Brutal Finnish Revenge Saga Continues
Predictive text messaging might have an unexpected sense of humour, as one journalist discovered when arranging to see Sisu: Road To Revenge. The autocorrect changed 'Sisu' to 'Sissy' - an ironic mistake given the film's protagonist represents the absolute opposite of anything sissy-like.
The sequel to the wildly popular 2022 film sees the return of Aatami Korpi, portrayed by Jorma Tommila, as the tough Finnish gold prospector and former army commando. Following his previous exploits where he single-handedly eliminated more Nazis than an entire Allied tank division, Korpi now directs his vengeful attention toward the Red Army.
Post-War Carnage and Personal Vendetta
Set in 1946, the film depicts Soviet soldiers running rampant through rural Finland, murdering and mutilating civilians without mercy. Among their victims are Aatami's own wife and two young sons, brutally slaughtered under orders from the psychotically cruel Red Army officer Igor Draganov, played by Stephen Lang.
In an intriguing twist, director Jalmari Helander's English-language film begins with Draganov imprisoned in Siberia. Richard Brake appears as a KGB officer who orchestrates his release, but only under one condition: Draganov must eliminate the Finnish protagonist once and for all.
This creates a compelling dynamic where the man Aatami most wants dead becomes the person best equipped to kill him. Meanwhile, the grizzled hero has dismantled his family home plank by plank, searching for a new location to rebuild it amidst the chaos.
Cinematic Influences and Silent Protagonist
The resulting narrative blends elements of Channel 4's Grand Designs with the frenetic energy of Mad Max: Fury Road. The film most strongly resembles an intensely violent Clint Eastwood revenge Western, transplanted approximately 5,000 miles eastward to Finland.
Like Eastwood's iconic characters, Aatami maintains a strong silent presence throughout the film. He rarely speaks, occasionally roaring with anger but otherwise letting his actions communicate his intentions. Lang's Draganov bears noticeable resemblance to Lee Van Cleef's villainous characters, while the musical score evokes the spirit of Ennio Morricone's classic Western compositions.
The Finnish word 'sisu' translates to a 'white-knuckled form of courage' that emerges when all hope seems lost. Aatami embodies this concept completely, repeatedly overcoming impossible odds through increasingly cartoonish methods as each wave of Soviet assassins meets their demise.
Spectacular Action and Canine Companion
Despite the overwhelming violence and gore, Road To Revenge maintains an exhilarating, laugh-out-loud bonkers quality that makes it hugely entertaining for audiences who appreciate this genre. The film divides into chapters reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino's storytelling structure, with one section unambiguously titled 'Motor Mayhem'.
Spectacular stunts feature planes, trains, automobiles, and tanks in ever-more creative sequences of destruction. Amidst the carnage, Aatami's only companion - a Bedlington terrier - survives against all odds, undoubtedly wishing for the safety of its namesake Northumberland town.
The film certainly isn't for the squeamish, nor should it be taken too seriously. However, as Brian Viner notes in his Daily Mail review, it might find particular resonance at the Ukrainian box office, where its themes of resistance against Russian aggression could strike a powerful chord with contemporary audiences.
Sisu: Road To Revenge (15 certificate, 88 minutes) delivers exactly what fans of the original film would expect: relentless action, creative violence, and a protagonist whose resilience defies all logical explanation.
