REVIEW: ‘The Raid: Redemption’ is all action, all the time
The Raid: Redemption, written and directed by Gareth Huw Evans, will most likely appeal to those fans looking for some action-packed, cinematic martial arts. If a bare-bones plot and lack of characterization are OK to stomach in pursuit of stylized punches and kicks, then the movie works on all levels. For those viewers interested in a more fulfilling experience, The Raid: Redemption will woefully feel like an elongated battle — few respites, not much subtlety.
Rama (Iko Uwais) is the main character in the movie. He leads a special-forces team into a rundown apartment building to help his fellow team members capture a ruthless criminal named Tama (Ray Sahetaphy). Joe Taslim plays Jaka, an important character in the story.
Both Rama and Tama, plus their respective team members, are not terribly interesting; however, the setting is key to The Raid: Redemption’s success. The apartment building can feel claustrophobic and cumbersome to the martial-arts antics of the players. This makes it a unique and interesting landscape to have an all-out brawl.
The Indonesia-set film features the martial art of Pencak Silat. Uwais, the main actor, is credited with the fight choreography, along with Yayan Ruhian and the director, Evans. These three deserve credit for spinning such thrilling theatrics into the story. Martial-arts fans will not be disappointed with the energy level and skill of the performers.
One only wished that the movie featured a little more narrative oomph. Why is this story being told in the first place? What does this showdown between special ops and criminals say about society? Behind the kicks and punches is there room for some poetic thoughts? Supporters of the film, and there are many, will find enough plot to be content with, while those with a passing interest in this type of fight choreography will decry the plot’s simplicity and lack of risk-taking.
It can be engaging to uncover the secrets in this apartment-building maze, but be mindful that the result is not as interesting as the journey. The Raid: Redemption is intense, violent, nonstop. It goes to such extremes in these categories that it also lacks some necessary movie elements, but that’s the tradeoff. To adequately portray Pencak Silat, sacrifices were made.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
- The Raid: Redemption
- 2011
- Written and directed by Gareth Huw Evans
- Starring Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim and Ray Sahetaphy
- Running time: 100 minutes
- Rated R for strong brutal bloody violence throughout, and language
- Rating:
