The John Wick series is one of the slickest and most popular of the stylized action films, but it is by no means the first of its kind. Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers (1994) was a wild ride set to a symphony of violence and delivers an important message about the media’s complicity in promoting violence to boot. Films like Bullitt (1968) and Heat (1995) highlighted kinetic gunplay and a protagonist who is not to be trifled with. In recent years, these films have taken a back seat to superhero flicks and horror. However, there has been a resurgence of the actioner and the character John Wick signifies this when he says, “Yeah, I’m thinking I’m back!” This saying encapsulates the whole genre, which his series has helped  to resuscitate. 

Soon to be added to the canon of brutal films with a ballet-like undercurrent of movement is Sisu, Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander’s ode to unbridled, ferocious action. Sisu is a Finnish word that means going beyond one’s physical and mental limitations. The Lionsgate release stars Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan, Mimosa Willamo, and Onni Tommila. If action fans think John Wick is a man of few words, wait until they meet Jorma’s Aatami Korpi. 

Jalmari Helander recently took the time to speak with Creative Screenwriting about making the WWII-set adventure.

How difficult was it to write something with so little dialogue?

It was a challenge. The length of the script is primarily what made it difficult because usually scripts of this length contain a lot of dialogue. At first, it was really terrifying. But at the same time, it was a good learning experience of how to solve the problems in a cinematic way rather than explaining everything in dialogue.

How long did it take you to write the first draft?

It was the fastest thing I’ve ever done, and the first draft was the one we shot. I wrote it in two months, which is something I’ve never done before. It usually takes me years to do something like this. I was in such a dark place during the pandemic that I thought I’d never do anything cool again in the movie business, so I needed to be in that really f*cking dark place in order for this to happen.

How did this project come about?

When I wrote the script, the producers sent it to a couple of places. The longest wait we had for a ‘yes’ was twenty-four hours. Everyone was so into it. Within three months it was financed. Everything happened really fast.

Was this an idea you came up with and you decided to go out with it?

Yes, I had this idea a couple of years ago and even started writing some of it. I wrote about four pages and thought it was impossible to write it. I needed that anger inside to be in the right mood to do it.

Why did you set it during WWII?

I needed iconic bad guys to be against the protagonist, who has the gold. As it happens, we had this period in Finland when Nazis where destroying Lapland and that gives you a really cool environment in a movie kind of way – full of danger, full of destruction. It was really clear to me when the idea hit me that this was the way to go with it.

Was there any Finnish folklore involved in your research?

There’s a lot of cool finding-gold-during-the-war stories. I was reading them for a while and then I stopped because it almost felt like it would limit my imagination if I’m taking it too seriously. I wanted the freedom to do basically what I wanted to with the story.

Jalmari Helander

What was your most difficult day of shooting?

It was definitely the day the horse escaped from the set, and we found it eleven kilometers away. All the props on his back were scattered all over the mountains. We couldn’t film at all that day, and I lost one day of filming because of it.

This film almost feels like a comic book come to life. Was this style a conscious choice of yours?

The story is so simple, I wanted it to have a wild, cartoon feel, even though we’re not too funny with it. Aatami is a rather serious person, and the problems are real. Everything is done with a serious touch. At the same time, I wanted to have some fun with the action.

These kinds of films, with a sort of stylized violence, have become extremely popular. Why do you think that is?

That’s a good question. I’m happy it’s happening. It seems like action films weren’t in fashion for many years. Now, everyone wants to see a film where you’re messing with the wrong dude. I’ve loved these types of films my whole life.

Who do you think would win in a battle between Korpi and John Wick?

Of course Korpi would win because he just won’t die…!

Who are some of your biggest influences as far as filmmakers?

For this, I would say someone like Sergio Leone.

How did you first get started in filmmaking?

I was about ten years old when I was pretty sure I was going to be a filmmaker. It was something to laugh at then and even ten years after that but they’re not laughing anymore. I’ve been so lucky to know so early on what I wanted to do. I have put all my focus towards that particular goal. It’s been a good thing for me.

Could you see yourself going outside the action genre?

I could, but I’m not going to do it anytime soon. I’m in the mood for wild action and I’m going to do more of it.

What would you say you learned the most from this shoot?

It’s made me feel really confident. I don’t worry about others’ opinions so much anymore.

What’s the one word you’d use to describe the film?

Sisu….!