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Friday, June 1, 2012

[10/10] The Raid: Redemption (2012)


The Raid: Redemption (2012)

Brief review: Gareth Evans' "The Raid" may have a simple premise, but its plot works perfectly, and that combined with the slick execution, leaves a big impact on the viewer. Why? Because "The Raid" is the real deal! It starts off at a frenetic pace and never lets go, quickly turning itself into a shockingly brutal, ultra-violent, tense and thrilling adrenaline rush of a movie, that features some of the best action scenes ever put on film. Just when you think there's no chance for the next fight scene to top the last, it happens, and that proves Evans' out-of-this-world skills as a director and his ability to deliver a progressively mind-blowing action. Considering the movie's low budget, the technical quality of "The Raid" exceeds expectations big time. Evans' truly innovative direction features an impressive variety of camera angles, razor-sharp editing and camera movements so vigorous, they'll spin your head off. The big, old, dark, filthy building is the ideal setting for the hard-edged story, the amazing soundtrack and crisp sound effects match the high-octane intensity of the film, and the bluish, almost violet, tint of the cinematography has a subtle stylishness about it, that takes the film's visuals to another level. Although there's very little character development the main character, Rama, played by Indonesian martial artist Iko Uwais, is so brave, bold, good-hearted and likable, you can't help but fall for his character.

Overall summary: With its masterfully choreographed and executed action sequences, heart-pounding pacing, inventive direction and highly stylized visuals, Evans' "The Raid: Redemption" is sheer brilliance, and the ultimate cinematic ecstasy pill for every true action junkie.

16 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I came THIS close to seeing this one in the theater - wish I had! Now I have to wait for NetFlix.

Maynard Morrissey said...

YES, a perfect 10! It's impossible to give this movie a lower rating, only Ebert is able to do that LOL

My god, I can't hardly wait for the sequel. Bring it on, Mr, Evans!!

FilmMattic said...

Awesome review, buddy! I desperately, I mean DESPERATELY, want to see Raid. You've managed to raise my excitement level to the stratosphere :)

Unknown said...

Holy Cow, 10 out of 10?! I remember seeing some talk of this film briefly a few months ago, but I haven't seen hide nor hair of it in the theaters around me. I'll have to get this on Netflix or Red Box unless it's coming out later this year here. Your enthusiastic and brilliant review has my curiosity piqued.

M. Hufstader said...

I know, I know, I really have to see this one. It looks damn epic, and a 10 star review from you only goes to prove that. Great review!

Ricky said...

10/10, high praise indeed. I thought it was pretty good but the final fight was bizarre and too long.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, you should have seen it in the theater. It was AMAZING!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Matty, thank you so much, buddy. You compliments mean the word to me.
Just like you, I was desperate to see The Raid. Thankfully, I had the chance to watch it sooner than I thought I would. It blew me away. Big time.

Can't wait to read your review of it. You're such a master of words. :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Mel, absolutely. A perfect 10 out of 10 for this one. The wait it was executed and shot... OMG, I was speechless. I mean WOWED speechless. LOL. :)

It had a limited release in the US last March. You missed it, but I'm sure you'll be able to catch up on NetFlix.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

M. Hufstader, first of all, thanks for the comment. I haven't seen you here in a while, and I missed your lovely comments if I have to be honest. :)

Thanks!

It's epic indeed... it's brutally epic and so stylishly executed. I was blown away.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Ricky, I thought it was beyond good. In fact, it was beyond great too. It was SPECTACULAR!

Hey, didn't you gave this one a "highly recommended" rating over at your blog? I thought you loved it too.

No way the last fight was too long. I couldn't get enough of it, and I wanted more. Bizarre, yeah, maybe, but in a GOOD way. :)

Anonymous said...

A great way to begin a trilogy , a brutal epic, a nonstop action film,best of 2012 in the action category,well done!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Anonymous, well-said, and I couldn't agree more with you. For me, this is the best movie of 2012 so far and will probably remain as such. :)

Maynard Morrissey said...

Yeah, there will be a sequel and a threequel, because Evans wants it to be a trilogy - that's why they retitled it from "The Raid" to "The Raid: Redemption". Title of Part 2 will be probably "The Raid: Retaliation".

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Maynard, the title change makes sense now.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Maynard, it deserves the perfect 10 rating, doesn't it? :) I was so impressed I wanted to see it again the moment it was over.

Will there be a sequel? I hope not. I mean I obviously loved The Raid, but I prefer it to be one and unique.