Sisu

 

Sisu 2022

• Director: Jalmari Helander
• Cast: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Henning, Mimosa Willamo
• Why? Recommended by film nerd friend MP
• 10 September 2026

 

          The Finnish word ‘sisu’ has no single word translation into English. Nor Swedish for that matter but everyone knows what it means. We even use it ourselves. In English, according to Wikipedia, ‘extraordinary grit, stoic determination, and perseverance in the very face of extreme adversity.’ Other possibilities: gutsiness, ballsiness.

          It’s 1944 in northern Finland. The German occupiers (with the support of many right wing Finns, it must be said) are retreating, destroying everything as they leave.

          An ex-soldier Korpi (Tommila) discovers gold. On his way south he encounters nasty Nazis.

          Grim? Of course, but our hero turns out to be a superhero who can, and does, kill a dozen Nazis without even blinking.

          Unrealistic? Violent? Action-packed? Ridiculous? Gory? All of the above. But funny and entertaining, especially the women, But why are the Germans speaking English?

          Finnish films are weird. Usually. But cool.

 

3* of 5