Check Out Six Minutes of 'The Raid 2: Berendal' Brutality

While many of my critic colleagues are beginning to cobble together their "Best of" lists full of heavy dramas and biopics, a guaranteed slot in my Top 3 has been reserved for the best fighting flick of the last decade. Gareth Evans' The Raid 2: Berendal has been sitting high on my personal chart since it floored me at Sundance, and unlike some others the extended runtime (150 minutes!) and expanded back story made me love it more. But I also recognize that the fighting is the best part, in fact it's downright unreal, and now you can see six minutes of the sheer cinematic brutality for yourself in this awesome super cut.

So the ramped-up club music is fuss but it's more than worth it for the car chase fight and Baseball Bat Guy alone, although you get a Hell of a lot more. Check it out.


The Raid 2 SuperCut from Adrian Conlon - Editor on Vimeo.

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Review: 'The Raid 2' Directed by Gareth Evans

NOTE: This is an edited reprint of my review from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

Action movies that hit with the blunt force impact of The Raid don't come around often. When the film arrived two years ago it causes an immediate shockwave that rippled throughout the festival circuit (I kind of loved it) and eventually into the sweaty hands of eager genre fans, becoming an instant classic. That kind of success and fan devotion comes with expectations for the sequel; damn near impossible expectations, really. But not only has director Gareth Evans met those expectations with The Raid 2; he's put together one of the great sequels in recent history.

Part of what made The Raid a success was the simplicity of it; toss a bunch of cops and bad guys in a tower apartment and watch the fur (and bullets) fly. Evans has greater ambitions for The Raid 2, taking it out into the open air and adding a murky mafia plot that seems ripped out of a John Woo movie. While expanding the story is a welcome change, there's no doubt it removes some of the immediacy. The constant threat of danger isn't always there, in favor of a great deal of set-up. Clocking in at over 150 minutes, the 30 minutes of tough-guy talk is a little tiresome but is a blip in the overall scheme of things.

Taking place mere minutes after the prior film, Rama (Iko Uwais) is still covered in blood and bruises when he comes to realize his mission to root out police corruption has only just begun. Approached to go undercover in a prison to befriend Ucok (Arfin Putra), the son of Jakarta crime-lord Bangun (Tio Pakusdewo), Rama again finds himself surrounded by enemies with no recourse but to bash in a few dozen (or hundred) skulls to survive. Saving Ucok's life during a muddy prison riot that looks like a WWE battle royale, Rama gets out of jail two years later and joins Bangun's organization as an enforcer.

And enforce he does, often and with tremendous impact. The action sequences are simply unreal; bigger, faster, and more lethal than in The Raid. Evans puts the greater budget to maximum use as the film looks incredible. It's not enough to use the word "gritty"; there's a visceral energy to the way Evans shoots violence, using any number of kinetic camera styles to capture bone-crushing impact in crazy ways. Taking the story to multiple locations has also given Evans a freedom to show just how creatively he can choreograph the carnage. A stunning car chase/fight sequence received a round of applause at the screening I attended; the first time I've ever seen such a thing. Another memorable battle has Rama fighting off waves of enemies in a bathroom, using the enclosed space like Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae.

Uwais was a savage force of nature in the first film but here he's allowed more room to breathe and actually act, proving himself to be a capable and charismatic lead. Knowing he had a good thing with Yayan Ruhian (he played the fearsome Mad Dog last time), Evans brings him back as another tornado of violence, only with much wilder hair. Better still are the two flashiest additions: Julie Estelle as the blind warrior Hammer Girl, and Very Tri Yulisman as the hilarious Baseball Bat Man, who resembles Shoma from the Capcom video game "Rival Schools". Whatever you do, don't give him back the ball.

Once the momentum picks up and the bones start breaking, it never really stops, and it's fair to say this may be the most violent movie ever that isn't a deliberate horror. Evans doesn't shy away from any of it, instead making sure we are thrust right in the middle of every punch and kick, using every bit of the surroundings to maximum effect. While action movie directors are rarely given their due, anyone who has seen the work Evans has done will have to admit he's one of today's most exciting filmmakers. And to think this is only the second part of the trilogy. What in the world can Evans possibly do to top the first two movies? If the expectations were high for The Raid 2, they are astronomical for The Raid 3.

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Gang War Erupts in Deleted Scene from 'The Raid 2'

You already know that I think The Raid 2 is one of the best action movies ever made, so it's weird to have to say now that I'm glad this deleted scene was left out of the final cut. Gareth Evans' amazing sequel has Rama (Iko Uwais) going deep undercover in a crime cartel to root out more corruption. In the process he kicks a lot of ass, but is unable to prevent a gang war between the rival families from breaking out. This scene would seem to be a part of that, but I'm at a loss to figure out where in the film it would fit, especially since none of the principle characters are present.  It's still an exciting clip and shows again why Evans is the most exciting action director working today. Shoot-outs, car chases, fight scenes...he can do pretty much anything.

The Raid 2 opens limited on March 28th, expanding on April 4th.

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Awesome Car Chase Clip from 'The Raid 2'

The latest clip from The Raid 2 is perhaps the best example why Gareth Evans is the most exciting action director working today. The scene isn't just a lot of star Iko Uwais beating the crap out of the bad guys, although there is plenty of that, but it's an exhilerating car chase sequence utilizing the crazy angular techniques Evans has perfected. It's absolutely brilliant, intense, and it had the Sundance audience breaking out into rounds of applause.

What else is there for me to say about The Raid 2? Look for it to hit many cities on March 28th, while others (such as DC) will get it April 4th.

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New Trailer and Clip for 'The Raid 2: Berandal'

What more is there left to say about Gareth Evans' The Raid 2: Berendal? We've heaped tons of praise on the incredible Indonesian martial arts film, a sequel to the already-legendary The Raid: Redemption. By now you know it's more than two hours of furious violence, with an expanded storyline involving a war for control of the criminal underworld. The only thing left to do is enjoy another look at the brutal action flick in a new trailer and a clip I had to be convinced to post.

The trailer offers glimpses of new footage at the battle Rama (the returning Iko Uwais) must go through to secure the safety of his family. His actions in the last film have made him enemy #1 to the real threat, and to weed them out Rama must go deep undercover. But the clip I was concerned about posting features one of the movie's genuinely awesome scenes, taking place in a cramped subway train where Hammer Girl hammers through an army of goons with ease. It's such a great moment that waiting to see it in full context may be the smart move, but I'll put it here for those who simply can't wait.

The Raid 2: Berandal opens March 28th.


The Raid 2: Internet Trailer by IGN

Get More: Movie Trailers, Celebrity News

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It's Blood and Mud in New 'The Raid 2' Photos

Now that plans for an American remake of Gareth Evans' insta-classic The Raid are underway, it's time for fans to start hoping The Raid 2 is a massive hit. At this point, the only thing that can stop a remake is that the sequel does so well over here that there's no need for it. So do your part next month when the film opens and buy a ticket. Heck, buy two or three. I personally guarantee you won't be disappointed as the film is, as unbelievable as this may sound, has more fighting action and some of the most creative set pieces the genre has ever seen.

A batch of new photos have been released giving just a taste of what's in store. Iko Uwais is back as Rama, and this time he's forced to go undercover as his actions in the previous film have put his entire family in jeopardy. These images show bloody scenes from the incredible final battle, as well as a look at the returning Yayan Ruhian, who played Mad Dog in the last movie and plays someone entirely new this time.

The Raid 2 hits theaters on March 28th.

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Sundance Review: 'The Raid 2' Starring Iko Uwais

Action movies that hit with the blunt force impact of The Raid don't come around often. When the film arrived two years ago it causes an immediate shockwave that rippled throughout the festival circuit (I kind of loved it) and eventually into the sweaty hands of eager genre fans, becoming an instant classic. That kind of success and fan devotion comes with expectations for the sequel; damn near impossible expectations, really. But not only has director Gareth Evans met those expectations with The Raid 2, he's put together one of the great sequels in recent history.

Part of what made The Raid a success was the simplicity of it; toss a bunch of cops and bad guys in a tower apartment and watch the fur (and bullets) fly. Evans has greater ambitions for The Raid 2, taking it out into the open air and adding a murky mafia plot that seems ripped out of a John Woo movie. While expanding the story is a welcome change, there's no doubt it removes some of the immediacy. The constant threat of danger isn't always there, in favor of a great deal of set-up. Clocking in at over 150 minutes, the 30 minutes of tough-guy talk is a little tiresome but is a blip in the overall scheme of things.


Taking place mere minutes after the prior film, Rama (Iko Uwais) is still covered in blood and bruises when he comes to realize his mission to root out police corruption has only just begun. Approached to go undercover in a prison to befriend Ucok (Arfin Putra), the son of Jakarta crime-lord Bangun (Tio Pakusdewo), Rama again finds himself surrounded by enemies with no recourse but to bash in a few dozen (or hundred) skulls to survive. Saving Ucok's life during a muddy prison riot that looks like a WWE battle royale, Rama gets out of jail two years later and joins Bangun's organization as an enforcer.


And enforce he does, often and with tremendous impact. The action sequences are simply unreal; bigger, faster, and more lethal than in The Raid. Evans puts the greater budget to maximum use as the film looks incredible. It's not enough to use the word "gritty"; there's a visceral energy to the way Evans shoots violence, using any number of kinetic camera styles to capture bone-crushing impact in crazy ways. Taking the story to multiple locations has also given Evans a freedom to show just how creatively he can choreograph the carnage. A stunning car chase/fight sequence received a round of applause at the screening I attended, the first time I've ever seen such a thing. Another memorable battle has Rama fighting off waves of enemies in a bathroom, using the enclosed space like Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae.

Uwais was a savage force of nature in the first film but here he's allowed more room to breathe and actually act, proving himself to be a capable and charismatic lead. Knowing he had a good thing with Yayan Ruhian (he played the fearsome Mad Dog last time), Evans brings him back as another tornado of violence, only with much wilder hair. Better still are the two flashiest additions: Julie Estelle as the blind warrior Hammer Girl, and Very Tri Yulisman as the hilarious Baseball Bat Man, who resembles Shoma from the Capcom video game "Rival Schools". Whatever you do, don't give him back the ball.


Once the momentum picks up and the bones start breaking, it never really stops, and it's fair to say this may be the most violent movie ever that isn't a deliberate horror. Evans doesn't shy away from any of it, instead making sure we are thrust right in the middle of every punch and kick, using every bit of the surroundings to maximum effect. While action movie directors are rarely given their due, anyone who has seen the work Evans has done will have to admit he's one of today's most exciting filmmakers. And to think this is only the second part of the trilogy. What in the world can Evans possibly do to top the first two movies? If the expectations were high for The Raid 2, they are astronomical for The Raid 3.

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New U.S. Trailer for 'The Raid 2' Before Its World Premiere

So far the Sundance experience has had its ups and down, with some of the most buzzed about movies living up to the hype (Whiplash, The Skeleton Twins), and others falling short (lookin' at you, Dear White People). But there's one film that has expectations soaring higher than the mountains here in Park City, and that is The Raid 2, Gareth Evans' furious sequel to instant classic, The Raid: Redemption.

With the world premiere happening later on today, a new U.S. trailer has been released, and it's basically a tornado of fists, feet, and future medical bills. Iko Uwais is back in the lead role, again tasked with rooting out corruption by any means necessary, which means bashing in a few skulls. Hyped? Yeah, you bet I am.

Fortunately, those who can't be here won't have to wait long as The Raid 2 opens on March 28th.

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'The Raid 3' Begins Two Hours Before 'The Raid 2' Ends

The excitement is already building for Gareth Evans' butt-kicking sequel The Raid 2, about a week before it hits Sundance and a couple of months before rolling into theaters. But Evans has long since made it clear that he envisioned his breakout franchise as a trilogy, and he's already dropping some interesting info on The Raid 3.
Apparently the timelines of The Raid 2 and 3 are going to be so closely tied together they'll actually overlap...

" 'The Raid 2' takes place two hours after the first, 'The Raid 3' would start two hours before 'The Raid 2' ends."

Evans also says that we haven't really seen a fraction of what The Raid 2 has to offer, despite a teaser and a rather awesome full trailer...

"The trailer is 2min 35sec and with the exception of one shot, it’s all new footage from the teaser. Only spoilers for Act 1 setup.

Naturally, there’s a ton of stuff we have kept hidden from the trailer. About 4/5 action scenes don’t feature at all.

I also wanted to put less emphasis on the brutality – this is the closest I could get to a green band version.

The final shot is a tease – that fight I still get goosebumps watching it. Iko and Cecep gave everything they had for it."

The Raid 2 opens on March 28th 2014. [DarkHorizons]

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Intense Full Trailer for 'The Raid 2' Promises a Brutal Battle Royale

The Sundance Film Festival is right around the corner, literally two weeks away, and there will be no hotter ticket in all of Park City than the debut of Gareth Evans' bare-knuckle sequel, The Raid 2.  The sequel to 2012's cult smash The Raid (The Raid: Redemption here in America) promises to be bigger, badder, and bloodier than the original, and now a new full-length Indonesian trailer is here to show us just how far it's going to go.

Picking up where the first film left off, Rama (Iko Uwais) is barely given a moment to breathe before he's back undercover to root out more corruption, which means breaking the bones of a few hundred baddies. A sweeping operatic score kicks the plot into gear, but before long guys are fighting on moving cars, blind chicks are battling in subways, there's some sort of mud-soaked battle royale, and in general folks are getting effed up in all sorts of different ways. Basically it's exactly what we want from The Raid 2, only a lot more of it.

Don't sweat it if you can't make it to Park City because The Raid 2 hits theaters soon, opening March 28th 2014. 


The Raid 2: Berandal - Indonesian Trailer [VO|HD] by Team Lyricis

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Watch the Bone-Crunching First Trailer for 'The Raid 2: Berandal'!

It was back in January of 2012 at my first Sundance film festival that I sat in on a screening of a little action flick titled The Raid. Directed by some unknown dude, Gareth Evans, it had been the most buzzed about film ever since debuting in Toronto months earlier, and the anticipation amongst the critics and industry folks was so thick you could punch it in the face. And about two hours later after a relentless barrage of gorgeously shot cinematic violence, nobody wanted to leave their seats and end what had been a a truly breathtaking experience. And now it's about to start all over again with the arrival of The Raid 2: Berandal. Prepare yourself.

The first trailer is here and all it really needs to do is sell that this one is going to be even more action-packed and energetic than the last one, and that definitely seems to be the case. Picking up where the last film left off, Iko Uwais is back as Rama, who must infiltrate a Jakarta crime syndicate to protect his family and uncover police corruption. So what makes this one different than the last one? Besides an endless stream of new baddies (including the much-hyped "Hammer Girl"), this one takes us outside of a high-rise apartment and into the streets, so expect to see Rama fighting in all sorts of different locations. Evans himself has said there are more than 17 different major set pieces with more than an hour of fight footage, so don't plan on taking any bathroom breaks for fear of missing something spectacular.

The Raid 2: Berandal will hit (pun!) theaters in 2014, and I'm praying it'll be at Sundance in two months.


The Raid 2 : Berandal - bande annonce teaser VO by cloneweb

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Denzel Washington confirmed for 'The Equalizer'

You have to give it up to Denzel Washington. For all the bellyaching I and others have done about him not really stretching himself as an actor anymore, the fact remains he's settled into a comfortable zone of highly successful, mature action flicks that keep him in the spotlight. And who knows? Maybe he'll shut guys like me up in November when Robert Zemeckis' Flight hits theaters, as it looks like the kind of film we haven't seen from Washington in years.

Back in December we learned that Sony was targeting Washington for The Equalizer, based on the 1980s TV series about an ex-agent(originally played by Edward Woodward) looking to atone for past sins by offering his protective and security services free of charge. Deadline reports that not only is the film now green lit, but that an April 2013 production date is set. Now the search for a director begins, and the names they're looking at show their commitment to making this more than just another mediocre remake of a cult TV show. Nicolas Winding Refn(Drive), Gavin O'Connor(Warrior), Gareth Evans(The Raid), and Pierre Morel(Taken) are all on the wishlist. All four would bring something totally different to the table, so whoever they choose is going to tell us a lot about the direction Sony is planning.

Washington is set to star with Mark Wahlberg in the action flick, 2 Guns, and there's also a comedy remake of Uptown Saturday Night alongside Will Smith. I'm really looking forward to that latter one, so let's hope this doesn't interfere with it.

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Gareth Evans to direct heist flick, 'Breaking the Bank'

We knew it wouldn't take long for Hollywood to recognize just how great of a director Gareth Evans was, and would eventually start calling. After introducing the world to the silat martial arts with Merantau, and the face melting energy of The Raid, Evans has been tapped to direct a heist flick surrounding the second largest cash robbery of all time.

Universal wants Evans to direct Breaking the Bank, based on the book, Heist: The True Story of the World’s Biggest Cash Robbery, by Howard Sounes.The story details the 2006 robbery of the Securitas Depot in Tonbridge, England, led by ex-MMA fighter Lee Murray. The armed gang of thieves forced the depot manager and his family to assist in the crime, which ultimately netted around $92M. They were ultimately caught, and most of the money recovered. The script has been written by Kerry Williamson, but Evans is a pretty good writer himself so I wouldn't be surprise if he takes a pass at it.


Along with having a sort of consulting role on the American remake of The Raid, Evans has been talking up a sequel to the film, titled Berendal. Hopefully this won't interfere with that in any way. You can check out interview with Evans here, where he discusses both projects at length. [Deadline]

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Review: 'The Raid: Redemption', directed by Gareth Huw Evans

*This is a reprint of my Sundance review from a couple months ago. Trust me, my love for the film hasn't diminished one bit.*

After four days of dramatic festival films at Sundance, there was really only one way to wrap up the entire experience: with a straight shot to the heart of pure adrenaline. The Raid is a film that's been on every body's lips since Toronto last year, with some proclaiming it to be the greatest action movie of the last decade. Talk like that is best taken with a heavy dose of cynicism. It's easy to get excited during film festivals over movies that probably aren't that great. However over the course of the months in between, the praise for The Raid never died down. In fact, it only got louder, more deafening, and more certain. And now you can add one more voice to the growing chorus.
If you never got to see Merantau, director Gareth Evans' crazy introduction to the insane Indonesian martial art known as Pencak Silat, then do yourself a favor and check it out first as a primer. The Raid, which also stars that films' breakout Iko Uwais, take its intense action and decides that taking time for a breather is no longer a requirement. There's scarcely a moment in The Raid where some death defying act isn't taking place, yet Evans leaves barely enough room for a plot that gives you a reason to care who makes it out with all their bones intact.

The film is basically one long live-action video game, where a SWAT Team mounting a desperate assault against a heavily fortified Jakarta high rise building, owned and operated by the cruel drug lord, Tama. Think of Tama as the game's end boss, with each floor another stage of the game which must be conquered through any means necessary, whether that's bloody shootouts with armed goons, or engaging in breakneck hand-to-hand combat with fighters so fast they make Jet Li look like he's standing still. We're introduced early on to Rama(Uwais), a member of the squad who has his own motivations for going in, like rescuing his brother who is holed up deep inside. To get him out, he'll need to defeat Tama's vile henchman, one of whom is basically a mad dog of furious feet and fists who destroys everything in his path. He's like Bolo Yeung, only faster and far more brutal. When he and Rama finally meet in what is literally ten minutes of bone crunching, heart stopping warfare, it is a thing of deranged beauty.

The beauty of The Raid stretches beyond its incredible pace, but in the dynamic way Evans captures the action. To describe how Silat is presented in the film, it's almost like a blend of Tony Jaa's muay thai style, full of hard knees and elbow striking, with the acrobatics of parkour. Only, Evans has masterfully combined these balletic elements with a serious amount of gun play, that makes for a totally unique, mind blowing experience. It's just rare that we get a martial arts flick this fast paced and creatively choreographed. If District B13 is the high water mark for recent action brawlers, and to me it is, then The Raid is a notch above even that. Evans never shies away from the violence even for a moment, from splattery up close head shots to guys getting their backs broken over metal guardrails. The amount of devastation inflicted on the human body in this flick is both tough to stomach and yet exhilarating. You can't help wondering what the medical budget was like on set, and how many stuntmen spent their evenings in the ICU. It's impossible to turn away for fear you'll miss something you're likely never to see again. At least not until The Raid 2(let's hope!!).

Perhaps adding to the films' charms is the obvious low budget look and feel. It doesn't have the slickness of some of the higher end action movies we get nowadays, even those from Japan and Thailand. That grittiness adds a realness which puts you right in the thick of the action. Two movies in, and it can honestly be said that the combination of Evans and Uwais is arguably the best on the action block, so everyone else might want to step aside lest they catch a swift kick to the mush.

 Trav's Tip: For more on The Raid: Redemption and the upcoming sequel, check out our interview with Gareth Evans here!

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'The Raid' gets a kick ass new trailer and title change

As the March 23rd release date rapidly nears for The Raid, the most buzzed about action movie in years, the film has received not only a brand spanking new US trailer, but also an apparent name change. Now known as The Raid: Redemption, it's not a sequel or spinoff to Gareth Evans' silat masterpiece which has had fans salivating since it premiered last year. When I saw it at Sundance(my review here), I joined the chorus of those singing it's praises, but it'll be interesting to see what all that good will buys it at the box office.

So why the name change? Well there are two reasons. For one, Evans and martial arts superstar Iko Uwais are already hard at work on the sequel, tentatively titled Berandal.  Also, they probably want to get some separation from the English language remake Screen Gems is currently prepping.

The latest trailer sets up the simple plot and breakneck pace perfectly. In the heart of Jakarta, the city's most dangerous drug lord sees his impregnable, heavily armed stronghold invaded by an elite SWAT team, who have no idea what they are in for. It's the most intense 30 levels of punching, kicking, and wild shoot outs that you're likely to see this year or any year, and it's just the first part of Evans planned trilogy. Take a deep breath and check out the new trailer below....

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Awesome new clip from martial arts masterpiece, 'The Raid'!

If you want an idea why myself and thousands of others have been going absolutely wild over The Raid(my review here), then this clip will give you a perfect example why. Directed by Gareth Evans and starring silat superstar Iko Uwais, the film is a break neck paced, bone crunching classic, about a SWAT team that takes on a drug lord's heavily guarded stronghold in the heart of the Jakarta slums. Due to hit theaters next month on the 23rd, a sequel is already in the works as well as an American remake...which will probably suck.

Regardless, this clip is pretty badass, with Uwais' character forced to take on four thugs at once and...well, it doesn't work out quite like they expected it to. Check it out below, and if it gets you pumped the way it should then I suggest picking up Evans and Uwais' previous film, Merantau.

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'The Raid' sequel is picked up by Sony Pictures

There hasn't been a martial arts movie in years that has the sort of crazed following The Raid has earned over the last year. The Indonesian martial arts masterpiece has been tearing up the festival circuit, and at the screening I attended at Sundance people were going absolutely nuts over it(my review here). Directed by Gareth Evans and starring international superstar Iko Uwais, the pair first introduced the cinematic world to the fast paced fighting style known as silat in the film, Merantau, before expanding it even further with The Raid. As Sony Pictures readies it for a March 23rd United States release, and a sequel all but confirmed, the studio is making sure they stay a part of the action.

Sony has scored the US and Latin American rights to the sequel, tentatively titled Berandal. Evans will be back to direct, and of course silat superstar Uwais will be returning as well. The budget will be significantly larger, which worries me because it may be too polished, but the story remains under wraps. Filming should begin in Jakarta by the end of the year.

Screen Gems is also prepping an English remake of the film, which follows a SWAT team as they mount a raid on a druglord's fortified high rise apartment full of armed thugs.  I'm hoping that one goes the way of the Battle Royale remake and dies a rapid fire death.  [Deadline]

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Sundance Review: 'The Raid', directed by Gareth Evans

After four days of dramatic festival films at Sundance, there was really only one way to wrap up the entire experience: with a straight shot to the heart of pure adrenaline. The Raid is a film that's been on every body's lips since Toronto last year, with some proclaiming it to be the greatest action movie of the last decade. Talk like that is best taken with a heavy dose of cynicism. It's easy to get excited during film festivals over movies that probably aren't that great. However over the course of the months in between, the praise for The Raid never died down. In fact, it only got louder, more deafening, and more certain. And now you can add one more voice to the growing chorus.

If you never got to see Merantau, director Gareth Evans' crazy introduction to the insane Indonesian martial art known as Pencak Silat, then do yourself a favor and check it out first as a primer. The Raid, which also stars that films' breakout Iko Uwais, take it's intense action and decides that taking time for a breather is no longer a requirement. There's scarcely a moment in The Raid where some death defying act isn't taking place, yet Evans leaves barely enough room for a plot that gives you a reason to care who makes it out with all their bones intact.

The film is basically one long live-action video game, where a SWAT Team mounting a desperate assault against a heavily fortified Jakarta high rise building, owned and operated by the cruel drug lord, Tama. Think of Tama as the game's end boss, with each floor another stage of the game which must be conquered through any means necessary, whether that's bloody shootouts with armed goons, or engaging in breakneck hand-to-hand combat with fighters so fast they make Jet Li look like he's standing still. We're introduced early on to Rama(Uwais), a member of the squad who has his own motivations for going in, like rescuing his brother who is holed up deep inside. To get him out, he'll need to defeat Tama's vile henchman, one of whom is basically a mad dog of furious feet and fists who destroys everything in his path. He's like Bolo Yeung, only faster and far more brutal. When he and Rama finally meet in what is literally ten minutes of bone crunching, heart stopping warfare, it is a thing of deranged beauty.

The beauty of The Raid stretches beyond it's incredible pace, but in the dynamic way Evans captures the action. To describe how Silat is presented in the film, it's almost like a blend of Tony Jaa's muay thai style, full of hard knees and elbow striking, with the acrobatics of parkour. Only, Evans has masterfully combined these balletic elements with a serious amount of gun play, that makes for a totally unique, mind blowing experience. It's just rare that we get a martial arts flick this fast paced and creatively choreographed. If District B13 is the high water mark for recent action brawlers, and to me it is, then The Raid is a notch above even that. Evans never shies away from the violence even for a moment, from splattery up close head shots to guys getting their backs broken over metal guardrails. The amount of devastation inflicted on the human body in this flick is both tough to stomach and yet exhilarating. You can't help wondering what the medical budget was like on set, and how many stuntmen spent their evenings in the ICU. It's impossible to turn away for fear you'll miss something you're likely never to see again. At least not until The Raid 2(let's hope!!).

Perhaps adding to the films' charms is the obvious low budget look and feel. It doesn't have the slickness of some of the higher end action movies we get nowadays, even those from Japan and Thailand. That grittiness adds a realness which puts you right in the thick of the action. Two movies in, and it can honestly be said that the combination of Evans and Uwais is arguably the best on the action block, so everyone else might want to step aside lest they catch a swift kick to the mush.

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Red Band Trailer: The Raid, directed by Gareth Evans

My blood starts to boil and my heart starts racing everytime I watch a trailer for The Raid, Gareth Evans' festival darling and by all accounts one of the craziest action films in recent memory. The film has received so much insane hype from those who've seen it that it scares me to think it won't live up to expectations, but then I check out another clip or a new trailer emerges and my fears disappear.

Looking like a fuel injected combination of District B13 and Assault on Precinct 13, the "story"(it's really just one big fight) centers on an elite SWAT team trying to take out a drug lord in the most dangerous apartment building in Jakarta, but they'll have to go through an entire building's worth of armed goons to do it.

The latest trailer isn't my favorite, but it was still enough to get my breaking out into a sweat just looking at all the physical action taking place. Jackie Chan who? Fortunately, Sony picked up the US rights to The Raid so we'll see it next year. Unfortunately, Screen Gems is already working on an American remake. Whom whomp....

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Trailer Time: The Raid, directed by Gareth Evans

Gareth H. Evans only makes high octane martial arts flicks. Even though he's Welsh, his stock 'n trade are movies using the Indonesian "Silat" style of combat. Razor thin plots used merely as an excuse to jump straight into the ass kicking action, which is a mix of Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa, and the pistol blazing shootouts of John Woo. For a prime example, check out his 2009 flick, Merantau.

The buzz surrounding Evans' latest film, The Raid(also starring Iko Uwais), has been phenomenal coming out of the Toronto International Film Festival, with some proclaiming it the best action film in years. Judging by this balls out, kinetic trailer I can see why. It revolves around a SWAT team raiding a high rise apartment full of armed goons in order to take out a drug lord. If this clip is to be believed it's almost entirely action with very little time to stop and take a breath. True be told it reminds me a lot of District B13, but far more violent.

The film is being packaged now for a US release, with Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda cranking out an updated score. We'll be keeping an eye out for a firm release date, but for now check out the trailer, and hold on to your seats...

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