The Raid 2

The Raid 2: Berandal (2014) (Indonesian Action). Viewed on March 28th at the Regal E-Walk cinema in the heart of New York City. After surviving the apartment building raid, Iko Uwais goes undercover to take down an Indonesian crime syndicate that is feuding with an invasive Japanese yakuza clan in Jakarta. Things get out of control and everything goes to hell. That's the plot in a nutshell. The fighting is the main draw of this film. Martial arts films are frequently under-appreciated because critics tend to downplay the artistry of orchestrating a fight sequence. In some ways it's like staging a complex dance with extremely difficult performances by physical talents who have spent their entire lives perfecting their craft. In many cases it can be even more challenging than executing a good dramatic moment. With that said, "The Raid 2" is an exquisite ballet of death with an incredible variety of expertly crafted action sequences that have a grounded, realistic feel to them. It's hard to describe, but despite the insane action there's very little outrageousness present. The choreography here is some of the best ever put on film. There is no question that Uwais is currently the premiere martial arts star, and there is certainly no question that Gareth Evans is the greatest action director on the planet. This man is a genius in terms of visually expressing action through vivid, mind-blowing camera-work. This guy never directed a car chase sequence in his life, and yet his very first attempt is impressive. I did notice a bit more shaky cam in this film when compared to its predecessor, but one can see everything so it's not a problem. Evans is also a pro to create a crescendo of action where every fight seems to outdo the one before it. This generates an absolutely thrilling final hour that will go down in history. The gory violence of "The Raid 2" is a big "screw you" to PG-13 action movies. Some critics are already whining about the graphic bloodletting, but these are the same guys who hand out 90% approval ratings to movies with incompetent action and no edge – *cough* "The Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire" (2013) *cough*. The gore in "The Raid 2" isn't just randomly thrown in either. It's a logical consequence of the situation and characters, and it is applied in very creative ways. I have heard that Evans was only coerced to cut a few "frames" due to the MPAA review, but I have no idea which frames those were because the now infamous shotgun kill is present in its full, unadulterated glory. The $4.5 million budget is an even bigger "screw you" to mega budget Hollywood blockbusters. "The Raid 2" has more thrilling action than every $100+ million superhero movie I've ever seen . . . at less than 4.5% of the cost. It's almost unbelievable what these guys can do with a limited budget. Given the exceptional quality of the action, the 148-minute runtime puts some pressure on the story to maintain its momentum between the violence. The first "Raid" received much criticism that asserted a generic story and undeveloped characters, but I felt that it nevertheless established a "feel" for the characters without the need for long-winded exposition. That "feel" can add quite a bit to an action film. "The Raid 2" spends more time setting up its premise, which results in some genuine plot and character development. It attempts to do this by taking a generic gangster template and infusing it with a sprawling crime saga that implements many characters. This is essentially a "chess board" setup where numerous pieces are first put into place, allowing for many possible confrontations. The viewer is therefore able to relish the moment when a particular piece attacks and takes down another, revealing the actual outcome amidst the countless possibilities. I suppose it helps to already be a fan of the actors and actresses here, since there are a number of familiar faces from both Indonesian and Japanese film industries. Needless to say, the performances are top notch. The Japanese actors have their little moments, but they could have been given more to do in this. Maybe "The Raid 3" will give them more time in the spotlight. Overall, "The Raid 2" is a very satisfying action film that justifies its hype after just one viewing. It's simply spectacular.

The sequel to the well-received THE RAID: REDEMPTION, THE RAID 2 is one of the rare sequels that surpasses the original in every department. The story, unlike its predecessor is grand in size and scope. Instead of being confined to a single location, Iko Uwais' Rama is sent undercover to ferret out corrupt cops who are being paid off by the gangsters who run the city. To do this, he gets sent to prison where he befriends the son of an Indonesian crime lord in order to get close to the family. Once he gets out, the story really takes off and you get an epic tale that recalls elements of THE GODFATHER and THE DEPARTED. You also get even more of the incredible fight scenes and over-the-top violence that made the first one so good. If there's one complaint I have, it's that the movie does bite off a little more than it can chew, though it doesn't lack for ambition. I did like the attempt to give some characters more depth, like Prakoso (Mad Dog, from the first RAID). Still, I would assume that most people come to these types of movies for the martial arts on display, and this one sure doesn't disappoint in that area. There's so many action sequences, I think I lost count and the good thing is that they don't really run together. Each one has a distinct quality or setting or something that sets it apart from the others. The standouts were a prison brawl towards the beginning, one that expertly cuts across three different locations, a riveting car chase and the final fight. The one that cuts across three locations also features two of the most interesting characters in the film: a guy whose weapon of choice is a baseball bat (and ball), and a deaf (and mostly blind) woman who wields two hammers. I'll give them extra points for creativity there. The cinematography and fight choreography was also improved from the last film, and Gareth Evans really showed his talent for exquisitely composed images, fluid camerawork and comprehensibility in the action scenes. The score also enhanced the visuals by adding tension, but there were also moments of quiet which were just as effective. Overall, THE RAID 2 is a considerable improvement over the first, even if the story does lag in parts. However, the action keeps things moving along at a nice clip and you won't feel like you've just watched a two and a half hour movie. One of the year's best so far, and one of the best modern action films period.

Ever since I gave the first Raid a shot I was blown away and had my expectations of action movies adjusted in a big way. The first movie was very original and some of the best fight scenes I have ever seen. The story was decent but as far as action movies goes it was among the best. Enter the Raid 2, it picks up pretty much right at the end of Raid 1. You are thrust back into the world once again and you see some of the fallout of what happened in the first movie. I expected it to be similar to other sequels to where it just didn't live up to the scope or feel of the original or even just do more of the same. Fortunately I was quite surprised on what unfolded. This time the movie goes all over the place instead of just having the one building setting of the first one. In addition to that there is a much more fleshed out and cohesive story about the seedy underground world that the Raid movies take place in. Rama(Iko Uwais) is back, and this time it's undercover. What happens next is insane, I thought the action set-ups were really well done in the Raid 1 and were fairly brutal. This movie amps it up another notch as sequels should do. Most of the fight scenes are jaw dropping to the point where you say to yourself OUCH and almost feel the pain that these people are in. Silat is an amazing art form, and it really shows through once again in this movie. The fights are well planned out, and they are just a joy to watch. The overall story is pretty good, but what you should be really watching the movie for(as I feel for the first one) is the amazing action sequences. There are a lot more villains in this one that are also quite intriguing. I didn't think this would come close to how good and highly regarded I hold the first movie. Fortunately for me I was wrong as this movie completely blows away my expectations.

Action movies that hit with the blunt force impact of The Raid don't come around often. When the film arrived two years ago it causes an immediate shockwave that rippled throughout the festival circuit (I kind of loved it) and eventually into the sweaty hands of eager genre fans, becoming an instant classic. That kind of success and fan devotion comes with expectations for the sequel; damn near impossible expectations, really. But not only has director Gareth Evans met those expectations with The Raid 2; he's put together one of the great sequels in recent history. Part of what made The Raid a success was the simplicity of it; toss a bunch of cops and bad guys in a tower apartment and watch the fur (and bullets) fly. Evans has greater ambitions for The Raid 2, taking it out into the open air and adding a murky mafia plot that seems ripped out of a John Woo movie. While expanding the story is a welcome change, there's no doubt it removes some of the immediacy. The constant threat of danger isn't always there, in favor of a great deal of set-up. Clocking in at over 150 minutes, the 30 minutes of tough-guy talk is a little tiresome but is a blip in the overall scheme of things. Taking place mere minutes after the prior film, Rama (Iko Uwais) is still covered in blood and bruises when he comes to realize his mission to root out police corruption has only just begun. Approached to go undercover in a prison to befriend Ucok (Arfin Putra), the son of Jakarta crime-lord Bangun (Tio Pakusdewo), Rama again finds himself surrounded by enemies with no recourse but to bash in a few dozen (or hundred) skulls to survive. Saving Ucok's life during a muddy prison riot that looks like a WWE battle royale, Rama gets out of jail two years later and joins Bangun's organization as an enforcer. And enforce he does, often and with tremendous impact. The action sequences are simply unreal; bigger, faster, and more lethal than in The Raid. Evans puts the greater budget to maximum use as the film looks incredible. It's not enough to use the word "gritty"; there's a visceral energy to the way Evans shoots violence, using any number of kinetic camera styles to capture bone-crushing impact in crazy ways. Taking the story to multiple locations has also given Evans a freedom to show just how creatively he can choreograph the carnage. A stunning car chase/fight sequence received a round of applause at the screening I attended; the first time I've ever seen such a thing. Another memorable battle has Rama fighting off waves of enemies in a bathroom, using the enclosed space like Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae. Uwais was a savage force of nature in the first film but here he's allowed more room to breathe and actually act, proving himself to be a capable and charismatic lead. Knowing he had a good thing with Yayan Ruhian (he played the fearsome Mad Dog last time), Evans brings him back as another tornado of violence, only with much wilder hair. Better still are the two flashiest additions: Julie Estelle as the blind warrior Hammer Girl, and Very Tri Yulisman as the hilarious Baseball Bat Man, who resembles Shoma from the Capcom video game "Rival Schools". Whatever you do, don't give him back the ball. Once the momentum picks up and the bones start breaking, it never really stops, and it's fair to say this may be the most violent movie ever that isn't a deliberate horror. Evans doesn't shy away from any of it, instead making sure we are thrust right in the middle of every punch and kick, using every bit of the surroundings to maximum effect. While action movie directors are rarely given their due, anyone who has seen the work Evans has done will have to admit he's one of today's most exciting filmmakers. And to think this is only the second part of the trilogy. What in the world can Evans possibly do to top the first two movies? If the expectations were high for The Raid 2, they are astronomical for The Raid 3.

For the love of god, if I was born to watch one action film, this one is it..until The Raid 3 comes out, that is. I can't imagine what hardship the actors must have gone through to film this. The fluid editing, the brilliant cinematography, the moody and tense music and the genius and genuine action all complement each other perfectly. I saw it in a theater, bought it on Amazon, will purchase the bluray just for the features and heck, if there is a kickstarter account for the next film, I will give them a grand. I wish they focused more on the main character because he is really like the driver in Drive who reincarnates as an Indonesian super fighting machine. The calmness and the precision are awe-inspiring to watch, and that energy really transferred to other areas of my life as well whenever I watch it. This is the movie when, juxtaposed with other things in life like the silly FB posts, tweeter feeds, personal troubles, silly chatters with silly friends and whatever, it transcends all and gives you both an adrenaline rush as well as a calming effect. The other noises just die down. I would turn off my phone, drink a bottle of water, breathe calmly and focus on the moment. Things just clarify and become alive and pure. I would be both pumped and calmed by the sheer impact of this film, and that effect has not diminished upon my third viewing. Sure, everyone deals with different s***s in life, but this film reminds you of the single-mindedness, the discipline and the control towards a common goal that is inspired by passion. That was what I felt when I watched it. I can still pick on the film for the loose ends, the minor plot holes, the diverging focus (I enjoyed how The Raid focused on the main character being a religious man, a disciplined Muslim, who seeks to only love his family and do justice to the world) and the overly-grandiose plotting. But when all is said and done, it's like being love-struck. The film is still perfect, and it will reserve a special place in my life.

Truly amazing movie. Ruined by forced English dub.

I have always loved martial arts and other action packed movies that also have a good story behind it. After I purchased the first Raid Redemption DVD, which was fantastic, I wanted to see the second one Raid #2, but it did not stay at the theaters very long and I decided to buy it when it came out on DVD. Because of the popularity and advertisement of the first Raid Redemption, the sequel (Raid #2) in DVD was a little high priced, but I did get a fair price from Amazon. Many times sequel movies are over hyped and wind up being not very good movies, but Raid #2 is as good as the first one. It follows the end in the first Raid, but you do not have to see the first one to easily follow Raid #2. The police officer, Iko Uwais, who survived in Raid 1 now, has to go undercover on a dangerous assignment. Those who love action movies will love the unique and imaginative scenes in Raid #2. The fight scenes include just about every type of action you might desire in a martial arts movie. If you love well-made action movies that keep you riveted to your seat, this movie is for you. I loved it and will no doubt view Raid 2 again and again. Even though I am not sure which of the two Raid movies I liked the best, they both merit high ratings.. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Soul: An old warrior's poetic tribute).

I myself watch a lot of violent and brutal movies because I find them highly entertaining and even eventually became slightly desensitized to them. But there were scenes in the film that actually made me cringe or exclaim in disbelief or shock aloud. The choreographed fights and tussles are superb and remarkable. The actors themselves are amazing and deserve recognition for all the sweat, blood, and tears they put into this film. And as does the rest of the cast and crew. The film itself and its shot and recorded scenes are truly breathtaking and left me highly impressed.The audio and soundtrack is phenomenal and blends well with every scene. You feel the tension and the rush and the slow build up in every single sound and musical note played. I strongly recommend watching The Raid 2 in its original format, with the actors speaking their native tongues. The English dubbing could have been done so much better, but I still love the film either way. But I personally recommend the subtitled version. Overall the film is a spectacular and stunning film that you will not regret watching and that you will be able to watch over and over again. I know I have (over a dozen times actually and I've only had it for less than a month). But I love this movie and would recommend it to anyone whom enjoys a brilliant story and stupendous action. Five hammers to the cranium out of five.

Ich kenne die Klassiker (Bruce Lee, 36 Kammern, Bloodsport, Tiger&Dragon, Ong-Bak) und ausgelöst durch Teil 1 habe ich aktuell eine größere Anzahl von aktuellen Kampfkunstfilmen gesehen - viel so lala (Uwais, Adkins, Reeves, Jaa, Yen etc.) erwähnenswert: Re:Born. Aber keiner der Filme kommt an diesen ran. Wobei....von den Klassikern sind die "36 Kammern der Shaolin" ziemlich nah dran. Gründe: - Es gibt eine sinnvolle Story um einen Undercovereinsatz - Vertrauen, Verrat und Loyalität. Selbst ohne Kampfkunst würde das passen. Die Schauspieler sind durchaus passabel. Manche Rollen schlagen nie jemanden und bleiben trotzdem in Erinnerung. - Im Kampfkunstteil gibt es frische Idee wie der Einsatz ungewöhnlicher Waffen. Im Gegensatz zum Wick werden hier Menschen jedoch nicht einfach mit Gegenständen geschlagen sondern Gegenstände werden in kreativer Martialartsmanier* geschwungen. - Kamerarbeit: Ich bin da jetzt nicht so der Cineast. Mir reicht es wenn man mich nicht mit Michael-Bay-Lens-Flares nervt, aber die in und um das Auto kreisende Kamera bei der Verfolgungsjagd war wirklich gut. - Die Brutalität nervt. Klingt seltsam, aber ich denke das zeigt das der Film gut ist, wenn man nicht auf die Splattermomente wartet, sondern sich ärgert das Zeit für sinnlose Menschenquälerei verschwendet wird, statt coole Moves zu zeigen. *Wenn Sie einen Eindruck wollen, ohne sich zu doll zu spoilern geben Sie bei YT "Hammer Girl" ein.

Film d'action exceptionnel comme on en fait plus ! 100% adrénaline du début à la fin ! Encore plus fort que le 1er ! Je conseille vivement !

this one just seemed to get better and better as it went along. I found myself thinking OMG!! OMG!! some of the scenes are SO graphically and brutally violent I couldnt even believe they were happening. what an awesome movie. I think if you like violent action, you will love this as much as I did

La Movies Inspired fa ancora una volta un lavoro impeccabile. THE RAID 2: BERANDAL è il terzo film di G.Evans nel loro catalogo, ed essendo il primo che questo regista ha potuto filmare con cineprese di ultima generazione, il blu-ray in questione si presenta di diritto come uno dei prodotti di punta di questa neonata casa di distribuzione: le immagini abbondano di dettagli e restituiscono un quadro nitido e cristallino, permettendo di godere della fotografia curatissima e ricercata di questo sequel. Sul fronte audio abbiamo ben 6 tracce, 3 in lingua italiana e altrettante in lingua originale, ognuna con codifiche diverse. Il reparto extra prevede making of, commento audio, una scena tagliata e featurette su musiche e coreografie. Qualche altro materiale bonus è rimasto fuori, ma quanto presentato nel disco non lascia spazio a lamentele. Riguardo al film, se il primo The Raid poteva considerarsi a pieno titolo il migliore film di arti marziali della scorsa decade, Berandal può essere meritatamente definito la migliore pellicola d'azione del cinema contemporaneo: il ritmo frenetico e serratissimo del capostipite viene abbandonato a favore di una narrazione ad ampio respiro che mette in scena il gangster-movie più sanguinolento e spettacolare che si sia visto da tanti anni a questa parte. Compratelo e assaporatelo, la sua violenza genuina ed eccitante vi disintossicherà dal becero ed edulcorato intrattenimeto made in USA.

Vi la primera película y me encantó, así que no dudé en comprar esta y no me arrepiento de nada es de lo mejor del cine asiático, deberían traer más cine de este tipo a México y no depender tanto de Hollywood. Calificación 10/10.