Sisu: Movie Review

The word “Sisu” is Finnish and describes someone with extraordinary determination in the face of extreme adversity.  Astami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a war veteran turned gold miner would give John Wick a run for his money when it comes to how much pain and suffering he can take, all while dishing it out. Set during the Lapland War in late 1944, a Wehrmacht platoon led by Bruno Helldort (Aksel Hennie) and his right hand sniper Wolf (Jack Doolan) have just left a city that they decimated with their weapons. The Nazi solders also happen to have a group of women prisoners which they use for their own pleasures, one of them is Aino (Mimosa Willamo) who is clearly ready to put down her captors, once given the opportunity.

When they solders come across Astami, they let him pass at first, but it doesn’t take long for the gold minor to come across more Nazis, where he pretty much rips them apart when they try to take his gold. Hearing gun shots in the distance, Helldort turns back, only to find the bloody remains and a little gold. This is where he decides to go after Astami and that is when the real fun begins.

This is definitely not a dialogue driven film, as there isn’t a whole lot spoken. Especially by Astami. No, this is a full-on action bloodbath that looks like a historical war film. Think John Wick meets First Blood, but much bloodier than both films combined.  Written and directed by Jalmari Helander, there isn’t much of a story here. However, there is a whole lot of fun to be had, even if things start to feel a bit repetitive at times. Tommila absolutely sells the character and comes across as a total badass. Much of the violence is so over the top that laughing at it may be the reaction for many.  If you want to see Nazi’s explode from having landmines tossed at their heads, Sisu is definitely the film for you.

By: Marc Ferman