Post: #1

I watched both of these movies recently when I was sick and needed to escape reality for a few hours. The first came out in 2012 and the second came out this year, but I had never heard of them until now. For guys that enjoyed Tony Jaa's works, I think you'll definitely appreciate The Raid: Redemption, and The Raid 2: Berandal.

The Raid series has unrealistic aspects, just like any martial arts film, but it's nothing like typical Kung Fu stuff with people flying around, etc. The main actor, Iko Uwais, clearly has talent. Here are a couple segments:









If you liked the above clips at all, you'll enjoy it as basically all of the fight scenes (and there are many) are of that caliber (or better). And it's consistent - it's not like there are 1 or two good scenes and a lot of mediocre ones or a lot of fluff plot, etc. It had the right balance enough plot to make you interested in what's happening next and care about the characters, but not overboard. Sure there's a lack of realism involved with 1 guy taking on dozens at a time, and hundreds in succession. But overall I just got that sense there was a lot of effort put into making a good action movie by everyone involved, and it delivered.

Post: #2

I liked the gritty atmosphere in both. The martial arts they use in this is mostly Pencak Silat which uses a lot of weapons. It does have some great action scenes..especially part II. The mob storyline was kind of amusing too. Very Southeast asian.

Post: #3

Do these movies have it explained in their plot why nobody uses guns or is it a plothole?

This is what bothers me most in martial arts movies - the magical absence of guns. A good martial arts movie explains their absence, a bad movie has a single token gun per 10 bad guys that is kicked out of the hand with the hero's first kick. Then the hero takes on 10+ bad guys for a couple of minutes who attack with fists and sticks and nobody bothers to pick up that gun.

Post: #4

(07-31-2014 04:32 AM)Mage Wrote:  Do these movies have it explained in their plot why nobody uses guns or is it a plothole?

I hear you. There are a solid amount of gun fights in both films. But it's certainly an issue at times, mostly in the second movie. Bottom line is overall the "nobody has a gun, really?" issue didn't seem anywhere near as bad as other martial arts films. The overall performance of the stuntmen, actors, and overall plot was good enough that I didn't find myself thinking about it too much.

Post: #5

There is guns in both. The first one brilliant, the second was outstanding. Made by a British director too. Recommend them to anyone

Post: #6

hey, I would recommend his first film called menratau, excellent fight scenes. And A guy I worked with played the main villain in it.

Post: #7

The first was better than the second. The plot in the sequel moved too slowly, and the movie was too long overall. I watched it expecting to see non-stop action, not to watch an Indonesian attempt at a mob movie with cool fight scenes.

The first Raid was great though.

Post: #8

Raid I was incredible. I did not expect such a great film. Havent seen 2 yet.

Post: #9

Raid II was amazing; so much fighting.

Post: #10

Enjoyed it, but would have been better if it was shorter, and some of the "boss" fights didn't drag out so long.