By Jeremy Hannaford (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: May 7, 2014
Director Gareth Evans displays perverse beauty by way of high-intensity violence. Blood and broken bones are most of his martial arts methods. What separates The Raid 2 from its predecessor is that it has a story that’s as entertaining as the fight scenes.Â
The Raid 2 picks up right where the first film left off. Rama (Iko Uwais) goes undercover to help take down the corrupt system that killed his men and to protect his family.
While other films of this genre sometimes settle for subpar performances, like Tony Jaa’s recent films, Evans’ films are all personal projects — and The Raid 2 displays his deepest level of commitment yet.Â
Uwais gives a fantastic performance as Rama, a man under constant threat from both the gangsters he has befriended and the police force looking out for him. The supporting cast also provide engaging performances, though some of the portrayals fall into clichĂ©.Â
The Raid 2 is just as heavy on dialogue as it is on violence and it can be draining at times to be barraged with extensive conversations, especially when the film boasts a 150-minute running time. But these moments truly mean something to the characters and the story.Â
Rama’s story is similar to many of the characters’ in this film. He is merely a pawn among superpowers, and despite his masterful techniques, he has little control over what is evolving around him: the aging traditions, his yearning for acceptance.Â
Alex Abbad plays the role of a mastermind spinning an unseen web, building the foundation for an all-out war. He is the true antagonist of the film — his manipulation and diabolic intent make some of the most interesting moments in the film.
The silat choreography, by Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, is as beautiful as it is intensely gut-wrenching. No two sequences are exactly the same; each comes with a unique death-dealing touch. Whether it’s fighting off a whole group of violent inmates inside a single bathroom stall or taking out bodyguards with hammers on a tight subway train, you’ll never feel bored — and thanks to Evans’ shooting style, always have a clear idea of what is going on.Â
The Raid 2 kicked my ass from the opening scene and I happily enjoyed the beat down. It is a prime example that Hollywood films aren’t the only ones who can make well-made dramatic action flicks. The Raid 2 will be forgotten at the awards ceremonies for its violence, but to pass on such a piece of cinematic entertainment would be a waste. From the excellent editing to the emotional development to the badass fight scenes, The Raid 2 is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.
