The Raid 2

Following on from the events of the first film, two hours after the apartment raid, undercover cop Rama (Iko Uwais) heads back into the field to take down an Indonesian crime syndicate that is feuding with a hostile gang of Japanese Yakuda in Jakarta, planning to bring down the corruption in the police force at the same time. However, things quickly and violently spiral out of control.

Fans of The Raid will not be disappointed. This a fantastic martial arts film – the main draw is the fighting, and you couldn’t grumble at it – many, many beautifully choreographed fight sequences, expertly crafted, full of variety and performed with aplomb by the cast. Some of the battles here are among the best ever committed to film, and they build and build throughout – every fight seems to be bigger and bloodier than the last, and the end will put you on the edge of your seats. And if you’re a fan of hyper-violence, the film will sate your cravings for gore – it would not be a lie to say the blood is splattered throughout the picture.

The performances are top-notch, with even the supporting characters sticking in your memory long after the film is over, and the plot is really well done – ricocheting from conspiracy to murder to action, ratcheting up the suspense and not stopping for breat. It is such good fun to go along with it. The cinematography is brilliant, and for a film shot on such a small budget, it has a charisma and a quality that could outshine quite a number of Hollywood blockbusters.

It is arguably peerless in its field – made by a director making what he loves – a superb action film that will be rewarding for anyone who chooses to see it.

Reece Goodall