The world of action cinema has recently seen a resurgence of high-quality, adrenaline-fueled films, ranging from the long-running Mission Impossible and James Bond franchises to fresh, dynamic entries such as Atomic Blonde and Bullet Train. However, among these, few films have matched the cultural impact and critical acclaim of the John Wick series, renowned for its stylish cinematography, intricate action choreography, and intense storytelling.
Now, a new action-packed thriller from the same studio that brought John Wick to life has taken audiences by storm. The 2023 release Sisu has been described as the John Wick of Nazi-fighting films, with fans and critics alike hailing it as an unmissable, blood-soaked spectacle.
Those who have watched the movie have flooded social media with enthusiastic praise. One viewer declared, “This is easily the best movie I’ve seen in a long time—an absolute must-watch.” Another went even further, claiming, “It’s a more important WWII film than Oppenheimer.” Many have echoed similar sentiments, with another fan saying, “This film is just incredible, man. Such an intense and gripping experience.”
The praise doesn’t stop with audiences—critics have also been captivated by Sisu. Deborah Ross from The Spectator described it as “beautifully shot, accompanied by a suitably ominous score, and paced with expert precision as it seamlessly transitions from one explosive action sequence to the next. I may recover from this film one day, but I haven’t yet.”
Meanwhile, Cath Clarke of The Guardian emphasized the film’s darkly humorous and wildly excessive nature, stating, “Director Jalmari Helander delivers a gloriously violent and wickedly entertaining action film. Sisu is essentially a grotesquely hilarious series of Nazi executions, played out in increasingly absurd yet satisfying ways. The audience I watched it with was practically screaming with laughter.”
Despite having a modest production budget of just $6 million, Sisu made a notable impact at the box office, raking in $13 million. Its critical reception has been equally impressive, boasting a remarkable 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.9/10 score on IMDb.
Adding to its accolades, Sisu dominated at the prestigious Sitges International Film Festival in Catalonia, where it won multiple awards, including Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Music, and Best Actor for lead star Jorma Tommila.
The gripping storyline follows Aatami, a former soldier turned solitary prospector, who, during the final days of World War II, embarks on a treacherous 500-mile journey through the Finnish wilderness to deposit his newfound gold. However, his plans are abruptly derailed when a group of ruthless Nazis steals his treasure. What they don’t realize is that they’ve just robbed the wrong man. Unbeknownst to them, Aatami is not just an aging miner—he is a deadly and highly skilled former commando with a thirst for vengeance. What follows is a merciless, blood-soaked campaign of retribution, as Aatami methodically eliminates his enemies, using his cunning and combat expertise to outmaneuver and annihilate those who wronged him.
Some fans have even begun speculating about a possible connection between Sisu and John Wick, with theories suggesting that Aatami could be an ancestor to Keanu Reeves’ legendary assassin. One enthusiast proposed, “If Lionsgate doesn’t connect this to the John Wick universe as a prequel or origin story for John’s family, they’re seriously missing out. Imagine Sisu as John’s grandfather—this could be an incredible way to expand the franchise!”
The exhilarating blend of high-stakes action, breathtaking cinematography, and relentless pacing has cemented Sisu as one of the most exciting action films of recent years. Whether viewed as a standalone masterpiece or a potential extension of the John Wick universe, one thing is certain—this film delivers an unforgettable ride from start to finish.