The Raid now has a reputation when it comes to action and violence and it’s no different in the sequel. Honestly, I will never look at a baseball bat, a hammer or some curved daggers in the same way again! The violence is not there for sake it’s part of what it is and never feels out of place. There’s so much with scenes expertly choreographed to perfection. No matter how much you wince you can’t stop watching. Without sounding like some sadist, the action scenes are beautifully brutal, leaving nothing to the imagination. My reaction can be easily summed up by Clay Davis from The Wire… “Bring back the ball.” – Baseball Bat Man

With each new level, a new style of fighter would emerge.

The closer Rama gets to the criminal bosses, he moves up a level to achieve his goal. Finally Game of Death, Bruce Lee’s final yet incomplete film. Streets of Rage with Rama “cleaning house” and the game’s plotline is not too far away from this one. The superior Infernal Affairs (and not The Departed) with Rama going undercover, trying to survive whilst playing for both sides. There’s an element from The Godfather, illustrating the notion of organised crime families. The film in many respects pays homage to famous Asian or Hollywood inspired films. You might even spot a familiar face – Yayan Ruhian who played the epic Mad Dog in the first film returns as a brand new character, unleashing his insane moves once again. He believes his son is too impatient with his desires to start an unnecessary crime war. We are introduced to the power hungry Uco (Arifin Putra) who is desperate to take over his father’s criminal empire but his father Bangun (played by Tio Pakusodewo) feels he’s not ready. Rama has to get close to the crime bosses, trying to stay true to himself and his family without crossing that line.

The characters are more involving and developed and that includes our hero, Rama. It emphasises that The Raid is far more than just the insane violence it presents and refuses to repeat the same treads from the first film. Instead of the closed off/isolated nature from the first Raid film, The Raid 2 expands in an open world arena.

So wrong! In an unexpectant twist, director Gareth Evans delivers a film that is far more interesting and superior than it’s predecessor. If you thought the sequel to The Raid was going be the same premise but in a taller building, you are wrong. After learning some devastating news, Rama goes undercover into the criminal underworld to weed out the corruption and bring them down once and for all. He thought he could return to his normal life with his family. And I can’t be seen anywhere near you.” – RamaĪfter his heroics from the last film, rookie cop Rama (Iko Uwais) thought it was over. Gareth Evans beat you to it…and it’s awesome! Dear Hollywood – if you’ve thought about making a film version of the popular Sega Mega Drive game, Streets of Rage, don’t bother yourself.

The raid 2 full movie