcases the talents of its lead actor, Jorma Tommila, who delivers a standout performance as the formidable Aatami Korpi. The film’s grim atmosphere, aided by the cinematography, effectively sets the stage for the story. However, the lack of substantial and bloodier action scenes, as well as the similarity to other films in the genre, detracts from its overall impact. While Sisu is an enjoyable watch, it falls short of being a truly remarkable and rewatchable film.