Thanks in no small part to Liam Neeson and “John Wick”, one-man armies are all the rage right now. Fans of the Acton crackers should definitely also have “Sisu” on their screen. Why? The trailer of the movie shows:

Movies are getting bigger, longer and more epic – and in many cases that’s not just a good thing, it’s important. Because certain stories just need time to unfold. Straightforward action hits that get straight to the point are still a welcome change. Thanks to trendsetters like Liam Neeson and the “John Wick” series, we haven’t exactly been able to complain about a lack of brutal hits for years. And the year 2023 also has a lot in store in this direction – not only “John Wick 4”, but also “Sisu”.

Can’t wait for the return of Keanu Reeves’ hitman (in theaters March 23, 2023), but never heard of “Sisu”? Well, that’s mainly because the Finnish action thriller doesn’t come across as star-studded and doesn’t even have a launch date in this country. Despite: It should be no coincidence that “John Wick” studio Lionsgate, of all people, got the US rights to the latest coup by Jalmari Helander (“Big Game”, “Rare Exports”).

The film had its world premiere at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival and eventually ended up in the program of the no less prestigious Sitges Film Festival, where it was more than well received. On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, only 14 votes from the trade press are available so far, but these give the brutal campaigner a perfect score of 100 percent. And that’s an extremely strong exclamation mark for a genre board like this – and a clear indication for action fans: this movie is a must-have. Because, judging by the trailer, “Sisu” takes no prisoners – and cruelty-wise, it goes a step or two that even John Wick should be scared…

This is Sisu

If, after the trailer above, you’re wondering how such a promising cracker could come out of nowhere, the movie doesn’t come out of nowhere – only from Finland.

Director Jalmari Helander has already made a name for himself in recent years with entertaining, bloodthirsty genre fare, celebrated his breakthrough with his Christmas horror action film “Rare Exports” and then staged “Big Game” (with Samuel L. Jackson, among others). his first film with a Hollywood star. In “Sisu” he again appeals to a predominantly Finnish cast, which you may have already seen here and there.

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Protagonist Jorma Tommila played in both Rare Exports and Big Game, fans of The Boys know Jack Doolan as Tommy and Aksel Hennie is in Europe (The Trip, Headhunters) as well as in The Dream Factory (“The Martian”, “The Clovervield Paradox” ) very successful.

And that’s what “Sisu” is about: In the closing days of World War II, the Nazis meet prospector Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila) at a retreat in northern Finland. They attack the stranger’s prey – making the mistake of their lives. Because Korpi is not an ordinary miner, but a one-man death squad. And she has no intention of leaving the gold to the Nazis who leave…

Soon away from Amazon Prime Video: Fast-paced streaming action with Neeson & Schwarzenegger, heart-pounding horror and several masterpieces

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