Sisu is a Finnish action thriller that recently reached sixth place on Netflix’s international top ten. The film borrows its name from a word without a perfect translation in English. It refers to a sense of unstoppable determination and grit, which Finns see as integral to their national character. The film applies that quality to its powerful hero, who cleaves his way through history’s greatest monsters. The film earned its box office success and its current status as one of Netflix’s favorite films.
Sisu Fought His Way to Netflix’s Top Ten
Despite some elements of the trailer, the main character’s name isn’t Sisu. Instead, Jorma Tommila portrays Aatami Korpi, a humble prospector hunting gold with his trusty dog and horse. He hits a rich vein of precious gold near the Lapland wilderness, guaranteeing him an easy life. Unfortunately, his country recently switched sides in World War II, opening conflict with the Nazis. Aatami encounters an SS squad led by an unapologetic monster. After the Nazis discover his gold, they attack him, prompting him to defend himself. The Nazis chase Aatami to seize his gold, gradually discovering the man’s legendary past in the Winter War. It’s all the fun of a Wolfenstein game but, set in different circumstances. Gory action movies are common at the moment, with a million projects aiming at John Wick‘s crown. Sisu reached Netflix as a historical action movie with stellar set pieces.
Sisu made $14.3 million on a roughly $6.4 million budget. Its theatrical run was brief, but the film struggled against bigger movies like John Wick: Chapter 4 and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It did well abroad and in the US. Critics loved Sisu, awarding it a 94% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences also offered an 88% positive score, suggesting near-universal appeal. Its current success on Netflix comes from several unexpected locations. Audiences in Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Hong Kong pushed it to first place on their national charts. It isn’t available in several regions, but the film reached sixth place on Netflix worldwide. Interestingly, Sisu also appears on iTunes’ rankings because it remains #9 in Finland. Its success grew from positive word of mouth, but critics also sang its praises. Like many recent films, its mild box office performance inspired greater attention on streaming platforms.
Critics and Hideo Kojima compared Sisu positively to Rambo. It has elements of First Blood but carries the action chops of future installments. Unlike Stallone, Aatami convincingly sells the unstoppable war god routine. Those films tried to convey a sense of American exceptionalism, but it’s nice to see another culture’s take on the material. Sisu might not have an English translation, but it will reach anyone who hunts it down.
