‘Sisu’ movie review

Sisu (Finnish, English)

Director: Jalmari Helander

Cast: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan, Mimosa Willamo

Runtime: 91 minutes

Storyline: A gold prospector uncovers a rich gold deposit that he wants to cash at a bank a few hundred kilometers away, only for him to be stopped by the Nazis who are unaware of his legendary backstory

Jalmari Helander, known for his work on Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale and Big Game, presents his latest film, Sisu. The movie takes place during the end of World War II in Finland's Lapland region and focuses on the protagonist, Aatami Korpi, played by Jorma Tommila. The film starts by highlighting Aatami's determination to avoid the destruction occurring around him, despite the warplanes flying low overhead. Aatami has isolated himself from the world, searching for gold in the wilderness. When he finally strikes gold, he experiences a glimmer of joy in his otherwise secluded life.

The movie embraces absurdity and violence. The violence on display ranges from shocking and brutal to over-the-top and wild, as seen when Aatami has to repair his wounds in g narly fashion, or when the Nazis force their men to walk through a minefield. Aesthetically, the film is part Spaghetti Western, part grimy war film, and part Looney Tunes-ian ridiculous adventure. It mixes history with sheer insanity, much like how Helander took Santa Claus lore and turned it into the ludicrous Rare Exports.

Despite the film's preposterous nature, Jorma Tommila grounds the take with his portrayal of Aatami. He plays the character as a man trying to live through the day, who will kill when he needs to, protect those who need help, and find do-it-yourself ways to keep breathing for a few more minutes. The film is not an attempt to tell a nuanced story, but rather, a way for Helander to show some of the most over-the-top and insane murders of Nazis ever committed to screen in bonkers fashion.

Set in 1944, the film follows Aatami Korpi, a Winter War veteran living the last leg of his life as a gold prospector. When he strikes gold, he has to move the nuggets to a bank that is 563 miles away. He sets out on the long and arduous journey across the remote wilderness of Lapland when trouble comes in the form of a Nazi platoon led by Bruno Helldorf and his subordinate Wolf. When they underestimate Aatami and try to swindle his gold, all hell breaks loose, and they learn why this man is nicknamed Koschei, meaning 'The Immortal.'

Sisu is a gory, often disgusting, and ridiculous action film that revels in its absurdity. It is a film that simply wants to kill Nazis in new and interesting ways, and it achieves that goal wholeheartedly. The movie is certainly ridiculous, but sometimes it's just fun to watch an obscene amount of Nazis get what's coming to them. The film is debuting at TIFF's Midnight Madness presentation, so don't expect subtlety with Sisu.

Along the way, Aatami meets a young boy named Joosep (Onni Tommila), who is on the run from the Nazis. Joosep's parents were killed by the Nazis, and he is determined to get revenge. Aatami takes Joosep under his wing and they continue their journey together, with the Nazis hot on their trail. Aatami's determination and skill with a gun make him a formidable opponent, but the Nazis are relentless and won't stop until they get what they want.

As they travel deeper into the wilderness, Aatami and Joosep encounter other characters who are also fighting back against the Nazis in their own ways. There's Maija (Ilkka Villi), a resistance fighter who has been wounded and needs their help to get to safety. And then there's the enigmatic Lotta (Katja Kukkola), a woman who seems to know more about Aatami than she lets on.

As the group gets closer to their destination, the tension and violence ratchet up even further. The Nazis are always one step behind, and Aatami and his companions must fight tooth and nail to stay alive. The action is relentless and over-the-top, with blood and guts flying everywhere. Helander doesn't shy away from the gore, and there are several scenes that are not for the faint of heart.

But what sets Sisu apart from other action films is its heart. At its core, this is a story about a man who has been through hell and back and is still fighting. Aatami is a complex character, with a tragic past that haunts him throughout the film. Tommila gives a fantastic performance, conveying both the physical and emotional pain that Aatami carries with him. He's a man of few words, but every action speaks volumes.

The supporting cast is also strong, with each character bringing their own unique perspective to the story. Joosep is a particularly interesting character, as he represents the next generation of Finns who are growing up in the shadow of war. He's angry and vengeful, but also vulnerable and scared. Onni Tommila (who is Jorma Tommila's real-life son) gives a nuanced performance, capturing both the anger and the vulnerability of Joosep.

In conclusion, Sisu is an action gorefest that viewers who appreciate violence and absurdity shouldn't miss. The film mixes history with sheer insanity and offers a glimpse of some of the most over-the-top and insane murders of Nazis ever committed to screen. Despite its preposterous nature, Jorma Tommila's portrayal of Aatami keeps the film grounded. Overall, it's an enjoyable movie that provides a fun escape from reality.

Overall, Sisu is a thrilling and visceral action film that is not for the faint of heart. It's a film that revels in its absurdity and violence but also has a surprising amount of heart. Jalmari Helander has crafted a unique and unforgettable film that showcases the beauty and brutality of Finland's Lapland region. If you're a fan of action films, or just looking for something new and exciting, Sisu is definitely worth a watch.