Review: Sisu

In 1940s Finland, a gold miner (Jorma Tommila) and his dog fiercely protect a supply of gold from Nazis who are unaware of just how much of a brutally violent, unstoppable force the old man is.

 

We’re in Nazi gold plot territory with this stunningly photographed 2023 Finnish movie from writer-director Jalmari Helander. However this time it’s not about stealing gold from the Nazis, here it’s the Nazis trying to steal gold from one tough old bastard. It’s simple, borderline minimalist storytelling but really effective stuff. If you like old-school action films but also have an interest in European cinema, this one’s for you.

 

Unsparingly violent and swiftly brutal at times to a level that is inches away from Python-esque black comedy. I think the first half is much better than the somewhat sillier second half, but I still really dug this blend of “John Wick”, “Kelly’s Heroes” and “First Blood” (with a touch of Nicholas Winding Refn thrown in). Lead actor Jorma Tommila is – like the film itself – quietly bad arse, he’s a terrific screen presence despite not much dialogue. Like “John Wick”, it’s not like the bad guys don’t land blows on this character, it’s just that even when they come at him en masse he seems to still evade death. Possibly due to sheer bloody-minded determination, the nearest English equivalent to the film’s title. The local scenery is gorgeously captured by Kjell Lagerroos, one of the best-looking films in years. The excellent music score by Juri Seppa and Tuomas Wainola is icing on the cake.

 

Efficient, effective filmmaking founded on a fairly ancient plot. It looks and sounds great, I had a damn fun time with this one. A real pleasant surprise.

 

Rating: B-

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