Review: THE RAID

Not that long ago, a promising new Asian martial arts star emerged seemingly out of nowhere. His name was Iko Uwais. His unique fighting style and skills in the Indonesian film MERANTAU drew the attention of action fans all around the world. In fact, his debut was so impressive that many compared him with Thai action star Tony Jaa. But while there may be similarities between the two actors, Uwais really deserved credits of his own. Thankfully, his new film THE RAID is so great that people are likely to stop associating or comparing him with Jaa, or any other martial arts movie stars, as the world now has a new action superstar. His name is IKO UWAIS. 

The story couldn't be any simpler. An elite SWAT team has been ordered to attack a building full of dangerous criminals. Aim of the mission: to capture the notorious crime lord who rules the criminal headquarter. Amongst the team is Rama (Iko Uwais), a rookie who demonstrates exceptional physical and mental abilities in combat, and he soon finds himself having to use all of his skills in order to survive, just so that he can get out of the building in one piece and go home to see his pregnant wife. 

Compared with MERANTAU, the first film collaboration between director Gareth Evans and lead actor Iko Uwais, THE RAID has less drama but much, much more action. The few dramatic scenes are essential for plot development and kept relatively short. On the other hand, the exciting action scenes are long and feature numerous impossibly amazing punches and kicks, as well as the use of various other deadly weapons. Right from the first frame till the last, the action almost never stops. Uwais certainly impresses the most in those scenes where he has to take on some seriously dangerous enemies, such as the unbelievably menacing Mad Dog (played by Yayan Ruhian who choreographed the action scenes in the film with Uwais). 

Watching THE RAID is like riding an out-of-control roller coaster for a whole hour and a half. It is nauseatingly intense and heart-stoppingly thrilling. Imagine a cross between DIE HARD, ELITE SQUAD and MERANTAU, and you'll get a pretty good idea of what the film is like. All action fans should see THE RAID, for the film is not just one of the best action films from anywhere around the world in recent years, it has also truly redefined the term 'action-packed' forever.