Make no mistake about it; 'The Raid: Redemption' is pure action from start to finish, in many ways a modern take on the Bruce Lee martial arts films of the early 70s. Welsh director Gareth Evans makes no pretences about plot. Aside from a brief introduction to the characters and some minor plot turns later on, the film is essentially one long, unapologetically violent 'set piece'. The fact that the film is subtitled is of little consequence, as dialogue is used sparingly. Guns and fists are very much left to do the talking.
Rama (Iko Uwais, pictured) is part of an Indonesian police team attempting to thwart a drugs gang which uses a 30-floor block of flats as a base. An instant bloodbath ensues, and only a handful of officers remain trapped in the building, attacked at all corners with machetes, guns, fists and feet. The action is sensational. The hand-to-hand fight scenes are blisteringly fast and beautifully coordinated, almost like a dance. Each time one enemy is disposed of, a new partner steps in to the fray to be dealt with in an equally artistic manner.
Those who criticise 'The Raid' for its lack of plot do so unfairly; this is simply not an issue, as the film keeps us entertained without. The story is linear and basic, but that is exactly what is needed to set up the fantastic fight scenes, which are the main purpose of the film. The tension and emotional investment come naturally as any chances of survival in this gruesome charnel house become increasingly less likely. A particularly gripping moment comes when Rama persuades two residents to hide his wounded comrade as they are being hunted down a maze of corridors by a group of huge villains with machetes. This scene surely provides one of the most gasp-inducing moments in cinema history.
The violence is graphic and incessant, as though each character has to die in a different way to the one before him. The film's body count being as high as it is, we witness some bizarre and gruesome deaths. It is also worth mentioning how well shot 'The Raid' is. Instead of reverting to the now typical shaky-cam and close angles, the camera steps back and refreshingly allows us to marvel at the wonderful choreography of the hand-over-mouth action scenes.
Non-stop marvellous action, against-the-odds survival and a pulsing electronic soundtrack make 'The Raid' the most exhilarating action flick in recent years. If this sounds like your cup of tea, 'The Raid' cannot fail to disappoint.
