Wow - where the hell did this movie come from? Indonesia, directed by a Welsh Brit? Bah!
Greatest story ever? No. Does that matter in this particular film - I would argue against Ebert, No. This is a film made for bloody awesome action! It blows District 13 out of the water and many others like it. The Raid makes no pretense at anything other than what it delivers.
I suspect even the easily bored American audience will barely notice it's in a foreign language. The Raid gets moving right from the start and doesn't ever really let up. Cops enter building full of drug runners - cops try and take the building with no killing - that doesn't work - shooting begins - everyone is killing everyone - ammo runs thin - crazy one on one well choreographed, well shot, great hand to hand combat. I could actually see what was going on! Fun Fun Fun
I've seen literally hundreds upon hundreds of action flicks - what really separates this one from the current pack of mostly attempted action is that the fighting/martial arts that takes place looks and feels incredibly, and I dare say, is entirely realistic. No wires, no impossible moves, some blood gratuity perhaps but quite honest in approach, overall. The Raid is graphic and sinister and has an unflinching attitude towards violence - I cringed and shouted aloud multiple times. Whew, I glad I made it through this one.
Recommended Viewing: Drive (1997) - The Matrix - The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)
Bob Scale: Objective: 7.5 - Subjective: 8.0
MetaCritic: 73
Rotten Tomatoes: 85
IMDB: 8.4
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