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| Director: Gareth Evans (2012) |
When I went to watch the raid, I had set my
expectations in accordance to the little I knew about it. Through various
sources I knew that plot, character development and depth were almost
nonexistent, with the action being placed centre stage. With this in mind I
could appreciate the Raid for what it is, a riveting and intense action film.
Through the films first minutes we’re
introduced to the films protagonist, Rama (Iko Uwais). Within minutes he is in
his swat uniform and has joined up with the rest of his squad. Their objective
is simple, reach the top of a tower block in the slums of Jakarta and capture
the gang leader Tama (Ray Sahetapy) who resides there. Soon after the bloodshed
has begun, the police team must fight for their survival as the gangs close in.
This is about as complex as the raid ever becomes, it is very much a film with
a simple story and even simpler characters. Thankfully director Gareth Evans
cares not for such frivolities, and instead puts focus the stunning fighting
style of Pencak Silat, a decision that has turned out to be the correct one.
The action is fluid and fast paced right
from the get go. Ranging from 1 Vs 1 fights to massive one sided 12 man brawls.
From the first gunfight, Evans paces his set pieces perfectly; they're close
enough to each other to keep the audience interested, and far enough apart to
prevent them from becoming overwhelming. The highlight is undoubtedly the meth
lab brawl, with Rama and the remaining SWAT team beating down a bunch of
scientists and junkies. The scene hits a strong climax as our hero runs across
an incredibly long table that’s smothered in meth, clashing with gang member in
a furious table top battle. The fight is brutal, the blows amplified by the
clouds of the powered drugs that litter the air after every blow that connects,
reminding me very much of The Matrix subway fight.
By the time the credits role, the Raid has
done such a good job hiding its empty plot and lifeless writing by being a breathless
and furious experience. In place of story is mind-blowing combat, where there
should be character development there’s a stunning score from Linkin Park’s
Mike Shinoda, the lack of gunplay is covered by tight pacing. If you manage to
take The Raid for what it is, it’s hands down the best action film of the year.
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