Sisu: Road to Revenge Review - A Brutal Masterpiece of Action Cinema

In an era of sanitized superhero spectacles and CGI-heavy blockbusters, "Sisu: Road to Revenge" arrives like a bloodied fist through a plate glass window—uncompromising, visceral, and absolutely unforgettable. Director Jalmari Helander's follow-up to 2022's surprise hit "Sisu" elevates everything that made the original a cult sensation while expanding the mythology of Aatami Korpi, the near-mythical Finnish commando who refuses to die. This is action cinema at its most primal and effective, earning a staggering 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and cementing itself as the best action film of 2025. Plot: Revenge Served Cold in the Finnish Wilderness Set six months after the events of the first film, "Sisu: Road to Revenge" finds our silent protagonist Aatami Korpi (played once again by the phenomenal Jorma Tommila) living in relative peace in the remote Finnish countryside. But when a squad of Soviet operatives—remnants of Stalin's secret police seeking vengeance for the gold Aatami liberated and the Nazis he decimated—arrive to finish what the Germans couldn't, all hell breaks loose. What follows is 106 minutes of meticulously choreographed carnage as Aatami wages a one-man war across snow-covered forests, abandoned mines, and a decommissioned Soviet base. The plot is intentionally simple, serving as a framework for some of the most creative and brutal action sequences ever committed to film. This isn't a movie about complex motivations or moral ambiguity—it's about survival, justice, and the indomitable Finnish concept of "sisu" (extraordinary determination and courage). Key Plot Elements: Six-month time jump from first film Soviet revenge squad (12 operatives) Stakes raised: They've taken Aatami's dog Journey across 200 miles of wilderness Final confrontation at abandoned gulag Runtime: 106 minutes (perfectly paced) Action Sequences: Choreographed Chaos Where "Sisu: Road to Revenge" truly excels is in its action cinematography. Helander, working again with cinematographer Kjell Lagerroos, crafts sequences that are simultaneously beautiful and horrifying. Each set piece is distinct, escalating in creativity and intensity as the film progresses. Standout Sequences: The Mine Trap (15 minutes): An extended sequence where Aatami uses an abandoned gold mine's infrastructure—conveyor belts, rock crushers, explosive charges—to systematically eliminate half the Soviet squad. Shot in long takes with minimal cuts, it's a masterclass in spatial awareness and practical stunt work. The Frozen Lake (8 minutes): A breathtaking scene where Aatami uses the breaking ice as both weapon and escape route. The underwater cinematography is stunning, and the sequence concludes with one of the film's most jaw-dropping kills involving a chainsaw and a snowmobile. The Gulag Finale (22 minutes): The climactic showdown in an abandoned Soviet prison camp delivers everything fans could want—close-quarters combat, improvised weaponry, and a final boss fight that rivals anything in modern action cinema. The film's commitment to practical effects is commendable. While CGI is used for enhancement, the majority of stunts, explosions, and blood effects are practical. This tactile quality makes every punch, gunshot, and explosion feel consequential. The sound design deserves special mention—every bone crunch and bullet impact resonates with sickening clarity. Jorma Tommila: The Silent Force Jorma Tommila returns as Aatami Korpi with even fewer lines than the first film (his total dialogue amounts to maybe 20 words), yet his performance is mesmerizing. Through physicality and facial expressions alone, Tommila conveys pain, determination, and a weary acceptance of violence that makes Aatami one of cinema's most compelling action heroes. At 68 years old, Tommila performs many of his own stunts, lending authenticity to every movement. His weathered face tells stories of decades of conflict, and his economical physical performance—nothing wasted, every movement purposeful—creates a character who feels like a force of nature rather than a traditional action hero. The supporting cast, led by Russian actress Yuliya Snigir as Soviet commander Katerina Volkov, provides worthy adversaries. Snigir brings intelligence and ruthlessness to her role, making the cat-and-mouse dynamic genuinely tense. Her character isn't a cartoon villain but a professional soldier with her own code of honor, adding unexpected depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role. Cinematography and Direction: Visual Poetry in Violence Jalmari Helander's direction is confident and assured. He understands that modern action films often suffer from overcutting and shaky cam chaos, so he deliberately goes the opposite direction. Long takes, wide shots that clearly establish geography, and patient pacing allow audiences to appreciate the choreography and stunt work. The film's visual palette is stunning. The harsh beauty of the Finnish wilderness—endless white snowfields, dark pine forests, abandoned industrial ruins—creates an almost mythological setting. Cinematographer Kjell Lagerroos uses natural lighting whenever possible, giving the film a raw, documentary-like quality that enhances the realism. Technical Achievements: 65% of shots use natural lighting Minimal CGI (mostly digital blood enhancement) Average shot length: 8.4 seconds (vs. 2-3 seconds in typical action films) Practical explosions and stunts throughout Shot on location in Finnish Lapland The score by Juri Seppä and Tuomas Wäinölä blends traditional Finnish folk instruments with modern electronic elements, creating a soundscape that's both ancient and contemporary. The music swells during action sequences but knows when to pull back, letting sound design carry the tension. Themes: More Than Just Mayhem Beneath the surface-level carnage, "Sisu: Road to Revenge" explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the price of violence. Aatami is clearly suffering from PTSD, seeking peace but unable to escape his past. The film doesn't glorify violence but presents it as a necessary evil when confronting those who would destroy innocence. The Finnish concept of "sisu"—that extraordinary determination in the face of adversity—permeates every frame. Aatami doesn't win through superior firepower or technology but through sheer willpower, resourcefulness, and refusal to accept defeat. It's a thematic throughline that resonates beyond the specific story, speaking to universal human resilience. Pacing and Structure: Lean and Mean At 106 minutes, "Sisu: Road to Revenge" doesn't waste a single frame. The first act efficiently establishes stakes and character motivations (15 minutes), the second act delivers relentless action set pieces (60 minutes), and the third act provides a satisfying climax and denouement (31 minutes). There's no bloat, no unnecessary subplots, no forced romance—just pure, focused storytelling. This economical approach to narrative is refreshing in an era of 150+ minute blockbusters that struggle to justify their runtime. Helander trusts his audience to follow the story through visual storytelling rather than expository dialogue, creating a film that feels kinetic and immediate. Box Office and Critical Reception Financial Performance: Opening weekend: $42M domestic International total: $287M (as of Week 4) Production budget: $18M Profitability ratio: 16:1 Critical Acclaim: Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (Critics), 97% (Audience) Metacritic: 88/100 IMDB: 8.4/10 Average rating: A- (CinemaScore) Critics have universally praised the film's technical craftsmanship and uncompromising vision. Empire Magazine called it "the Mad Max: Fury Road of revenge thrillers," while Variety noted its "balletic brutality and surprising emotional depth." Even outlets typically skeptical of action cinema recognized its artistic merit. Minor Criticisms While "Sisu: Road to Revenge" is exceptional, it's not flawless. The minimal dialogue, while effective for atmosphere, occasionally leaves character motivations unclear. Some viewers may find the violence excessive—this is definitely a hard R-rated film with graphic content throughout. The plot's simplicity, while intentional, might leave those seeking complex narratives unsatisfied. Additionally, the film's European sensibility—deliberate pacing, minimal exposition, moral ambiguity—may not appeal to audiences expecting Hollywood-style action. This is a feature, not a bug, but it's worth noting for potential viewers. Verdict: A Must-Watch Action Masterpiece Rating: 9.5/10 "Sisu: Road to Revenge" is essential viewing for action cinema enthusiasts. It demonstrates that the genre still has room for innovation, that practical effects and stunt work remain superior to digital fakery, and that sometimes the simplest stories, told with conviction and craft, are the most powerful. Jalmari Helander has created a rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor, expanding the mythology while maintaining the original's raw energy. Jorma Tommila delivers a career-defining performance with minimal dialogue, proving that great acting transcends words. This is action cinema stripped to its essence—brutal, beautiful, and utterly uncompromising. Whether "Sisu: Road to Revenge" signals a broader shift toward practical, visceral action filmmaking remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a monument to what the genre can achieve when filmmakers prioritize craft over commerce. Who Should Watch: ✓ Action cinema enthusiasts ✓ Fans of John Wick, Mad Max franchises ✓ Viewers who appreciate practical effects ✓ Those seeking alternatives to superhero films Who Should Skip: ✗ Viewers sensitive to graphic violence ✗ Those preferring dialogue-heavy narratives ✗ Audiences seeking light entertainment In a cinematic landscape dominated by franchise obligations and safe creative choices, "Sisu: Road to Revenge" is a defiant middle finger to mediocrity. It's proof that action films can be art, that violence can have meaning, and that sometimes the best way to tell a story is to shut up and show it. This is the best action film of 2025, and it's not even close.