Sisu (2022) Action Movie Review
In the midst of World War II, against the backdrop of 1944 ruins scattered across Finland, the action-packed film "Sisu" unfolds with a wild and patriotic energy. The main character, Aatami Korpi, played by Jorma Tommila, embodies a rugged prospector aesthetic as he sifts for gold in a quaint stream, accompanied by his horse and a little gray dog. Despite the encroaching chaos of gunfire and explosions, Korpi discovers a tiny gold nugget, leading him to excavate the land fervently. When he strikes a significant gold deposit, his ecstatic reaction is palpable.
The term "sisu" is challenging to translate precisely, but it conveys an unyielding determination that almost defies death. This determination becomes crucial for Korpi when, on his way home with his newfound gold, he encounters a group of somber Nazis transporting a group of Finnish women as captives. Despite his attempts to keep his fortune hidden, the soldiers discover the gold, triggering a fierce struggle for the prized bounty.
%20Action%20Movie.jpg "Sisu (2022) Action Movie")
While "Sisu" may seem like a violent exploitation film with influences from spaghetti Westerns and 1980s action movies, it goes beyond its gory exterior. Director Jalmari Helander draws inspiration from Sergio Leone's films and "Rambo: First Blood," with Tommila's character resembling Clint Eastwood's The Man with No Name and sharing an unexpected background as a former special forces soldier. Korpi's reputation as a ghostly figure, responsible for avenging his wife and daughter's murder by killing 300 Russians during the Winter War, doesn't deter the ruthless German commander Bruno (Aksel Hennie). As the war approaches its end, Bruno sees the gold as a means to escape potential war crimes consequences, setting the stage for a brutal conflict that piles up bodies akin to a Rambo-style death count. Yet, "Sisu" offers more than just enjoyable carnage; it explores deeper themes amid the chaos.
Traditionally, prospectors have often been linked to colonization and taking land from local communities. They typically arrive to exploit the valuable resources of an area, often at the expense of indigenous populations. In the United States, gold rushes were seen as an extension of manifest destiny. However, Jalmari Helander, the director, subtly challenges these historical expectations in his film.
Helander and cinematographer Kjell Lagerroos paint a vivid picture of the grim Finnish landscape, devastated by war. The country's infrastructure, from the ground to communication systems, is shattered by bullets, bombs, and landmines. Aatami Korpi, the protagonist, isn't just digging holes in the ground; he's a local defending one of his country's last remaining resources – gold. The Nazis, portrayed as colonizers, aim to steal the only treasure they haven't destroyed, presenting a powerful subversion of the prospector's historical image with a deeply nationalistic message.
As the Nazis seize Korpi's gold, the ensuing struggle transforms him into a hero with near-supernatural determination, facing perilous obstacles like landmines and even surviving a hanging. His extraordinary strength and resolve, paired with the film's chapter titles and brooding score, mirror the dogged pursuit of his unyielding will.
The quest for the treasure intertwines with the plight of Finnish women held captive by the Nazis. Their fate, akin to the gold, represents another resource exploited by imperialistic forces. Despite having few lines, actresses like Mimosa Willamo bring depth to their characters through hardened expressions that reflect the difficult histories they embody.
"Sisu" offers outlandish entertainment by embracing the nonsensical. Despite its deeper themes, the film revels in dumb action beats, inventive kills, and hokey yet enjoyable dialogue reminiscent of Hollywood's past. It doesn't feel the need to overexplain every plot point and is unafraid to poke fun at itself. In essence, "Sisu" provides comfort by inviting the audience along for an entertaining ride.