If you were one of the many people to see the film THE RAID:
REDEMPTION then you'll have some idea of what to expect with the sequel out
this week on DVD. If you haven't seen the
first film you can do fine with this one but you'll deprive yourself of the set
up for what happens here. You'll also be short changing yourself if you're a
fan of action films. Both films are tremendous. I would place the both in the
top five action movies ever made. This is coming from someone who has seen
ENTER THE DRAGON in the double digits too. Ignore the fact that the films were
made in Indonesia by a Welsh director. Ignore the fact that they have subtitles
(this new one does offer a dubbed version). Just rush to see these movies.
The first film focused on an elite team of 20 special ops
police officers raiding a 30 story apartment building housing the criminals who
have paid the top crime lord for protection. This crime lord lives on the top
floor of that building. Before the team can get to him they're discovered and
the crime lord lets it be known that anyone who can take out the team will be
granted a life time stay in the building. Now the team is fighting for their
lives against a building full of criminals.
THE RAID 2 picks up just hours after the first film. Hero
Rama (Iko Uwais) has turned over audio tapes to the only policeman he trusts
that will show a connection between the underworld and higher ups in the police
force. But he's told it is just hearsay and it will take more. He is recruited
to go undercover to get the proof they need to put down those who are
deconstructing the police force. With his family put into protective custody
Rama beats up a politician's son and is sent to prison. He's done this to get
close to Uco, the son of the main crime lord now in charge. It's more than he
bargained for, facing 3 years in prison to get the bad guy but he follows
through.
While in prison he first ignores Uco. When a riot breaks out
in the rain soaked mud drenched prison yard as a cover for Uco's assassination,
Rama is the main person standing between the man he is pursuing and those who
would have him dead. This is just the first of 19 various fight sequences in
the film and is amazing to watch. The choreography used here, and in subsequent
fights, rivals the most difficult ballet ever staged.
When he's finally released from prison, Rama is taken in by
Uco and his father and given a position in their organization. He basically
rides shotgun for Uco, giving him protection and becoming his enforcer. With
each passing day he gets more and more information that he can use. At the same
time he misses the fact that Uco and his father are not seeing things eye to
eye. A rival named Bejo is trying to wedge his way into their organization.
Using Uco as his pawn, he does all he can to bring down Uco's father and
install Uco by starting a war with the Japanese crime organization.
If you've seen the first film you already recognize that
there is more story going on here than in that film. This is not to say that it
leaves the film lacking when it comes to action though. Characters like
Baseball Bat Boy and Hammer Girl live up to their monikers when it comes to
combat. And a final battle between Rama and his main combative rival takes
place the grip you'll place on the edge of your seat might leave indentations.
The story does move along from this and the film does have an ending but I
won't give any more away.
While the violence in this film slides down to the extreme
end of the scale it's unlike any action film ever seen. This is not the
brightly colored blood spatter seen in classic kung fu movies nor is it the
slow moving hand to hand combat seen in most David Carradine films. The gore
here isn't put in just for the sake of gore but it's the natural consequence of
actions taking place. Trust me when I say that a claw hammer is going to get
messy when used as a weapon.
If you think you've witnessed some of the fastest martial
arts sequences ever by seeing most Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan films you have
another thing coming. How numerous stunt people were not killed just in the
fight sequences is beyond belief. When you watch the extras and learn about the
work the camera crew did that put themselves in danger it's a wonder anyone
survived this film. And yet each and every bit of effort made in this movie
shows on the screen. I said earlier both movies belong in the top five action
films of all time. Know up front that they belong closer to the top than the
bottom.
Don't hem haw around denying
yourself the pleasure of this great action flick because it's in a foreign
language. If you must, use the dubbing. But by all means make your way to a
rental outlet or store and get a copy of this one. For myself I have no doubt
that I'll be watching both multiple times. I'm betting you will as well.
Click here to order.
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