Sisu is a 2022 Finnish action-war film written and directed by Jalmari Helander. Set during the final days of World War II, the film blends intense action, historical drama, and dark humor to tell a gripping tale of survival and vengeance. The title, Sisu, refers to a Finnish term for extraordinary determination and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the story.

The film follows Aatami Korpi, a former soldier turned prospector, who discovers a massive gold deposit in the remote wilderness of Lapland. Hoping to start a new life, Aatami sets out to take his treasure to the nearest town. However, his journey is interrupted by a retreating Nazi platoon, led by the ruthless SS officer Bruno Helldorf, who discovers the gold and tries to steal it.

What the Nazis don’t realize is that Aatami is no ordinary man. A hardened war veteran with a violent past, Aatami unleashes his unstoppable skills in a brutal fight for survival, systematically taking down the Nazis in a series of explosive and inventive confrontations. Along the way, he encounters a group of women held captive by the Nazis, who eventually join forces with him to ensure justice is served.

The film is characterized by its minimal dialogue, stark cinematography, and intense, almost surreal action sequences. Critics praised its blend of brutal violence and dark humor, drawing comparisons to movies like John Wick and Mad Max. The relentless pace and the raw, almost mythic portrayal of Aatami make it a standout in the action genre.

The story is set in 1944, during the Lapland War, a conflict between Finland and Nazi Germany as part of World War II. The film takes place in the desolate wilderness of Finnish Lapland, a region marked by vast, barren landscapes and remnants of wartime destruction. This stark and unforgiving environment mirrors the resilience and brutality of the characters, particularly Aatami.

The historical backdrop adds layers of tension, highlighting the desperation of the retreating Nazis, who loot and destroy everything in their path as they flee. Meanwhile, Aatami’s silent defiance becomes a symbol of the Finnish resistance and spirit.

Sisu received widespread acclaim for its originality, pacing, and the magnetic performance of Jorma Tommila. It has been compared to John Wick for its relentless protagonist and Inglourious Basterds for its dark humor and anti-Nazi narrative. Fans of action cinema praised its ability to balance emotional weight with adrenaline-fueled thrills.