The first time I saw the trailer for “The Raid: Redemption,” it was just called “The Raid” (or “Serbaun maut”) and it was described as being the “bloodiest,” action film ever made. That’s a big statement. I mean … come on … bloodiest? Me being skeptical and being easily distracted, I of course indulged myself. Instantly, I was hooked. Bullets, badasses and bludgeoning were everywhere in that one minute trailer and, for this action-starved fanboy, there was only one statement to be made … “Want to go to there!” (Quick shout out to all my “30 Rock” peeps.)
Written and directed by Gareth Evans, (“Merantau” and “Footsteps”) “Raid” is a non-stop, action tour of mayhem that delivers in ways that other films like this could only dream of. Quick to be compared to other successful action imports like the “Ong Bak” films, “Raid” quickly separates itself with several interesting characters, a reasonable storyline and brutal action scenes that never, ever seem to let up.
Starring Iko Uwais, an Indonesian martial artist, as Rama – a rookie member of a SWAT-like division, and a slew of international newbies and veterans, “Raid” focuses on one central-theme … kick ass. Charged with invading and arresting a small army of baddies, Rama and his 20 or so fellow officers must break in and seize control of a multi-floored apartment building that houses the worst of the worst. Owned and operated by a ruthless kingpin known affectionately by some as God, the apartment building serves as a reinforced Fort Knox for bad guys looking for shelter from the law. Of course something goes awry in the plans and after getting ambushed, a handful of officers struggle to survive as they face hordes of machete wielding, guns blasting and punch throwing do-no-gooders.
Let the brutality begin.
Relentless in its approach to action, “Raid” delivers everything it promises and then some. Bone splintering, eye-gouging, blade cutting, head banging, knife stabbing, bullet tearing, face breaking, back destroying fun is just the beginning. Uwais as the lead officer is extremely fun to watch and, while completely over the top, your mesmerized by his never ending dance of death against each floor’s crop of faceless bad guys. At the same time, his fellow surviving officers are also, just as skilled at protecting himself as he is, so it’s refreshing to see more than one good guy that can hold his own.
Unfortunately, while it delivers everything it promises, it also suffers from the same thing that every action-film suffers from – lameness in between the fighting. To give him credit, Evans does attempt to build a base story that is possible and somewhat believable. But compared to the intense highs of the action scenes, the lowness of the quiet moments are just a little too quiet, making for a film that just feels too long. This is mainly an issue in the second half of the film.
At the same time – and feel free to question my manhood after this statement – in my opinion, there was just one or two too many fight scenes. Yeah, I know, most of the time you don’t get enough. However, with “Raid,” all the fight scenes quickly start to have a similar formula. Hero gets spotted. Bad guys run in. First guy attacks. Then next. Shockingly brutal killing. Next guy. The next. Followed by next. Small pause for effect … and … next bad guy. It all just goes on and on.
However, with that being said, “Raid” is an action-junkies dream. While it’s probably not going to be the epically monumental cash crop film of the season or the movie that most couples will choose for their Friday date nights, “Raid” is a quality action-packed, thrill ride that fanboys will devour. While not near perfect, intense action, solid fight choreography and over-the-top stunts will make this relevant to many movie-goers looking for something to munch popcorn and fill up their martial arts quota for the month.
3.85 out 5 Refrigerator Bombs
