Sisu: Road to Revenge – Film Review

Director – Jalmari Helander
Writer – Jalmari Helander
Stars – Jorma Tommila, Stephen Lang, Richard Brake

Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila) returns in this sequel to Sisu (2023). Our main protagonist is drawn into enemy territory as the borders have been redrawn at the end of the Second World War. Aatami enters the USSR to go to his old homestead. The house is empty, but is filled with memories of his wife and children. Once there, he numbers each wooden plank and drags them onto the back of his large truck, so he can transport them back to Finland. A straightforward enough plan, one would think, but as he has passed the border, the Soviet Union Army is aware of his presence. He is a legend, believed to be responsible for the death of 300 men. The army generals give one man the job of killing Aatami, and that is Igor Draganov (Stephen Lang), who also happens to be the man responsible for the death of Aatami’s family.

The story is minimal, but what plot we have unleashes a world of carnage, as our silent protagonist sets about fighting all those who come against him! The story is broken up into chapters, and each one gives us a battleground as Aatami takes on a series of soldiers, who arrive on motorbikes, trucks, planes and even on board a train!

The first film was a surprise success. It was released toward the end of the Covid restrictions in early 2023.  As it was watched by many online, it is now a chance to see the sequel on the big screen, where it is best appreciated.

The plot is not complicated or convoluted. If you’ve seen the first one, you’ll know what to expect. What it does deliver is a succession of set pieces as our “man who refuses to die” takes on all comers. It is extremely violent at times, but there is a comic book feel to it, and you’re never too troubled when the bad guys get their comeuppance. If you’re looking for intellectual challenges, look elsewhere. What you can expect is a series of dazzling visuals and a succession of thrills and blood spills. Director Helander and cinematographer Mika Orasmaa deserve the plaudits for this entertaining and captivating spectacle.