“Review: Sisu – A Gloriously Brutal Ode to Finnish Grit
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Review: Sisu – A Gloriously Brutal Ode to Finnish Grit
"Sisu," a Finnish action film directed by Jalmari Helander, is a visceral and exhilarating cinematic experience. It’s a film that revels in its simplicity, delivering a relentless barrage of violence and mayhem with a distinctively Finnish flavor. While the premise is straightforward – an old prospector defending his hard-earned gold from Nazi soldiers – the execution is anything but. "Sisu" is a masterclass in action filmmaking, showcasing stunning visuals, a compelling protagonist, and a no-holds-barred approach to on-screen carnage that will leave audiences breathless.
Synopsis
The film is set in the waning days of World War II in the desolate landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a grizzled and solitary prospector, strikes gold after years of fruitless searching. He sets out on a journey to the nearest town to cash in his fortune. However, his path is soon crossed by a retreating squadron of Nazi soldiers led by the ruthless Obersturmführer Bruno Helldorf (Aksel Hennie).
Helldorf, desperate and demoralized, sees Aatami’s gold as an opportunity to escape the inevitable defeat and rebuild his shattered reputation. He and his men attempt to seize the gold, but they quickly discover that Aatami is no ordinary old man. He is a legendary Finnish commando, a "sisu" – a man who embodies the unyielding spirit of Finnish determination and resilience.
What follows is a brutal and bloody game of cat and mouse, as Aatami wages a one-man war against the Nazi soldiers. He utilizes his knowledge of the harsh terrain, his mastery of improvised weaponry, and his sheer tenacity to systematically eliminate his enemies. The Nazis, initially confident in their superior numbers and firepower, soon realize they have underestimated their opponent, and their retreat turns into a desperate fight for survival.
A Masterclass in Action Filmmaking
"Sisu" is, first and foremost, an action film, and it excels in this regard. Director Jalmari Helander demonstrates a keen understanding of the genre, delivering action sequences that are both thrilling and inventive. The film is not afraid to embrace its violent nature, and the fight scenes are characterized by their visceral impact and unflinching brutality.
The action is not simply gratuitous; it is carefully choreographed and serves to highlight Aatami’s resourcefulness and unwavering determination. He uses everything at his disposal – knives, axes, mines, and even his bare hands – to dispatch his enemies. The film revels in the ingenuity of his methods, showcasing his ability to turn ordinary objects into deadly weapons.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its pacing. The action is relentless, with barely a moment to catch your breath between set pieces. However, the film never feels rushed or chaotic. Helander maintains a steady hand, allowing the action to unfold organically and ensuring that each sequence has a clear purpose and impact.
Jorma Tommila: A Silent Force of Nature
At the heart of "Sisu" is Jorma Tommila’s performance as Aatami Korpi. Tommila, who previously collaborated with Helander on the cult classic "Rare Exports," delivers a commanding and unforgettable performance. Aatami is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes. He is a stoic and enigmatic figure, haunted by his past and driven by a fierce determination to protect what is rightfully his.
Tommila embodies the spirit of "sisu" perfectly. He portrays Aatami as a man who is seemingly impervious to pain and fatigue, a force of nature that cannot be stopped. His performance is all the more impressive given the lack of dialogue. Tommila relies on his physicality and his expressive eyes to convey Aatami’s emotions and motivations. He is a silent but deadly presence, a reminder that true strength lies not in words but in actions.
Visual Spectacle and Atmospheric Setting
"Sisu" is a visually stunning film. The desolate landscapes of Finnish Lapland provide a breathtaking backdrop for the film’s brutal action. The vast, open spaces and the stark beauty of the terrain create a sense of isolation and vulnerability, highlighting the perilous nature of Aatami’s journey.
The film’s cinematography is exceptional, capturing the beauty and harshness of the environment with equal skill. The use of natural light and the wide-angle shots emphasize the scale of the landscape and the smallness of the characters within it. The film’s color palette is muted and desaturated, reflecting the bleakness of the war and the harshness of the environment.
The film’s sound design is equally impressive. The sound of gunfire, explosions, and the crunch of bones is visceral and impactful, adding to the film’s sense of realism and brutality. The film’s score, composed by Juri Seppä and Tuomas Wäinölä, is a blend of traditional Finnish folk music and modern electronic sounds, creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape that perfectly complements the film’s visuals.
Themes of Resilience and Revenge
While "Sisu" is primarily an action film, it also explores deeper themes of resilience and revenge. Aatami is a man who has lost everything in the war, and his quest to protect his gold is a metaphor for his struggle to reclaim his life and his dignity. He is a symbol of Finnish resilience, a testament to the ability of the human spirit to endure even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
The film also explores the theme of revenge. Aatami is driven by a desire to avenge the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and his actions are a form of retribution for the suffering they have inflicted on his people. However, the film does not glorify violence or condone revenge. It presents Aatami’s actions as a necessary evil, a means of survival in a world consumed by war and hatred.
A Finnish Western with a Vengeance
"Sisu" has been described as a Finnish Western, and the comparison is apt. The film shares many of the characteristics of the Western genre, including its focus on individual heroism, its depiction of a lawless frontier, and its themes of revenge and redemption. However, "Sisu" puts its own unique spin on the genre, incorporating elements of Finnish history and culture to create a film that is both familiar and original.
The film’s setting in Finnish Lapland during World War II adds a unique historical context to the Western formula. The film explores the impact of the war on the Finnish people and their struggle to maintain their independence in the face of Nazi aggression. The film’s protagonist, Aatami Korpi, is a distinctly Finnish hero, embodying the values of "sisu" and resilience that are so deeply ingrained in Finnish culture.
Minor Criticisms
While "Sisu" is a highly entertaining and well-crafted film, it is not without its flaws. Some critics have argued that the film’s plot is too simplistic and that its characters are underdeveloped. While it is true that the film’s plot is straightforward, this is by design. "Sisu" is not a film that relies on complex narratives or intricate character development. It is a film that is primarily concerned with delivering a visceral and exhilarating action experience.
Similarly, while the film’s characters may not be deeply explored, they are all well-defined and serve a clear purpose in the story. Aatami is a compelling and enigmatic protagonist, and the Nazi soldiers are suitably villainous. The film’s supporting characters, such as the group of Finnish women held captive by the Nazis, add depth and nuance to the story.
Conclusion
"Sisu" is a triumph of action filmmaking. It is a film that is both thrilling and brutal, showcasing stunning visuals, a compelling protagonist, and a no-holds-barred approach to on-screen carnage. While the plot is simple, the execution is flawless. Jorma Tommila delivers a commanding performance as Aatami Korpi, and Jalmari Helander directs with a steady hand, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
"Sisu" is a must-see for fans of action films, Westerns, and war movies. It is a film that will leave you breathless and exhilarated, a testament to the power of the human spirit to endure even in the face of unimaginable hardship. It’s a gloriously violent and entertaining ride that earns its place among the best action films of recent years. It’s a film that truly embodies the spirit of "sisu" – the unyielding Finnish determination that refuses to be broken. Highly recommended.
