Do you like watching fascists die in hilarious ways? Then, have I got a film for you! Sisu: Road to Revenge is the sequel to 2022’s Sisu. Once again written and directed by Jalmari Helander (Rare Exports, Sisu). Jorma Tommila returns as Aatami Korpi, the Finnish Commando who tries to rebuild his home following years of war in Finland. Stephen Lang (Avatar, Don’t Breathe, Into the Badlands, Mortal Engines) joins the cast as Igor Draganov, a Soviet officer who killed Korpi’s family years ago and is now after Korpi himself. Additionally, Richard Brake (Batman Begins, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Game of Thrones, Mandy, Barbarian) features as a KGB agent who is Draganov’s superior.
In this entry, Korpi travels across the Soviet border to dismantle his old home, bring it back to Finland, and rebuild it. Seeing him as a loose end, the Soviets decide to send Draganov after him. Chaos ensues.
Action, Action, and more Action
Straight to the point, Road to Revenge is an action film packed with action. Within about ten minutes, the film rips and roars as the Soviets descend upon Korpi. And once it starts, it does not let up. Every chapter delivers a great set piece and continues to build on the insanity of each. There’s a lot of hooting and hollering to be had as Korpi comes up with increasingly inventive ways to kill off his Soviet pursuers. The first film had major Looney Tunes energy, yet Road to Revenge really ramps it up. I won’t spoil them here, but there’s a moment involving a tank and one involving a rocket that really are just Looney Tunes set pieces, and it’s absolutely a riot to watch.
I say it does not let up, and this is true. Thankfully, the film does provide a few moments to breathe and reset before diving into its next action sequence. These breaks never overstay their welcome and help pace the film immensely. Furthermore, all the action is well-choreographed by fight choreographer Lauren Okadigbo and clearly shot by director of photography Mika Orasmaa. It makes it easy to know what’s going on and where it’s happening. It’s good when an action film understands that the audience wants to see the action and isn’t muddled by a million cuts.
Silence and One-Liners
In terms of the performances, there are truly only two in the whole film worth discussing. First, we have Tommila. Much like the first film, Tommila has to do everything with just his face and body since the character he portrays does not speak. And just like the first film, he’s great at it. He’s able to convey the rage, anxiety, and fear of the character with such ease.
On the other end is Stephen Lang, a very welcome addition to this sequel, considering the first film lacked a strong, memorable antagonist. Lang’s character is fairly one-note, but theactor is good at that sort of thing. He delivers ridiculous one-liners and looks on menacingly for most of the runtime. When he does get involved in the action himself, it’s a little disappointing as he doesn’t have quite the same physicality that Korpi does. The two make for a solid on-screen dynamic and do help elevate the film above its predecessor.
Additional Thoughts on Road to Revenge
One thing that does deserve a shot is the cinematography by Orasmaa. Again, he does a great job with the action sequences, but at the same time, he does just as great with the quieter moments. And the use of wide shots showing off the Finnish landscape is just gorgeous. Additionally, the score from Juri Seppä and Tuomas Wäinölä is the perfect complement to all the action on the screen. Its growling and heavy sound is a great fit for an action film.
And in terms of themes, there isn’t a whole lot present here. Mostly, Helander’s film is about how fascism is designed to stamp out anything that doesn’t fit into their view as “normal”. Moreover, it’s about how important it is that we fight back against that. Sisu takes it to the extreme with the many over-the-top deaths that are just great to watch.
The Verdict on Sisu: Road to Revenge
It won’t be winning any awards, however, as far as action flicks go, Sisu: Road To Revenge is one of the better ones this year. It’s all killer and no filler, and honestly, just satisfying to watch as fascists get what’s coming to them.
Score: 3.5/5
Sisu: Road To Revenge is now playing in theaters!
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