Here’s the plot of ‘SISU’ in a nutshell: World War II is coming to an end, deep in wild Lapland. Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), is searching eagerly for some purpose in his dreary life. Gold has been found, now the challenges begin. The occasional overflight of bombers and distant sounds of horrendous war can be heard clearly in the midst of the night.
Aatami’s gold, now grown into gold nuggets, leaves to take the riches to a nearby town.
Unfortunately, his journey has been uneventful. A thirty-man Nazi patrol led by Bruno Helldorf (Aksel Hennie), frightfully turns against him. Laughing and mocking, they let him go. Little do they know his power and wisdom. Now the chase begins. Breathtaking and gold-hungry battle through the torn and destroyed wilderness.
SISU is full of straightforward action with a dramatic twist. A collaborative film by producer Petri Jokiranta and director-writer Jalmari Helander. When Covid-19 halted the couple’s current film project, they decided to develop a local mindset. SISU, set in a local setting.
Helander, having time to write, had successfully written a draft in less than two months. Compelling and fierce, SISU invites viewers to explore their senses and limits. Actions speak more than words, clear vision shown midst the film. What lies beneath a person is the ability to seek and destroy, to conquer one’s most feared challenges. Immortal soul carries on, fighting battles one could only fear.
The many aspects of the film intrigued me dearly. The ability to stay silent in moments of ridicule, to believe in inner power and to never truly give up. Astonishing to see how powerful we as humans are. The ways of a person with a bonfire heart. In the end, we all strive to live comfortably, but when our senses are shaken to the core, we must fight for our freedom.
Clear themes from the viewer’s eyes were integrity, strength, survival and many aspects of being a true fighter. To seek the unknown with riches, handle true challenges with ease, requires something magical. Manifestations of trust in oneself, released into the wind for certain that this man will conquer greatness.
SISU invites everyone to truly explore oneself and the world of action. Full of excitement, danger, great acting representation and compelling details in cinematography, SISU is a homerun.
‘SISU’ premieres in cinemas on January 27. Running time: 91 minutes.
