Sisu

What’s it about?

In this Finnish action-thriller set in 1944, former Finnish soldier turned gold miner Aatami has just struck gold in Lapland. He sets off on his horse to trade the gold for cash when he is waylaid by Nazi soldiers who want to take his gold. Aatami uses wits, training, and sheer grit to dodge pursuing soldiers and escape with his life and fortune intact.

The facts

• Directed by Finnish screenwriter Jalmari Helander
• English language; some Finnish language with English subtitles
• Runtime: 92 minutes
• “sisu” is a Finnish term for stoicism, strength and perseverance
• Screening in New Zealand as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival 2023

Why did it get this rating?

Horror

Scenes of body horror show bloody injuries and gaping wounds. Characters occasionally tend to their own injuries, shown up close with wound detail.

The setting includes sightings of war atrocities: corpses dangle from electrical poles, a dead animal is still tethered to an overturned car, and a charred corpse sits in the driver’s seat of a burnt vehicle.

Cruelty

Nazi officers compel their own soldiers and captive local women to walk into a field of landmines to pursue Aatami. They shoot at Aatami’s pet and later use it against him.

Violence

An animal and a few people are blown up, shown briefly from a distance. The animal’s injuries are graphic. Characters are stabbed, bashed, whipped and shot, accompanied by blood spurts, blood spray, and sometimes gory sightings including torn flesh.

Offensive language

Offensive language such as “f**k”, “f**ker”, and “b**ch” is sometimes used aggressively.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Sisu: The Finnish art of inner strength
• Sisu on the Whānau Mārama – New Zealand International Film Festival website