An action movie with a basic plot. But who the hell cares this movie is AWESOME.

Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Q7KnXpNOg

This Indonesian movie centers around Rama (Iko Uwais), a police officer who’s unit is sent to infiltrate a hellish apartment block to arrest a crime lord who occupies it. Rama and his unit must fight for survival as the raid goes horribly wrong.

I did not go into this movie with high expectations but damn did I come out of it pleased and The Raid became one of my favourite movies of all time. The Raid released in 2012 and revolutionized action movies of the last decade. The Raid had a huge infulence on movies such as the John Wick series and it shows as some of the actors from The Raid feature in John Wick Chapter 3.

Some may argue that The Raid has a basic plot. This movie to me feels a lot like a video game but that is a good thing, because it is a completely immersive experience. The action set pieces are incredible from the hall-way showdown, to the SWAT’s ambush, to the final showdown between, Rama, Mad Dog and Rama’s brother. Every action scene has a purpose and is not just in the movie for the sake of action. Going into this movie you can tell Gareth Evans (director) had a clear vision of each scene as the scenes are perfectly shot and perfectly choreographed. Compared to other action movies where the director just leaves it to last second without even planning the scene fully. Thats what annoys me about most modern day action movies with all the “shaky cams” and quick cuts. Hollywood just please stop it. I can’t tell what’s actually going on and who’s who. But The Raid doesn’t shy away from showing you every punch, kick, shot, stab and bone crunch. I just absolutely love this movie and appreciate the work that went into making this movie possible.

By far the stand out performance was Iko Uwais as previously he was very much an unknown working more behind the scenes as a fight choreographer. Iko Uwais kicks so much ass in this movie, he to me is the best action star to ever grace the silver screens. This movie deserves to be seen by way more people and Iko Uwais deserves more roles in action movies.

Overall, Gareth Evans has created one of the best and influencial action movies of all time and introduced the world to Iko Uwais. The Raid is an incredible, adrenaline fueled, no holds bared action movie. Gareth Evan’s (director) describes the movie as more of a survival horror and it shows as The Raid will leave you on the edge of your seat but leave you room to sit back and enjoy the beautifully choreographed action scenes.

I rate this movie 10/10 nothing more needs to be said. JUST WATCH THIS MOVIE.

Rated R

For more reviews like this check out my review on The Night Comes For Us: https://fortheloveofmovies.movie.blog/2020/03/05/the-night-that-comes-for-us-review/