Review: "The Raid 2" is brutal, fascinating, ambitious, and exhilarating
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When I initially reviewed Gareth Evans’ The Raid back in 2011, I found myself split between utter awe and exhilaration at the film’s action sequences and fight choreography, and general indifference (if not outright confusion) towards the film’s plot and characters. Subsequent viewings have since adjusted my opinion, with my respect and admiration towards the action side of things increasing (the more one picks apart Evans’ construction of each set-piece, the more one marvels at how the man pulled off such remarkable feats), and my understanding of the film’s narrative approach coming into sharper focus. I still think the original film’s narrative is more about crafting the perfect set-up for an action film than it is about telling an interesting story, but there is such extreme tension inherent to the premise, and such a sly, understated development of character from fight to fight and floor to floor, that I’ve come to believe the film does have a surprisingly effective level of cumulative impact. It is perhaps the most perfectly simple action movie ever made, but it is also one you wind up investing in, especially on multiple viewings.
Review: "The Raid 2" is brutal, fascinating, ambitious, and exhilarating
Review: "The Raid 2" is brutal, fascinating…
Review: "The Raid 2" is brutal, fascinating, ambitious, and exhilarating
When I initially reviewed Gareth Evans’ The Raid back in 2011, I found myself split between utter awe and exhilaration at the film’s action sequences and fight choreography, and general indifference (if not outright confusion) towards the film’s plot and characters. Subsequent viewings have since adjusted my opinion, with my respect and admiration towards the action side of things increasing (the more one picks apart Evans’ construction of each set-piece, the more one marvels at how the man pulled off such remarkable feats), and my understanding of the film’s narrative approach coming into sharper focus. I still think the original film’s narrative is more about crafting the perfect set-up for an action film than it is about telling an interesting story, but there is such extreme tension inherent to the premise, and such a sly, understated development of character from fight to fight and floor to floor, that I’ve come to believe the film does have a surprisingly effective level of cumulative impact. It is perhaps the most perfectly simple action movie ever made, but it is also one you wind up investing in, especially on multiple viewings.