The Raid 2: Berandal (2014)
The Raid 2 / The Raid: Retaliation
Raiting: 
7,9 /10
Genre: Action
Director: Gareth Evans
Stars: Iko Uwais and Tio Pakusadewo
Country: Indonesia / United States
Release date: 27 March 2014
Length: 150 minutes
"The Raid 2: Berandal", directed by Gareth Evans, is the ambitious and action-packed sequel to the 2011 film "The Raid." Released in 2014, the story picks up right where the first film left off, following the protagonist, Rama, played by Iko Uwais, as he goes undercover to expose the corruption within his own police force and take down the criminal syndicates of Jakarta.
After surviving the deadly raid on a high-rise building filled with criminals, Rama is approached by Bunawar, an honest police officer who recruits him for an undercover mission. Rama is asked to infiltrate the city's most notorious crime family to uncover the police officials on their payroll. To establish his criminal credentials, Rama is sent to prison under a false identity, where he must gain the trust of Uco, the son of crime lord Bangun, who is serving time in the same facility.
While in prison, Rama endures brutal violence and forges a bond with Uco during a riotous mud-soaked prison yard fight, saving his life. Upon their release, Rama, now known as "Yuda", is ingratiated into the crime family and becomes embroiled in the complex power struggles between Jakarta's criminal factions. As Bangun's trust in Rama grows, he is given more responsibility, which brings him closer to the syndicate's inner workings and the corrupt police officials he seeks to expose.
However, the underworld is not static, and the peace between the various criminal organizations begins to fracture. Bejo, an ambitious gangster with eyes on Bangun's territory, ignites a war by assassinating a member of a rival Japanese faction. This sets off a chain of events that sees Rama navigating a treacherous path between gang alliances and betrayals, all while trying to maintain his cover and protect his family.
The film builds to a crescendo of violence as Rama is drawn deeper into the conflict, culminating in a series of elaborately choreographed fight scenes that showcase the film's signature silat martial arts. Rama must confront not only the criminals but also the corrupt cops, leading to a climactic battle with the true mastermind behind the corruption. In the end, Rama's mission is fraught with personal and physical challenges, raising questions about the price of justice and the sacrifices made for the greater good.
"The Raid 2: Berandal" expands the scope of its predecessor, delivering a complex narrative interwoven with stunning action sequences that have raised the bar for martial arts cinema. The film's choreography and cinematography are executed with precision and flair, making it a standout entry in the action genre and a worthy continuation of Rama's story.
Top cast - The Raid 2: Berandal (2014)
Trailer - The Raid 2: Berandal (2014)
"The Raid 2: Berandal", directed by Gareth Evans, is a sequel that not only meets the high expectations set by its predecessor but surpasses them in scale, narrative depth, and sheer kinetic energy. Released in 2014, this film takes the tight, claustrophobic intensity of the first installment and expands it into the sprawling underworld of Jakarta's crime syndicates, providing a complex backdrop for some of the most breathtaking action sequences in recent memory.
The film's protagonist, Rama, played by the incredibly talented Iko Uwais, returns to infiltrate the criminal network responsible for the corruption in his police force. Uwais's performance is both physically impressive and emotionally resonant, as he portrays Rama's struggle to maintain his undercover identity while his mission puts everything he cares about on the line. The supporting cast, including Arifin Putra as Uco and Alex Abbad as Bejo, deliver compelling performances that add layers of intrigue and duplicity to the story.
Director Gareth Evans showcases his mastery of action cinema with fight scenes that are meticulously choreographed and exquisitely executed. The martial arts, primarily the Indonesian fighting style of Pencak Silat, are captured in all their brutal glory by Evans's dynamic camera work, which follows every punch, kick, and bone-breaking moment with unflinching detail. The car chase sequence, in particular, is a standout set piece that combines high-speed thrills with hand-to-hand combat in a way that feels both innovative and visceral.
While "The Raid 2" is undoubtedly more ambitious in its storytelling, some may find the plot's complexity and the lengthy runtime a departure from the straightforward intensity of the first film. However, the narrative ambition is a welcome development, providing context and stakes that elevate the action to more than just a series of well-crafted fights. The film delves into themes of loyalty, power, and the cost of violence, giving the characters and their conflicts a weight that resonates beyond the screen.
In conclusion, "The Raid 2: Berandal" is a triumph of action cinema that cements Gareth Evans's reputation as a director with a unique vision for the genre. The film delivers a potent blend of storytelling and action, with Iko Uwais leading a cast that brings this gritty, adrenaline-fueled world to life. For fans of martial arts films and action enthusiasts alike, "The Raid 2" is an essential viewing experience that sets a new standard for what the genre can achieve.