Sisu: Is This Netflix Thriller Based on a True Story?

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Approximately two years after its UK cinema debut, the Finnish World War II film “Sisu” is now available on Netflix. Notably, it has swiftly climbed to the number one spot on Netflix’s top 10 list.

A high-octane, action-packed film akin to John Wick and Rambo is set amidst the Lapland War of 1944. The story revolves around a resourceful prospector who bravely confronts numerous Nazi soldiers when they seize his gold stash.

The movie, penned and orchestrated by Jalmari Helander, garnered significant success in Finland and impressively held its own at international box offices. In fact, a follow-up to this film is already in production, with an anticipated release slated for late 2025.

Since Sisu is set against a historical background, it’s natural to ponder if this movie is inspired by real events and if the character of Aatami Korpi is a genuine historical figure. Here’s what you should know.

Is Sisu based on a true story?

To put it simply, while Sisu isn’t directly adapted from actual events, it is instead a dramatized portrayal of the real Lapland War, which was fought between Finland and Nazi Germany during the tail end of World War II, specifically in late 1944.

As I sat down to watch “The Man Without a Past,” I found myself captivated by the enigmatic character of Aatami Korpi, portrayed brilliantly by Jorma Tommila. However, upon further research, it appears that this gold miner, who single-handedly dispatched numerous Nazi soldiers, is not a figure grounded in historical fact. While the thrilling exploits depicted on screen make for an engaging tale, it’s important to remember that Aatami Korpi is a work of fiction, rather than a real-life hero from our past.

Previously, Director Jalmari Helander hinted in an interview with Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat that the real WWII sniper Simo Häyhä, known to have allegedly killed over 500 individuals, served as one of his inspirations for the character. However, it’s important to note that there is no explicit equivalence between the two characters.

Just as the characters portraying Nazi officers in the movie aren’t based on real historical figures.

Although the Lapland War is a genuine historical battle significant to Finland’s 20th century, it’s important to note that “Sisu” isn’t primarily a historical lesson but more of a gritty action thriller reminiscent of movies like John Wick and Rambo.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always been drawn to stories that resonate deeply and push boundaries. When I decided to craft my latest film against the backdrop of the Lapland War, I wanted more than just another World War II tale. I felt the need for something unique, something that would captivate audiences while challenging their perspectives.

In an interview with RogerEbert.com, I explained, “The Lapland War offers a fresh setting, but it’s not solely about the war itself. The presence of Nazis in the narrative serves as a symbol, an iconic embodiment of evil. This allows for creative liberty, as audiences are already familiar with their villainous nature, and they are open to seeing them portrayed in unconventional ways.”

In essence, I wanted to use the notorious image of Nazis as a tool to explore the human condition, to delve into the complexities of good and evil, and to remind us all that history is not just about dates and battles but about the stories of people.

He stated: “All Finnish war movies have a very somber and sacred tone, as if the subject of war is untouchable. Yet, surprisingly, this seems to resonate well with Finnish audiences, who appear to appreciate it.

As I go about my day, I frequently encounter elderly individuals who approach me with heartfelt praise. They express their deep affection for the show and share that it provided a unique viewing experience for them, as they never thought they’d find entertainment like this appealing.

As for his research on the weapons depicted, he commented that since this isn’t a documentary, he largely did none. Instead, he crafted the weapons to suit his needs, not the other way around.

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2025-03-12 21:38