Sisu: Road to Revenge Review – A Bloody Good Sequel
Jalmari Helander’s “Sisu: Road to Revenge” arrives as a follow-up to the 2022 sleeper hit, “Sisu,” promising more of the cartoonishly violent action that made the original a favorite among adrenaline junkies. This time, Aatami Korpi, played by Jorma Tommila, trades Nazis for Russians in a high-octane, stunt-filled adventure. While it might not recapture the initial freshness of its predecessor, “Road to Revenge” delivers a satisfying dose of mayhem and propulsive pacing that fans of the first film will undoubtedly appreciate.
Table of contents
A One-Man Army Against the Red Army
Set in 1946, after the conclusion of World War II, Aatami Korpi is attempting to rebuild his life by moving his home, piece by piece, back to Finnish territory after border changes. However, his past catches up to him when Soviet authorities, particularly Red Army officer Igor Draganov (Stephen Lang), remember the “legend” who singlehandedly eliminated over 300 of their troops during the Winter War. Draganov, recently released from a Siberian prison, is tasked by a KBG official (Richard Brake) with ensuring Korpi never reaches Finland. This sets the stage for a relentless cat-and-mouse game filled with explosive action sequences.
The film quickly escalates into a series of dynamic set-pieces, showcasing Aatami’s resourcefulness and brutal efficiency. From escaping ambushes and motorcycle attacks to battling fighter planes, the action is relentless. A significant portion of the film takes place aboard a train speeding towards Siberia, where Aatami, now a prisoner, faces overwhelming odds against the armed Soviet forces. The survival odds are, as expected, heavily stacked against the Russians, ensuring a spectacle of creatively violent encounters.
Excessive Mayhem and Stunt-Filled Spectacle
“Sisu: Road to Revenge” is divided into six titled chapters, each delivering a unique blend of staging, stunt work, and CGI effects. While the violence is often over-the-top, and at times, the rapid pace can make it difficult to fully grasp every detail of the carnage, the film generally succeeds in delivering a thrilling experience. There are moments where the suspension of disbelief is pushed to its limits, such as a scene involving a tank performing mid-air acrobatics, but these instances are part of the film’s overall commitment to exaggerated action.
One notable difference from the first “Sisu” is the diminished presence of black comedy. While the original balanced its violence with dark humor, “Road to Revenge” leans more heavily into the graphic nature of its action. There’s a greater emphasis on the physical toll Aatami endures, with frequent scenes of him extracting bullets and tending to his wounds. Despite the constant bloodshed and exposure to sub-zero temperatures, Aatami remains a formidable and seemingly unstoppable force.
Performances and Production
Jorma Tommila reprises his role as Aatami Korpi, delivering a performance that is both flinty and, surprisingly, warm, despite the character’s continued silence. Stephen Lang provides a suitably menacing presence as the expletive-laden Igor Draganov, although the role may not be the most distinctive in his career. Richard Brake makes a brief appearance as the KBG official, while the rest of the cast primarily serve as cannon fodder for Aatami’s relentless vengeance. The film’s production values are high, with impressive stunt work and CGI that contribute to the overall spectacle.
Key Takeaways for Action Movie Fans
- Over-the-Top Action: Expect non-stop, creatively violent action sequences.
- Minimal Dialogue: Jorma Tommila’s character remains largely silent, letting his actions speak louder than words.
- Brutal Vengeance: Aatami’s quest for revenge against the Russians is as ruthless and efficient as it was against the Nazis in the first film.
- High Production Value: The film boasts impressive stunt work and CGI effects.
Conclusion
“Sisu: Road to Revenge” might not surpass the originality of its predecessor, but it offers a satisfying continuation of Aatami Korpi’s story. With its relentless action, impressive stunt work, and gleefully excessive violence, it’s a must-see for fans of the first film and anyone seeking a high-octane action experience. While some may find the lack of black comedy and increased emphasis on gore to be a drawback, the film ultimately delivers on its promise of a blood-soaked, stunt-filled adventure.
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