Sisu
Taciturn heroes who can single-handedly eliminate dozens of enemies with their bare hands are more than plentiful in the film world. Probably every movie fan immediately thinks of at least Wick and Rambo. Recently, a certain Aatami Korpi has joined their ranks. Unlike the aforementioned killers, however, he doesn't come from America. His homeland is the frigid Finland.
A Tarantino-esque Film from the Land of a Thousand Lakes
Finland is known mainly for its unspoiled nature and good hockey. As far as cinema is concerned, it hasn’t been much to write home about so far. Well, they might make good movies, but they rarely reach international distribution. Sisu, however, is an exception.
This film is the work of director Jalmari Helander. He is by no means part of any directorial elite. So far, he has only directed average films like Big Game and Rare Exports.
Given the success of Sisu, however, he’s on track to finally join the Hollywood elite. His latest work is a very well-made and entertaining piece that, in its style and rawness, most closely resembles the films of Quentin Tarantino.
Sisu is set at the end of World War II, when the Germans are still applying Blitzkrieg on the battlefield, except this time toward their own homeland. And Finland isn’t exactly in ideal condition at that time either.
The Finns were friends with the Germans for most of the war. However, when the Soviets started knocking on the door again for the second time in the last few years, Finland changed sides overnight and stood against the Germans.
Since the sudden change in Finland’s position slightly irritated the Germans, they decided during their retreat to kill or rape everything alive. And this is exactly how one half-forgotten SS unit is passing the time on their way out of Finland.
But their good fortune won’t last much longer. They dare to touch Aatami’s gold, a living legend who put hundreds of Soviets in line during the Winter War. And the same fate awaits these SS soldiers.
A Brutal Ride from Beginning to End
Sisu lasts about an hour and a half, which is just right. The film is about only one thing – killing Nazis. You won’t find any plot arcs here, and there’s no character development to expect. From about the tenth minute, when the first German blood is spilled, it’s clear how this film will end. And that’s not a problem; quite the opposite.
The main hero mows down Nazis with both melee and firearms, and when he doesn’t have either at hand, he throws landmines at his enemies. They don’t take it easy on him either. They try to drown him, have him attacked by dogs, and even hang him. However, Aatami is a tough guy who simply refuses to die, which of course frustrates more than one German soldier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Directed Sisu?
Jalmari Helander, who previously directed Big Game and Rare Exports. The review compares the style and rawness of Sisu to the films of Quentin Tarantino.
What Is Sisu About?
It is set at the end of World War II and follows Aatami, a living legend who put hundreds of Soviets in line during the Winter War. A half-forgotten SS unit retreating from Finland dares to touch his gold, and he mows them down.
How Long Is Sisu, and Does It Have a Complex Plot?
It runs about an hour and a half. The film is about one thing, killing Nazis, with no plot arcs or character development, and the review says that is not a problem.
Are There Hollywood Stars in Sisu?
No. The cast is Finnish and, according to the review, more than competent. The modest budget is noticeable at times but doesn’t detract from the entertainment.
Zombie Apocalypse
Our instructors run the game with tablets, or you start it yourselves on your phones. Tell us the number of people and the date, we will get back to you the same day.
A Modest Budget Doesn't Matter
Although at times it's evident that the film had a modest budget, it doesn't detract from its entertainment value. Similarly, it doesn't matter that you won't find any Hollywood stars in the movie. The Finnish cast is more than competent.
The main hero is a true tough guy, and his German adversaries serve as ideal antagonists. Overall, the film turned out very well, and we can only hope that the director gets more money and freedom next time. The result could be even better.
