The Raid: Redemption (2011) Review
The Raid: Redemption (2011) 10/10
Hello everyone and welcome to another movie review. Today, Let’s take a look at the first of a duology from Indonesia called The Raid. The Raid 1 was released at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2011, with the director being Gareth Evans. The movie was a mega hit and when it was released here in the US, it got a brand new soundtrack featuring Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park and Joseph Trapanese.
I adore this movie to pieces. I don’t normally give out perfect 10/10 ratings but I feel this movie is just that exceptional. I first discovered this film from an old friend of mine. He invited me out to go see the second movie (which I agreed to and thoroughly enjoyed) and then a few days later we checked out the first. Safe to say, I love these movies and then some and will always be there to say The Raid is one of the best action movies ever made. Let’s begin.
Taking place in Indonesia, this is the story of a SWAT team tasked with raiding a rundown apartment building which is the home to a crime lord named Tama. The story will focus on a few members of the police force, but our main character is rookie cop Rama. As the police storm the building and inch closer to Tama’s location, they will be fighting for their lives against his army of drug pushers and local henchmen. As it turns out, Rama has a personal stake in this raid as his brother is involved.
The story here is short, sweet, and to the point. This is just a story of survival and doing what’s right. You’ll get attached to characters from both sides, with my favorites being Rama, Andi (Rama’s brother), Mad Dog (Tama’s right hand), and Tama himself (the charismatic crime lord who runs everything). I also liked the Jaka (the Sergeant) and how he was always fighting his “superior” about the raid.
And the action, which is the film’s highlight, is amazing. The movie starts off with guns as the main weapons, but as ammo runs out, both sides resort to using martial arts to get their kills and this movie does not hold back. There isn’t excessive blood shed or anything like that, but you’ll feel every blow that the movie dishes out. Best fights go to Rama vs the crazy five in the hallway, Mad Dog vs Jaka, the drug lab raid, and Rama and Andi vs Jaka.
The movie looks amazing too. I love the bleakness of the coloring, cinematography, lighting, and staging as it shows just how isolated this police force is from the rest of the world. Lots of excellent shots (especially at the beginning where you see the building from the outside). And the music. Oh man Mike and Joseph KILLED this soundtrack. I’m sure the original is doable, but they added so much oomph to this movie; it’s crazy good. I love the end credit song too.
And of course we can’t forget the cast. This movie made Iko Uwais (Rama) a personal favorite actor and I’m always down to watch anything he’s in. Also shout out to Joe Taslim (Jaka), Yayan Ruhian (Mad Dog), Donny Alamsyah (Andi), Ray Sahetapy (Tama), Pierre Gruno (Lt Wahyu), and Alfridus Godfred (machete gang leader).
The Raid is a cinematic masterpiece that I want every single person to watch at least once. It’s a great action movie that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a movie I have seen dozens of times and I will watch a dozen more. I’ll be going over the sequel in the near future, so stay tuned.
Thanks for reading.
This is Zorgak, signing off.
