The word "Sisu" is, by definition, a Finnish concept of stoic determination and tenacity. Now, the Finnish action film of the same name looks to have it's lead character earn that title in a film that currently holds 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with 14 critics. One that is close to be released in the US now that Lionsgate as acquired the distribution rights for North America, but the synopsis alone is enough to intrigue, coming off like a brutal combination of First Blood, Inglorious Basterds, and Pale Rider:
Deep in the wilderness of Lapland, Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila) is looking for gold during the Lapland War. From time to time the overflight of bombers and the distant sounds of war can be heard on clear autumn nights. Finally, the hard work is rewarded and the gold dust in pan grows into gold nuggets. Aatami leaves to take his gold treasure to the nearest town. When a thirty-strong Nazi extermination squad led by SS Obersturmführer Bruno Helldorf (Aksel Hennie) turns against Aatami, a breathtaking and gold-hungry chase begins through the destroyed and mined wilderness of Lapland, with Aatami having to wage his one-man war against this superior enemy.
With such immediate violence, it's no wonder the first trailer released for the film's still-unannounced US release is a Red Band trailer. Check it out below:
Sisu co-stars Jack Doolan and Paul Anderson. The film is written and directed by Jalmari Helander. (Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, Big Game)