SISU 2 (2024) Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie

After the success of Sisu (2022), the Finnish action-thriller that took audiences by surprise with its brutal yet captivating portrayal of resilience, Sisu 2 (2024) dives back into the rugged, war-torn world of Aatami Korpi. The first film, directed by Jalmari Helander, followed Korpi, an ex-soldier who became an unstoppable, almost mythic force as he fought against Nazi soldiers to reclaim his gold and his dignity amidst WWII chaos. With Sisu 2, the tale of Korpi’s ferocity and survival continues, promising more high-octane action, emotional stakes, and relentless violence in the stark Finnish wilderness.

Plot Overview

In Sisu 2, Aatami Korpi (played by Jorma Tommila) is forced back into action. Having left the horrors of war behind and settled into a remote and desolate life, he’s pulled out of his solitude by an old threat from his past—a group of ruthless mercenaries who, hearing rumors of his hidden gold and formidable reputation, seek him out for revenge and riches. Korpi, initially unwilling, finds himself once again thrust into a brutal fight to protect his sanctuary, his gold, and his life.

As the mercenaries close in, the film unfolds as an intense game of cat-and-mouse across Finland’s unforgiving wilderness. Outnumbered and seemingly outmatched, Korpi uses his survival skills, experience, and pure determination to unleash relentless attacks on his enemies. Each encounter is a testament to his resilience and resourcefulness, pitting his knowledge of the terrain against the mercenaries’ superior firepower and numbers. The isolated landscape becomes a central character, adding to the tension and creating an environment where survival hinges on both wit and ferocity.

Key Characters

1. Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila): A man of few words and indomitable will, Korpi is haunted by his past yet unwilling to yield. His character represents resilience and the primal drive to survive and protect what is his. Tommila’s portrayal in Sisu cemented him as an iconic action hero, and Sisu 2 delves deeper into his psyche as he faces an even more ruthless group of adversaries.
2. The Mercenary Leader: Played by Mikko Leppilampi, the mercenary leader is an unyielding antagonist who is every bit as determined as Korpi. Ruthless, calculating, and hungry for the prize he believes Korpi guards, he leads his men with military precision and is willing to stop at nothing to achieve his goals. His character acts as a dark mirror to Korpi, highlighting what greed and violence look like when stripped of honor.
3. Ilmari (Essi Hellén): Korpi’s only trusted ally in the sequel, Ilmari is a fellow survivor with her own tragic past and reasons to fight. Her knowledge of the wilderness and loyalty make her an invaluable partner as she aids Korpi in his struggle against the mercenaries. Together, they navigate treacherous territory, facing not only external threats but also the weight of their own past traumas.

Themes and Style

1. Survival Against All Odds: Much like its predecessor, Sisu 2 focuses on the indomitable spirit of survival. Korpi’s journey isn’t simply about defending his gold or his life; it’s about reclaiming his autonomy and asserting his right to exist on his own terms.
2. Revenge and Redemption: As Korpi battles the mercenaries, he confronts his own violent past, delving into themes of revenge, regret, and redemption. His fights aren’t just physical but deeply symbolic, as he grapples with the ghosts of his actions and the moral weight they carry.
3. Brutality of Nature: The rugged Finnish wilderness once again plays a central role, representing both a sanctuary and a battleground. Nature is harsh and unforgiving, and Korpi’s ability to adapt and use it to his advantage speaks to his primal instincts and connection to the land.

Cinematography and Direction

Director Jalmari Helander returns to build upon the intense visual style of the first film, combining breathtaking landscapes with raw, unfiltered action. The cinematography leans heavily into the isolation and hostility of the environment, capturing the majesty of Finland’s wilderness while highlighting its unforgiving nature. Wide-angle shots of snowy expanses and dense forests provide a stark contrast to the intense close-ups during fight scenes, underscoring the visceral brutality of the action.

The action choreography in Sisu 2 promises to push boundaries even further, with meticulously crafted sequences that balance realism with high-stakes drama. Each encounter is designed to feel brutal yet authentic, allowing Korpi’s skills and the raw physicality of the confrontations to shine. Helander’s direction ensures that every moment feels intense and grounded, delivering a relentless, high-energy experience.