Finnish film SISU is a visually stunning,action-packed Finnish blockbuster that sets new benchmark for European action cinema !!

Review of the Finnish Film ‘‘SISU’’ (2022) directed by Jalmari Helander © film critic Lalit Rao (FIPRESCI) dated 16.02.2025 

 

 

Finnish cinema has long been synonymous with the arthouse sensibilities of auteurs such as Aki Kaurismäki and Mika Kaurismäki, whose works explore existentialism, social commentary, and the quirks of Finnish life. However, Sisu (2022), directed by Jalmari Helander, marks a significant departure from this tradition, positioning Finnish cinema on the global blockbuster stage. This action-packed film, with its relentless energy and breathtaking cinematography, proves that Finland can produce not just poetic and introspective films but also exhilarating, large-scale action spectacles that resonate with audiences worldwide.

 

From the very first frame, Sisu establishes itself as a visually stunning and visceral experience. Helander crafts an old-school action movie infused with European sensibility, distinguishing it from the hyper-stylized violence of American auteur Quentin Tarantino’s films, to which many viewers have compared Sisu. While Tarantino's works are deeply rooted in American culture and history, Sisu remains an unapologetically European film, celebrating the Finnish spirit of resilience and survival.

 

The word Sisu itself is a uniquely Finnish concept that defies direct translation but encapsulates qualities of immense courage, determination, and an almost superhuman ability to endure hardship. The film embodies this spirit through the protagonist, Aatami Korpi (played with remarkable intensity by Jorma Tommila), a hardened war veteran who has chosen to leave the chaos of World War II behind to seek peace in the vast and desolate Lapland wilderness. However, his dreams of solitude and prosperity are shattered when he encounters a group of ruthless Nazi soldiers who not only loot his hard-earned gold but also humiliate and attempt to kill him. What follows is a gripping, blood-soaked revenge saga, as Korpi transforms into an unstoppable one-man killing machine, determined to reclaim what is his. 

 

Although Sisu takes inspiration from the legendary exploits of real-life Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä—who famously eliminated over 500 Russian soldiers during the Winter War—it is not a traditional war film. Instead, it plays more like a Western, with its lone protagonist facing overwhelming odds against a group of well-armed enemies. This genre-bending approach gives Sisu a unique identity, making it feel fresh despite its familiar revenge-driven plot.

 

Unlike conventional action films that rely on rapid-fire dialogue and exposition, Sisu embraces silence as one of its greatest strengths. The film has very little dialogue, and what is spoken feels purposeful and necessary. Korpi, in particular, hardly utters a word throughout the film, yet Tommila’s performance conveys a deep well of emotion—anger, pain, and an unbreakable will to survive. This silent yet expressive approach makes Sisu a meditative experience, drawing viewers into its world through atmosphere and visual storytelling rather than lengthy conversations.

 

Despite its contemplative pace, Sisu delivers some of the most brutal and inventive action sequences seen in recent cinema. The film does not shy away from violence, but it presents it with an almost poetic intensity. Korpi is not portrayed as an invincible superhero but as a man who refuses to give up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Each kill is executed with precision, and the film finds creative ways to make every encounter thrilling. Whether he is taking down enemies with improvised weapons, enduring near-death experiences, or simply staring down his adversaries with an unwavering gaze, Korpi’s presence is magnetic.

 

On the antagonist front, Aksel Hennie delivers a chilling performance as Bruno Helldorf, the sadistic Nazi commander leading the platoon that crosses Korpi’s path. Helldorf is a pragmatic villain, willing to kill even his own men if it means advancing his own interests. His ruthless nature and cunning tactics make him a formidable adversary, ensuring that the battle between him and Korpi is as psychological as it is physical.

 

While Sisu excels in its action, cinematography, and storytelling, one aspect that may draw criticism from more astute cinephiles—particularly female audiences—is the limited presence of well-developed female characters. Women in the film primarily serve as background figures, with little agency of their own. Some may argue that this choice fits the film’s historical and thematic context, but it is an element that could have been explored more meaningfully.

 

From a technical standpoint, Sisu is a triumph. Kjell Lagerroos’ cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the raw beauty of the Finnish landscape while also enhancing the film’s grim, war-torn atmosphere. The golden-hued expanses of Lapland contrast starkly with the blood-soaked brutality of the battle scenes, creating a striking visual juxtaposition. The musical score, composed by Juri Seppä and Tuomas Wäinölä, further elevates the film, blending hauntingly atmospheric sounds with pulse-pounding action beats. The result is an auditory experience that complements the film’s relentless energy and emotional depth.

 

Structurally, Sisu is divided into seven chapters, a stylistic choice that adds a literary feel to the narrative. This division allows the story to unfold in a measured, almost episodic manner, giving each segment its own distinct mood and pacing. It also reinforces the mythic quality of Korpi’s journey, making him feel less like a mere man and more like a legendary figure from folklore—an embodiment of Finland’s unyielding spirit.

 

One of Sisu’s most surprising aspects is its accessibility. Despite its violent content, the film largely avoids excessive gore or gratuitous shock value, making it a movie that parents can comfortably watch with their teenage children. There are occasional swearing and moments of strong language, but they are minimal compared to many other films in the action genre.

 

Ultimately, Jalmari Helander has crafted a film that is both uniquely Finnish and universally engaging. Sisu is not just an action movie—it is an experience that immerses the audience in a world of perseverance, vengeance, and raw survival. It is a film that understands the power of visual storytelling, silence, and carefully choreographed action sequences.

 

For those who love action-packed, visually stunning cinema with a strong, silent protagonist at its core, Sisu is an absolute must-watch. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, and one that many viewers will undoubtedly revisit time and time again.