Road to Revenge, a sequence superior in terms of emotion, without giving up spectacular action

In 2022, a Finnish film took action cinema by storm. Sisu, by Jalmari Helander, refers to an untranslatable term, referring to willpower, determination and courage; aspects that define Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a former commandobut he lost none of his fighting spirit.

The plot was simple: Korpi finds gold, but the Nazis, who are retreating from the country in the middle of World War II, want to take it from him. From there we serve a succession of epic sequences of action, blood and dark humor with a dose of slapstick.

After sweeping festivals like Sitges, the sequence became essential. What was expected would be a stereotypical continuation, with more spectacular scenes and the same ingredients; However with Road to Vengeance Helander takes a detour that leads to a superior film.

A cathartic and emotional revenge

1946. The end of the Second World War brings the capitulation of Finlandforced to cede several of its territories to the Soviet Union. Aatami Korpi travels to one of these regions to dismantle her old house, load it on a truck, and rebuild it in a safe area. Something the Red Army will not tolerate.

After learning of the intrusion into Soviet territory, the high command releases Igor Draganov, responsible for the massacre of Korpi’s family, from prison. They offer him freedom and a rich future, on the condition that he finish what you started and kill “The Man Who Refuses to Die”.

Thus begins a relentless hunt, once again divided into chapters, and defined by the various confrontations between Korpi and Draganov. A tour with scenes on the edge of the impossibleranging from a breathless chase to Korpi taking on bombers and a confrontation with an entire train of soldiers.

Path to revenge have a bigger budgetwhich is evident in the magnificent locations, visual effects and the incorporation of Stephen Lang. The Don’t Breathe actor is in his element as Draganov: he knows how to capture how terrifying he is, but also gives him a stoicism and deception that elevates the character. Lang dedicates himself to the role, as at his side is a superb Jorma Tommila.

At 66, Finnish actor shows that age is just a numberwith an enviable physique and total dedication to action scenes. But Sisu 2 allows him to show his acting prowess in all ways; especially in the emotional area. Korpi breaks down upon returning home, is consumed by rage upon encountering Draganov, and clings to memories that, although painful, are all he has left. And all, without saying a single word.

Jalmari Helander renounces exaggeration and excess humor, to let humanity rise to prominence and let Korpi grow as a character. There are still touches of comedy (pay attention to the bunk bed sequence), and the craziest action scenes once again border on cartoonish; but It is a more restrained formal formula, which gives space to emotions.

In the epilogue of Sisu: Road to Revenge there are no explosions or massacres. It is a closure in which Tommila proves her worth again, with a bittersweet note that moves; so much so that, in previous screenings, it has caused more than one cry. An excellent decision by the director and screenwriter, and one that defines a sequel that is clearly superior to the original.

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