Sisu is a 2022 action movie, set in the Laplands, and directed by Jalmari Helander. The story involves a solitary prospector taking on the group of Nazis that rob him of his mined gold.
3 stars
More John Rambo than John Wick
Sisu is a short, simple action piece. A soldier finds gold. Nazis take gold. Soldier kills Nazis. The dialogue and story are sparse, and the movie is just an excuse to show off some crazy action scenes by the manliest, most sisu-filled old Finnish man.
Jorma Tommila does a fantastic job as the stoic hero, while the rest of the cast do great in their roles (most of which involve being as despicable as possible).
While the movie is often touted as an old man John Wick, I think this film is closer to the latter installments of the Rambo series. Aatmi is almost-superhuman in his ability to withstand damage, and the action is more messy and destructive than the hyper-choreographed action of John Wick.
Are there any animals in Sisu?
Yes. Check out Does the Dog Die in Sisu for more details.
Should you watch Sisu?
It’s violent, at times beautifully shot, and entirely ridiculous. Sisu is a fun one-time watch, which I think could have leaned much further into mayhem to go full grindhouse. (Instead it teeters in and out of the genres edge, and is worse for it.)
3 stars.
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