The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Just like with Piranha 3DD, I never expected to actually see this film at the cinema. Unlike with Piranha 3DD, this film succeeded in blowing my mind. I first heard about The Raid: Redemption late last year and I assumed that I'd have to watch it on DVD, that it would have almost no chance of getting a theatrical release. So, to my surprise and pleasure, I heard a few months ago that it was indeed going to be released into cinemas.

An Indonesian action film made by a Welsh director, The Raid: Redemption is one of the more unlikely films released this year. It's also one of the most memorable action films I've seen in years. The story is very simple: a SWAT team twenty strong including rookie Rama (Iko Uwais) and Sergeant Jaka (Joe Taslim), joined by Lieutenant Wahyu (Pierre Gruno), storm a thirty-story block of flats occupied and run by notorious crime boss and drug baron Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy). Supporting Tama are the residents of the building, his own private army and his right-hand men, Andi (Donny Alamsyah) and "Mad Dog" (Yayan Ruhian). The cops sneak in, hoping to surprise Tama but it's only a matter of time before the shit hits the fan and the action explodes off the screen.

What it lacks in intricate plot or detailed characterisation it more than makes up for in constant, pulse-pounding, overwhelming action. It's a barrage of wall-to-wall gunfights, fist fights, knife fights and fights with just about every other weapon imaginable. Massive credit must go to Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, who not only star in the film but also choreograph the dazzling fight scenes. The fighting style used in the film is the Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat and at times the fights between the characters resemble dances more than anything else, so intricate and spectacular are they. Director Gareth Jones' brutal confrontations in the narrow corridors of the building draw favourable comparisons with the infamous hammer scene in Oldboy. In fact, his handling of all the fight scenes shows someone with a serious talent at work here.

In the final third, some secrets about the characters are revealed and it's set up for a sequel but the developments aren't taxing and are fairly easy to see coming. That's not to say they detract from the film. Not at all. In fact, I don't think anything could detract from the action scenes, spectacular as they are.

The Raid: Redemption is absolutely outstanding, an instant action movie classic. Go and see it while it's still in cinemas, you won't be disappointed!

9 out of 10.