“Sisu: Road to Revenge” is a Finnish war action film scheduled for release in 2025. It is written and directed by Jalmari Helander and serves as a sequel to the 2022 film “Sisu”. Jorma Tommila reprises his role as Aatami Korpi, with Stephen Lang and Richard Brake joining the cast.
When I first saw the trailers for this film, I was eager to see it, especially because I loved the first movie in the franchise. The original film offered plenty of action with minimal dialogue, showcasing thrilling sequences that were a testament to the talent of Jorma Tommila in the largely non-speaking role of Sisu.
The action sequences and special effects in this Finnish film are, once again, outstanding. However, it feels largely like a repeat of the first film, with very few new elements besides being a shorter version that follows the same format. There are ample crashes and torture scenes that may be overwhelming for the squeamish. Even as an experienced horror fan, I found it excessive.
One of the extended themes in this film is the power of dedication and commitment to a cause. It illustrates the endurance required to overcome hardships that surpass expectations. While perseverance can lead to a meaningful life, the film also explores the darker side, showing how stubbornness and a desire for revenge can result in destruction. These conflicting themes are central to the narrative.
I expected more from “Sisu: Road to Revenge”. More dialogue would have enhanced the experience; despite that, it remains a visually stunning film. However, it doesn’t add much beyond what we saw in the original film. It was good and breathtaking, but it fell short of elevating the story.
Compared to the original film, which scored highly for me, I have to rate this sequel as just okay. Therefore, I would give “Sisu: Road to Revenge” a disappointing score of 5 out of 10.
