The Raid: Redemption

The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Producers: Rangga Maya Barack-Evans, Nate Bolotin, et al.

Director: Gareth Evans

Rated: R for strong brutal bloody violence throughout, and language

Runtime: 101 min

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Don't watch this movie for the story, it's been done before and better. Don't watch it for the acting, as you have mainly martial artists and stunt guys doing that. Watch it for the superb action sequences and the stylistic directing of Gareth Evans and you won't be disappointed. With tempered expectations this is a very fun movie to lose yourself in for a couple of hours.

There are none of those moments that seem to drag present in The Raid: Redemption; Gareth Evans puts the pedal to the metal and the audience is propelled forward into a building filled with violence and death. The fight sequences are some of the best I've seen, there's little of the flashy movement and wasted effort we've grown accustomed to seeing in martial arts films. Sure there's a moment here and there when the choreography goes a little over the top, but for the most part it feels visceral and real. The audience is allowed to catch their breath in short tense little moments before the next onslaught is thrown at the hero.

The simplicity and 'been there, done that' feeling of the plot is easily forgiven when it's accompanied by Evans' direction in tandem with the fight choreography, just don't go into the film expecting a masterpiece of a screenplay. The plot is really just a framework, supporting the necessity of the violence.

Conclusion: With realistic expectations one can watch The Raid: Redemption and really enjoy it for what it is; a fun directorial style bringing some amazing fight choreography to the screen. The actual plot matters little when that's what you choose to experience going into it. With the proper mindset you can sit back and just enjoy the ride.

Rating: 7.25/10