Sisu (Review)

This past Memorial Day was important. The family gathered around ye ole backyard to pay respects to all our veterans. After that we spent time together, ate and watched television. There were hotdogs, hamburgers, Mom’s potato salad, and all the famous World War II films playing in the background. We consumed a good amount, and we were content. But after a while (not to be disrespectful of the day or of those celebrated) we wanted to try something new. 

We found and decided on “Sisu” (Lionsgate, Nordisk Film 2022). The film was directed by Jalmari Helander and stars Jormma Tommila, as Aatami Korpi—a legendary Finnish commando turned gold miner. The plot is simple or so the bad guys in the movie think. In the vein of Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” (Miramax 2009), it paints a picture of the second great war from the perspective of Finland.  

It is the final push to ensure German victory and a band of Nazi marauders (war criminals) are ordered to ride through Lapland. Along their way they destroy every town between them and Norway, kidnapping women and stealing what they can to survive. It’s at the point of no return that they come across an unassuming man on horseback, who embodies the Finnish principle of “Sisu” and cuts them down one by one.  

With a run time of one hour and thirty-one minutes, this film not only entertains but surprises everyone. It starts out as one of those typical lone wolf/angry old man endeavors. From early on you’re hooked because of the movie’s obvious yet graceful nods to “There Will Be Blood” (Miramax 2008) or at least that’s what I took from it. Then, it immediately explodes off the screen, with the intensity of the entire “John Wick” (Lionsgate) series in a matter of seconds. By the end you’re cheering because the Nazis in the movie have, once again, earned all that the term Sisu has to offer them.  

No spoilers here, just an awesome, exciting rollercoaster ride. Check it out on Vudu.com or wherever you can find.