Name: Sisu (2023)
Genre: Action, War
Released: 2023-04-28
Rating: 7.0
Cast: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Mimosa Willamo, Jack Doolan

When an ex-soldier who discovers gold in the Lapland wilderness tries to take the loot into the city, Nazi soldiers led by a brutal SS officer battle him.

Sisu (2023)

Times of India

"Sisu" is an unapologetic, 90-minute action drama that doesn't hold back on the brutality and gore. Devoid of any subtlety, the movie doesn't give viewers a chance to catch their breath. It's so outlandish that it neither takes itself seriously nor is afraid to make fun of itself. It’s evident that the makers have no fear of criticism for its nonsensical plot. This film goes beyond the violent and action-packed scenes of Quentin Tarantino's movies and the “John Wick” franchise. The movie exudes confidence in itself and assumes that the audience will understand certain aspects without explanation. Ultimately, "Sisu" is a mindless yet entertaining experience where the audience cheers for the protagonist and revels in the satisfaction of watching Nazi soldiers meet their demise.
The plot of this action-packed war drama is rooted in the waning days of World War II and centers around Aatami (Jorma Tommila) in Finnish Lapland, where he is confronted by retreating Nazi soldiers who rob him of his gold and attempt to kill him. Despite the odds against him, Aatami manages to escape and embarks on a mission to reclaim his stolen treasure. What unfolds next is a gruesome display of violence, as Aatami brutally kills the Nazi soldiers through crushing, stabbing, hanging, and explosive means.
The screenplay of "Sisu" deserves recognition for its ability to maintain engagement despite the limited dialogue in the film. Remarkably, the protagonist speaks only two sentences throughout the entire runtime, yet this does not detract from the viewer's enjoyment. One may question whether the film was deliberately ‘designed’ in a way that appeals to the audience's subconscious, as the very concept of violence towards Nazi soldiers can be quite alluring. At times, the hirsute hero of the film can seem reminiscent of a video game character. However, "Sisu" is not solely focused on violence; it also explores power dynamics between the two opposing forces.
Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander has developed a reputation for incorporating violence in his movies, and "Sisu" is no exception. However, Helander's approach to violence in this film is not tasteless or out of place. Jorma Tommila's portrayal of Aatami is impressive, as he delivers a strong performance that conveys the character's hard work in making an unbelievable role believable. Aatami's character seems like a fusion of Clint Eastwood's western spaghetti and Arnold Schwarzenegger's “Terminator,” resulting in a dynamic on-screen presence.
Watching the Nazis being savagely killed in "Sisu" may trigger a sense of moral unease, but the film's intense entertainment value cannot be denied. This action-packed drama outshines even the "John Wick" series in terms of thrilling, high-octane action. However, it's important to note that "Sisu" is filled with graphic depictions of gore and violence, so viewer discretion is advised.

SISU - Official Hindi Trailer | English & Hindi | In Cinemas April 28

Jorma Tommila was born in 1959. He is an actor and writer, known for Rare Exports (2010), Joulubileet (1996) and Sisu (2022). He is married to Ida Helander-Tommila.

Jorma Tommila

Aksel Hennie is a Norwegian actor, director, and screenwriter. He is best known for his roles in the films Headhunters, Hercules, and The Martian.

Aksel Hennie

Mimosa Helena Willamo is a Finnish Jussi-awarded actress. She was born into a bilingual family in Espoo, and has performed roles in both Finnish and Swedish languages. She is known for her roles in the films Headfirst, Lake Bodom, Born in Heinola, Somebody Should Do Something and Sisu, among others.

Sisu (2023)(2023)