A Finnish deserter becomes a one-man fighting machine, much in the form of Rambo, as he takes on a company of Nazis in Sisu.

While World War II was the main war in Europe, there were a number of sub-wars that included Germany and Finland. It’s here where we find a Finish deserter and gold prospector, Aatami Korpi. He had previously served in the Winter War, also known as the First Soviet-Finnish War, a few years earlier. But back to what I was saying the war that’s happening when we meet him is the Lapland War. The two countries started fighting in September 1944, concluding two months later in November. Interestingly, they had previously fought together during the Continuation War (1941-44), also a sub-war–the Second Soviet-Finnish War–taking place against the Soviet Union during WWII. In short, I was today years old upon learning that the Finnish were allies to the Germans prior to the Lapland War.

Anyway, Korpi finally discovers gold and goes on his merry way in search of a bank. But again, there’s a war going on so it’s going to be a bumpy ride. That’s not a problem–he’s been known to kick ass. Not even a 30-man Wehrmacht platoon stands a chance against him. He’s a one-man fighting machine that previously took out many Soviet forces. What makes you think that the Nazis stand a chance?!? If there’s one thing I love too see, it’s Nazis getting their asses kicked over and over! They certainly get what’s coming to them for stealing Korpi’s gold.

In getting his revenge, he also rescues a number of women taken prisoner by the Nazis. It leads to one of those glorious shots in which they, too, get their revenge against the Nazis. One perfect shot, indeed.

The film is very gory but I wouldn’t expect anything different in a war film. Some films might go out of their way to hide the goriest parts but Sisu does not. In any event, it runs a fast-paced 91 minutes with Nazis getting badly injured or killed in every which direction one looks. For what it’s worth, the film is completely fiction with no such event happening in real life. At least, not that we know of. Anyway, it gives filmmaker Jalmari Helander an opportunity to produce a film on location in Finland. Lapland makes for beautiful visuals but the environment can be terrible for filming conditions, what with the wind and cold temps and all.

While there is no direct translation for Sisu, the production notes describe it as “a white-knuckled form of
courage and unimaginable determination in the face of overwhelming odds.” To say that Korpi rises up when the odds are terribly against him would not be an understatement. On paper, he does not even stand a chance. It’s like David fighting Goliath–you’d bet on the big guy if you didn’t know better.

Sisu is the next great classic action film. We will remember April 28, 2023 for being the weekend that two instant classics opened up against each other. Unlike the other instant classic opening in theaters, Sisu is not a film for children.

DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER: Jalmari Helander
CAST: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan, Mimosa Willamo, and Onni Tommila

Lionsgate will release Sisu in theaters on April 28, 2023. Grade: 4/5

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