The idea of people hunting down Nazis is nothing new, but it never gets old. So consequently, Quentin Tarantino brought the sub-genre back into mainstream Hollywood, with many fans wanting more. Sure, there have been other movies to follow this never-ending trend, but they have not entirely made it as fun as 2009’s Inglorious Basterds. Now that changes, thanks to Jalmari Helander’s Sisu.
The Finnis action film Sisu, directed by Helander, follows a silent prospector and Winter War veteran played by Jorma Tommila (Aatami Korpi) during the Lapland War. Korpi discovers a large and rich gold deposit at a time when hopes and dreams in the latter of his life may be fulfilled. Korpi’s only obstacle is his encounter with a 30-man Wehrmacht platoon led by Obersturmführer Bruno Helldorf, played by Aksel Hennie. Korpi must lay waste to several men in the platoon as they hunt him down to steal his gold.
The movie seems like an Oscar-bate drama-filled movie, but coming out from this journey featuring historical figures is fun and a bloody good time. What helps that notion are the great action set pieces, creative kills, and even some decent acting from Tommila and Hennie.
The direction from Helander is impressive. The director showcases a series of great wide shots that establishes the cold but beautiful side of the country. There’s a strong tone of cold-heartedness through the Sisu, but Helander’s artistic eye and the help of cinematographer Kjell Lagerroos display a level of calmness in certain scenes. The sceneries contrast with the extreme level of violence and action but to the film’s benefits.
Helander doesn’t shy away regarding the brutal nature Sisu holds. The Lagerroos’s technique shifts fluidly, giving the movie its realistic view while also having some fun. There’s a decrease in the astonishing landscapes in the backdrop that becomes muted over time. It helps with that transition, the convincing and ugly nature of war. Korpi’s talent for cutting down Nazis is violent, but it’s done in an artistic way that lands on an art canvas metaphorically.
It’s not so much a visual aid but done to demonstrate the director’s talent. Those battles are the other significant portions of the film that are the movie’s selling point.
The trailer promises the audience some excellent action set pieces and badass level kills, and Sisu doesn’t disappoint. Tommila handles his portrayal as a one-person killing army with great skill and natural movements. He’s convincing as a man whose job was to hunt down Nazis and viciously dispense them. The action scenes are getting heavier and wilder but don’t break too much from the realm of possibility. One scene is when Korpi has to light himself on fire to escape his pursuers.
I highly doubt that Helander really set Tommila on fire, but the way the film built up the character leans into the idea that this killing machine and survivalist could do it and make it look awesome. Also, don’t try that at home, kids. The only problem in the action department is that the third act’s airplane scene relies heavily on special effects. So again, it’s a cool concept, but it’s evident that the finale was too much for the film’s budget to handle, and the movie near the end suffers from it.
The acting from Tommila and Hennie is good but not great. Tommila has 2-3 modes of drama, but it can be difficult to add much depth when your character is silent for most of the movie. Hennie has maybe 1-2 modes ranging from mildly concerned to angry. The actor has done well in his past work, like Uno and Headhunters, but the movie’s premise doesn’t call for Hennie to reach award gold.
One surprisingly good thing is the plot as it develops. Sisu goes through several evolving plot points that only make the movie better. The story of striking it rich and survival bring in a narrative featuring women captives joining in the battle against the platoon of Nazis. This group, led by Aino, played by Mimosa Willamo, is a great addition; a sequel can be made solely on these characters.
Helander’s Sisu is great on the action, with some great story beats throughout the movie. The semi-western style and the beautiful landscape shots and kills are perfect for viewing. The acting could’ve been a bit more, but it isn’t a severe ding against what the film is doing. It’s just a fun ride and deserves recognition for it.