Sisu is a Finnish word that means stoic determination, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. It is also the title of a 2022 historical action film written and directed by Jalmari Helander, who previously made Rare Exports and Big Game. The film is based on the plot of EA’s game Battlefield V, which features a series of war stories set in different locations and time periods of World War II. The film follows Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a gold prospector and Winter War veteran who lives alone in the remote wilderness of Lapland during the Lapland War. When he uncovers a rich deposit of gold nuggets, he sets off for the nearest town with his faithful dog, but along the way he crosses paths with a Nazi death squad led by a brutal SS officer named Bruno Helldorf (Aksel Hennie). The Nazis steal his gold and try to kill him, but Aatami fights back with his skills, wits, and sisu.
The film is a thrilling and violent homage to the 1982 American action film First Blood, which also featured a lone hero battling against overwhelming odds in a hostile environment. The film also draws inspiration from the real-life Finnish military sniper Simo Hรคyhรค, who killed hundreds of Soviet soldiers during the Winter War. The film showcases the harsh and beautiful landscapes of Lapland, as well as the authentic costumes and weapons of the era. The film also features impressive practical effects and stunts, such as explosions, gunfights, tank battles, and gory self-healing scenes.
The film is not without its flaws, however. The editing is sometimes too fast and choppy during the action scenes, making it hard to follow what is happening. The motivation of the main character is also unclear, as he seems to risk his life for his gold but also for revenge against his enemies. The film also requires a lot of suspension of disbelief, as Aatami survives numerous injuries and attacks that would kill most people. The film also does not explore much of the historical or political context of the Lapland War, which was a conflict between Finland and Nazi Germany after Finland made peace with the Soviet Union.
The film is an entertaining and exhilarating ride for fans of action and war movies, but it is not for the faint of heart or for those who seek realism or depth. The film is a testament to the power of sisu, both in its protagonist and in its filmmaker. The film is like a wild river that flows with unstoppable force and carries everything in its path. One reviewer compared it to his own experience of taming a deathly river and harnessing its ingredients for survival. The film is also a very realistic depiction of the horrors and hardships of war, which might give veterans flashbacks or trigger PTSD. The film is a perfect escape from the troubles of the world for 90 minutes, as long as you don’t mind the blood, gore, and violence.
7/10