Gareth Evans’ films, *The Raid: Redemption* and *The Raid 2*, revolutionized action cinema with their unique blend of intense violence and intricate martial arts choreography. Starring Iko Uwais as Rama, these films follow his harrowing missions against criminal syndicates. Garnering critical acclaim and commercial success, they have influenced modern action films like *John Wick* and *Train to Busan*. With impressive scores on Rotten Tomatoes, both movies are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Revolutionizing Action Cinema
When The Raid: Redemption and its sequel, The Raid 2, hit the screens in 2011 and 2014, respectively, they brought a fresh wave of excitement to action films. Directed by Gareth Evans, a British filmmaker with a deep-rooted passion for martial arts, these films showcased an extraordinary blend of raw brutality and intricate martial arts choreography, all wrapped in an atmosphere of relentless tension. Despite their modest budgets—approximately $1.1 million for the first film and $4.5 million for the sequel—these films garnered critical and commercial success, collectively raking in over $15 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo.
At the heart of The Raid is Iko Uwais, a former delivery man turned actor, who plays the lead role of Rama, a member of an elite Indonesian police SWAT team. Uwais is joined by Yayan Ruhian, known for his role as Mad Dog. The cast showcases their skills in Pencak-Silat, an Indonesian martial art that adds to the film’s ‘bloody and brutal’ aesthetic, as noted by Critikat. Joe Taslim, recognized for his performances in Fast & Furious 6 and Mortal Kombat, further enhances the ensemble. The films received widespread acclaim, establishing themselves as iconic entries in the action genre and even inspiring renowned franchises like John Wick.
Critikat
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Intrigue Behind the Action
The plot of The Raid follows Rama on a perilous mission to penetrate a high-rise controlled by a ruthless drug lord. As the law enforcement team becomes ensnared, they must battle through waves of criminals to escape alive. In its sequel, The Raid 2, the narrative deepens: Rama goes undercover within a criminal syndicate to avenge his fallen comrades and shield his family. He navigates a world of treachery and conflict that complicates his path to redemption.
With an impressive score of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Raid: Redemption has been hailed by critics for its outstanding action sequences and technical brilliance. The New York Times remarked that ‘the ensuing fights possess a strangely grounded reality—almost meditative, showcasing the artistry of a genuine, lethal hero.’ David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter also praised the film: ‘With minimal downtime, The Raid is exceptionally well-paced in its series of extended action sequences.’ Although The Raid 2 received a slightly lower score of 83% on RT, it elevates the series with its ‘stylized, energetic violence that transcends mere fighting,’ as described by Jason Bailey of Flavorwire.
While the films are rife with intense violence, which is central to their narratives, viewers seeking a more subdued cinematic experience might find them overwhelming. Nevertheless, The Raid has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing standout films like Train to Busan and the Kingsman series. Both The Raid and The Raid 2 are currently accessible on Amazon Prime Video.