Speed to the theater for ‘Sisu: Road to Revenge,’ Finland’s madcap take on ‘Fury Road’

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This year’s most thrilling action film features a 66-year-old man on a high-speed chase. Titled “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” the movie is a gritty, independent take on the style of “Mad Max: Fury Road.”

It’s 1946, and the story unfolds in a part of Finland that’s now under Soviet control. Aatami Korpi (played by Jorma Tommila) is a battle-worn Finnish commando, looking like he desperately needs a bath after years of fighting Nazis. (While you can see his previous work in the 2022 film “Sisu,” this is a great place to start.)

Unfortunately, Korpi is in trouble. His cabin is now located inside Soviet territory. He decides to take his house apart, load the wood onto a truck, and drive 75 miles to the new Finnish border with his dog. He’s being chased by a ruthless Red Army officer named Igor Draganov (played by Stephen Lang from “Avatar”), who has been ordered to stop this determined man.

The Finnish concept of “sisu” – a combination of bravery and resilience – perfectly captures the spirit of this action-packed story. You don’t need explanations; it’s all conveyed through thrilling visuals: explosions, gunfights, intense stares, and sly smiles. The Russian villain speaks English, but the hero, Korpi, is a man of few words – he doesn’t speak at all! Instead, he lets his actions do the talking, outrunning motorcycles and even an airplane. And you won’t believe what he does with a train – it’s a must-see!

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“Sisu: Road to Revenge” clearly pays tribute to action classics like “Die Hard” and the silent film “The General.” Director Helander doesn’t hide his influences – they’re as obvious and energetic as a fiery gasoline trail. You can even catch glimpses of films like “Jaws” and classic “Looney Tunes” within it. It’s no surprise that his next film will be a fresh take on “Rambo.”

However, Helander’s biggest achievement is creating a film that truly reflects his unique vision. The movie’s blend of styles feels new and exciting, and the powerful score by Juri Seppä and Tuomas Wäinölä is particularly noteworthy. It confidently takes inspiration from the iconic sounds of Ennio Morricone – think sweeping horns and distinctive wah-wah guitar – while also incorporating the unusual and captivating element of traditional Finnish throat singing.

The story unfolds like a continuing series, with each part presenting a danger that seems insurmountable. It quickly becomes clear that Korpi is incredibly resilient, and Draganov won’t stop hunting him until he’s absolutely certain Korpi is dead – because anything less means Korpi will simply regroup and try again. Also, Lang’s portrayal of Draganov is brilliantly ruthless; he’ll eliminate anyone who stands in his path, even members of his own crew, as demonstrated when he casually runs over one of his bikers and complains about the inconvenience.

Things quickly get even more chaotic. Just as Korpi finishes the intense third part, called “Motor Mayhem,” Draganov angrily orders his team to attack. Seriously? We’ve already experienced a lot of action in just the first 30 minutes, and there’s still a full hour left to play.

Helander and editor Juho Virolainen create a darkly comedic atmosphere. They expertly time the action, building suspense as characters narrowly avoid catastrophe before ultimately meeting a violent end. The sheer excess of violence is so over-the-top that it becomes funny, even eliciting laughter at gruesome moments, like a decapitation, on more than one occasion.

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The movie’s tone is often unsettling and sometimes crosses the line, like in a particularly disturbing scene of violence or when a dog is shown clearly upset. (Thankfully, the dog is ultimately okay.) One scene involving a shooting is excessively dramatic and feels intended only for those who enjoy shocking content.

Mostly, the movie “Sisu” is funny because of how determined the main character, Korpi, is to avoid killing anyone, only fighting back when he has to. Other characters treat him like a dangerous animal – one scene shows someone warning others not to move when Korpi looks at their car. A foolish character even tries to pull a gun, which is a bad idea. There’s also a tense sequence where Korpi sneaks past sleeping soldiers, and you’re left hoping they don’t wake up!

A glimpse of the character’s past – a photo of his deceased wife and children – adds emotional weight, powerfully conveyed by Jorma Tommila’s expressive eyes. However, it’s the character’s quietness that gives the film a legendary quality. The cinematography, by Mika Orasmaa, is dynamic and visually striking, with sweeping shots that move from the ground to the sky. One particularly memorable scene features a small plane flying sideways through a dense birch forest – a truly stunning image. The film’s landscapes are equally impressive, showcasing dramatic cliffs and vistas painted with yellows, blues, and oranges.

Though filmed in Estonia, the movie feels like a tribute to the stunning Baltic coastline. A simple moment – Korpi stopping to change a tire – becomes poignant as he listens to the birdsong, which feels like a farewell from a bygone era, a last echo before the division of the Iron Curtain. While the war has officially ended, its trauma remains raw. The film shows a field of unburied soldiers, suggesting a deep skepticism about whether the peace treaty will truly last. The land is too filled with the weight of the past to offer genuine hope.

Interestingly, “Road to Revenge” portrays its villains with more dignity than the 2022 film did with its cowardly SS soldiers, who were depicted as almost cartoonishly evil. In this new film, the Russian soldiers are either cruel but courageous, or simply unfortunate. The story consistently places the responsibility for their deaths on their superiors, who treat them as expendable.

The cycle of violence reaches the top, to a KGB officer (played by veteran actor Richard Brake) who threatens to exile Draganov to Siberia if he doesn’t defeat Korpi. Draganov warns Korpi that immortality wouldn’t be pleasant in Siberia, making their brutal fight even more intense.

After World War II, more than 400,000 Finnish people were displaced from their homes. The film ‘Korpi’, directed by Tommila, powerfully evokes this history and prompts us to consider similar stories unfolding today in places like Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and Ukraine. It also highlights Finland’s ongoing concern for its 830-mile border.

I was fascinated to hear Finland’s President Alexander Stubb speak this week! He urged European allies to stand strong against Russia, and he wants everyone to embrace a uniquely Finnish concept called sisu – it’s all about incredible, unwavering courage. He believes in it so much, he even had the word embroidered on the back of his jacket! Honestly, it feels like something out of a classic, inspiring movie – the branding is just perfect.

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2025-11-21 00:32