The Unforgettable 2012 Action Film That Outshines All Others of the 21st Century

The Raid: Redemption is an action film that captivates its audience, eliciting involuntary reactions as they are swept up in the chaos on-screen. With a flurry of kicks, punches, bullets, machetes, and even refrigerators, the intensity of the action feels almost tangible, prompting viewers to instinctively duck and dodge. This critically acclaimed indie darling, written and directed by Welsh filmmaker Gareth Evans, first gained attention at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2011, successfully putting Evans on Hollywood's radar.

Although Evans was initially slated to direct a Deathstroke movie for Warner Brothers/DC, the project never materialized. In hindsight, this turned out for the best, as it allowed him to focus on the type of films that truly showcase his talent, such as The Raid: Redemption and its highly anticipated sequel, The Raid 2. Filmed and produced in Indonesia, these movies hold a personal significance for Evans, as he was introduced to the country's culture by his partner Maya. Maya played a pivotal role in helping Evans secure a freelance directing job for a documentary on the martial art pencak silat. It was during this project that he discovered the exceptional martial artist, Iko Uwais, who later went on to have a supporting role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. In 2009's Merantau, Evans created a low-budget action film centered around Uwais, only scratching the surface of what could be achieved with pencak silat on screen. However, it was with The Raid: Redemption that Evans truly showcased the extraordinary depth and power of this lesser-known martial art.

What Is The Raid: Redemption About?

What is the Martial Arts Style in The Raid: Redemption?

In his role as Rama, a young police officer expecting his first child with his wife, Iko Uwais embarks on a treacherous mission. The film begins by showcasing his disciplined exercise routine, prayer, and farewell as he prepares himself mentally and physically. His objective? To take control of a towering high rise that belongs to a ruthless crime lord. This criminal mastermind rents out the building to lawbreakers seeking asylum from the relentless pursuit of law enforcement.

Reminiscent of the famous film "Die Hard," the action unfolds in a similar structure. However, the intense fight sequences in this movie decidedly surpass the intensity of its predecessor. Despite successfully navigating only five floors, Rama and his team find themselves unexpectedly captured. Now, they must fight tooth and nail for survival as the tenants of the high rise pour out of their rooms armed with whatever weapons are at their disposal. Their ultimate goal? To eliminate the officers and secure a perpetual refuge within their gritty sanctuary.

The Raid stands out from the crowd due to its exceptional fight choreography, elevating it above other generic action films like the 2012 flick Dredd. While both movies may have weak plots, The Raid compensates with its innovative and gruesomely realistic CGI-infused violence. Although there are some questionable visual effects, they are easily overlooked in comparison to the unmatched combat sequences that defy the norms of American and Eastern action cinema. The lightning-fast fights leave no room for wasted movements, seamlessly transitioning from punches to devastating elbow strikes or from knee strikes to lethal kicks. This constant flurry of action prevents the violence from becoming monotonous or fixating on the graphic kills themselves; instead, it focuses on the pure intensity of the fights. The characters' preference for deadly battles instead of easy kills is intelligently justified, as the villainous character Mad Dog aptly puts it, "pulling a trigger is like ordering takeout."

Who Are the Characters in 'The Raid: Redemption'?

In addition to the captivating action that effortlessly drives the lackluster plot, there are also a few astonishing performances that enhance the material. The previously mentioned Mad Dog, portrayed by Yayan Ruhian, delivers a bone-chilling presence, packing an overwhelming combination of fear and rage despite his deceptively small stature. His boss Tama, performed by the scene-stealing Ray Sahetapy, exudes a sinister playfulness as he toys with his victims. Additionally, Rama's superior Jaka, played by Joe Taslim (whose outstanding portrayal led to a role as a villain in Fast and Furious 6), showcases a compelling range of emotions, transitioning seamlessly from composure to frustration, adding a touch of emotional drama in the midst of the exhilarating action.

Will 'The Raid: Redemption' Be Remade?

The Raid was a resounding success among audiences, critics (including a passionate Roger Ebert, whose endorsement is highly regarded), and in terms of box office earnings. Despite having a modest budget of $1 million, the film managed to gross an impressive $13 million. Naturally, Hollywood took notice of this achievement, prompting Sony, the film's distributor, to announce plans for a remake shortly after acquiring it at TIFF in 2011. Over the past decade, the project has undergone numerous creative changes.

The most recent update, in January 2022, revealed that the film has been acquired by Netflix, with Patrick Hughes (known for directing The Hitman's Bodyguard franchise) taking the helm as the director, and Michael Bay serving as the producer. However, this particular team does not inspire much confidence. There seems to be little justification for the existence of this ill-fated remake, as it will likely lack the unique action that made the original so memorable, instead falling into the realm of a generic Die Hard copycat. While Gareth Evans, the original film's director, will be involved as an executive producer, one can only hope that this remake of The Raid never sees the light of day.