The Netflix film Sisu has recently been making waves with its portrayal of wartime violence, set in Finnish Lapland during World War II. However, the question of its historical accuracy has sparked much discussion.
Sisu is an action-packed historical drama directed by Finnish screenwriter, Jalmari Helander. The narrative follows a gold prospector who stands his ground against a German death squad led by a merciless SS officer.
The storyline is set during the Lapland War, a conflict that unfolded in the final stages of World War II, when Finland was engaged in a battle to expel German forces from its territory.
The violence showcased in the film is graphic and intense, mirroring the harsh realities of war. It’s crucial to note, though, that while the Lapland War is a historical fact, the specific events and characters in Sisu are fictional. The film’s protagonist, Aatami Korpi, and his solitary war against the German forces are the brainchild of the filmmakers and not a part of history.
The Lapland War, as per historical accounts, was marked by the German forces’ scorched earth policy, leading to extensive destruction and civilian casualties. This aspect of the war is accurately represented in the film. However, the film’s depiction of a lone man taking on an entire German death squad is a dramatic exaggeration designed to amplify the film’s action and suspense.
Sisu primarily focuses on the individual story of the protagonist, Aatami Korpi, and his conflict with a German death squad. The broader geopolitical context – Finland’s shifting alliances during World War II – serves more as a backdrop to the personal story at the heart of the film. The film does not delve deeply into the reasons behind Finland’s initial alliance with Germany and subsequent turn against it.
While Sisu is not a documentary and does take creative liberties with its depiction of individual characters and events, it provides a generally accurate portrayal of the Lapland War and the broader context of Finland’s role in World War II. However, as with any historical drama, it’s important for viewers to distinguish between the fictional elements of the story and the historical facts.
The film’s title, “Sisu,” is derived from a traditional Finnish concept that signifies unstoppable determination in the face of great adversity. This concept perfectly encapsulates the invincible spirit of the film’s protagonist, Aatami, as he repeatedly overpowers his Nazi oppressors.
