Movie Reviews

‘Sisu’ review: Outrageous WWII action film filled with blood, guts, and a cute dog

Yes, the dog survives.

April 24, 2023

When John Wick 4 was released, one trailer stood out more than the others. Filled with graphic head stabbings, bodies literally being blown to bits, and a whole lot of blood, Sisu grabbed the attention of crowds already pumped to see over the top action. Oh yeah. All the victims were Nazis.

Taking place as World War II is coming to an end, a solitary prospector just wants to find some gold. The lone man soon crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched earth retreat in Northern Finland. What seems like a chance encounter leads to a violent chase. But who is really the hunter?

The over the top action promised by the trailer definitely had people talking, but it also led to some trepidation. What if we had been shown all of the best moments? And for a while, it seems like that may be the case. Sisu begins by introducing the audience to the protagonist. He is the strong silent type and nothing hints at extreme action.

As it turns out, the first chapter is the only one that forgoes any bloodshed. Things get off to a wild start in the second installment. Aptly title ‘The Nazis’, Sisu kicks the action off with a knife straight through one of the soldier’s temples and only occasionally slows down for the rest of the run time.

The kills are over the top, with the final death being the best and most satisfying. It also emphasizes one of the strongest points of the movie. The writing has a tongue in cheek quality that adds to the fun of the zany action. The plot is wisely kept bare bones – the prospector ends up being a legendary commando who wants his gold back after the Nazis stole it from him. Sisu is no comedy, but it also leans into the wackiness. The end result is an action filled and outrageously fun time.