One ‘incredible’ World War 2 film has a whopping 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes – and fans were gobsmacked after learning it’s based on true events. Released in 2022, the historical action thriller was filmed in Lapland on a $6.5million budget, set in late 1944 during the Lapland War. It was so successful that a sequel has already been confirmed for release later this year.

The incredible film was inspired by the real-life Finnish military sniper Simo Häyhä – better known as The White Death. Simo is believed to have killed more than 500 enemy soldiers during WW2, the highest number of sniper kills in any major war. He was severely injured in 1940 when an explosive bullet tore through his face, shattering his jaw. Presumed dead, he was left on a pile of corpses – until a bystander realised he was still alive and rushed him to hospital.

Thankfully Simo survived to write his memoirs, making a full recovery. He died in 2002 at the age of 96.

That incredible feat is reflected in Sisu, the 2022 film directed by Jalmari Helander. Also inspired by 1982 release First Blood, it follows gold prospector Aatami Korpi, who uncovers a huge deposit in the Lapland wilderness.

He soon encounters a Nazi platoon determined to steal his riches, and endures a seemingly endless string of near-death experiences along with his beloved Bedlington Terrier.

Reviews for the movie have branded it “remarkable”, with one writing: “Sisu is a remarkable film that captivates its audience with a powerful narrative of determination, strength and the unyielding spirit of human resilience, directed by a master storyteller.”

Someone else hailed it “one of the best action films of 2023 and of all time”, and an “absolute must-see”.

While another fan penned: “One of the most brutal movies ever.”

A ‘masterpiece’ crime drama featuring what audiences are calling Eric Bana’s ‘career best performance’ is a perfect choice to revisit following the launch of Netflix series Untamed.

Bana takes the lead in this latest crime drama on the prominent streaming platform. It marks only the second time the star has taken on a television role since Dirty John, having previously focused on film roles.

The Australian actor portrays Kyle Turner, a special agent probing a mysterious death in Yosemite National Park. The series has received rave reviews, with many critics and fans highlighting Bana’s performance as a reason to binge-watch the series.

However, many fans still regard his breakout film role in 2000’s Chopper as his ‘career best’. His career took off after the film’s release, landing him major roles in Hulk, Troy, Munich and the 2009 reboot of Star Trek.

For fans who binge Untamed and wish to revisit an earlier part of Bana’s career, Chopper is available for streaming on Prime Video, reports the Mirror.

The film was inspired by the books of Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read, arguably Australia’s most notorious former criminal. Chopper draws from police records, court transcripts, news reports and interviews with those who knew Chopper Read.

According to the synopsis, Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, a convict serving time in a maximum-security prison, is stabbed due to his eccentric behaviour. Upon release, Chopper frantically searches for his concealed enemy.

The film commands a 76% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes whilst achieving an even more remarkable 89% audience approval rating on the platform.

One reviewer, marking a significant anniversary, declared: “Chopper is more than a vehicle for Bana’s extraordinary performance; it’s an immaculately crafted masterpiece of Australian cinema that feels as fresh, energetic and provocative today as it was the day it was released.”

A fellow critic concurred, proclaiming: “This is a masterpiece of a film, a sign that Australian cinema can reach monstrous heights of glory.”

Cinema enthusiasts continue to champion the picture, with one devotee sharing online: “Eric Bana deserved an Oscar! Unbelievable portrayal of Chopper. This movie doesn’t get the credit it deserves.”

Another viewer reflected: “The directorial debut of Australian filmmaker Andrew Dominik comes in the form of “Chopper,” a film that acts as a dramatised biopic of sorts on the real-life crimes of Australia’s most dangerous criminal in Mark “Chopper” Read. In a career-best performance from Eric Bana, we see the deep rooted insecurities in a man who thrives off chaos, violence, murder, and overall darkness but somehow managed to be charismatic and likeable to everyone he came across despite his reckless nature.”

They added: “The film embraced its tone of being a truly dark comedy as the moments of tension between Chopper and anyone he’s talking to feel terrifying to watch.”

Chopper is streaming on Prime Video.

A five-star period drama boasting one of the finest ensembles of British acting legends ever brought together will be available to stream without charge on BBC iPlayer this weekend.

The broadcaster’s complimentary streaming platform has secured the celebrated drama from 2001 for a five-month period, giving film enthusiasts ample opportunity to enjoy it.

The synopsis for this beloved classic states: “Period piece set in the early 1930s with an all-star cast.

“A weekend shooting party at a country mansion turns into a murder mystery when the host is found dead.

“It seems that everyone has a motive, from the guests upstairs to the staff downstairs. Among the gathering are cash-strapped relatives of the victim, a Hollywood movie mogul and songwriter Ivor Novello”, reports the Mirror.

Boasting an extensive roster of theatrical legends, the production features Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, Richard E Grant, Charles Dance and Kelly Macdonald amongst its stellar lineup.

Helmed by renowned director Robert Altman, the film is Gosford Park, a darling of cinema lovers and thoroughly worthy of your immediate consideration.

One glowing critique on Google declares: “Easy 5 stars. Superb period piece black comedy/whodunit set in an opulent English country estate in 1932.

“The best ensemble cast ever assembled in a film, and directed by Robert Altman, it features a dazzling array of upstairs/downstairs characters split between the servants and the guests.”

They shared a fascinating tidbit: “The brilliant cast was mic’d up for the group scenes so that, even when not the focus of attention, ad-libs could be used in the edit.

“Top shelf production value across the board, this is a ripping yarn told with tremendous style and relish. Enjoy!”

Another enthusiast praised: “Like many of [Altman’s] films, it’s a masterpiece.

“I can’t think of any other film centered on this period / themes whose characters are rendered with this kind of sensitivity and nuance. There is so much emotion in their faces.”

And yet another admirer declared: “A brilliant movie, with brilliant acting and, of course, brilliant direction.”

Critics have cautioned that Gosford Park breaks away from the conventional murder mystery mould, yet they assure prospective viewers of stellar performances and an enthralling plot.

Gosford Park is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.