Review of The Raid 2 (2014) by Joseph R — 13 Jul 2014

BLOODY (!) BRILLIANT! "The Raid 2: Berandal" is absolutely stunning! It's a stylish, masterfully crafted, visual assault which crushes the action film bar set by "Raid: Redemption".

Unlike its predecessor, "the Raid: Redemption", which largely succeeded due to its thrillingly simplistic "fight or die" premise, "Berandal" has a much more ambitious structure featuring multiple plot lines and several, well developed characters, including two of the most memorable villains in cinematic history. While this departure from formula might have been a recipe for disaster (think about the "Die Hard" franchise for a moment), Gareth Evans pens an engaging and intricate crime epic. Moviegoers will recognize elements of "Infernal Affairs" and it's US adaptation - "the Departed", as well as "Heat" and "the Godfather".

While the emphasis on narrative elements In "Berandal" may result in a longer running time, it doesn't result in less action. Instead, the action sequences here are FAR more elaborate than those featured in "Redemption". In fact, they are some of the best ever filmed! One of the film's early action sequences - a fight in a prison yard - is full on directorial bravado. Evans' does a perfect job building up to the violence with stylized tension. Time slows, the music is electric, rain drops thunderously clash into a pool of water, and then BAM! Amazingly, much of the mayhem is captured in one long take. Later, in the film, there is an incredible car chase which might very well be the best ever shot! Ultimately, the film's action sequences build to a relentless pace with each action sequence being more exhilarating than its predecessor. The penultimate fight scene is a fantastic seven-plus-minute showdown in the kitchen of a restaurant, which is the best ever shot.

Over the years, there have been some wonderful action-crime dramas which have come out of Asia: including the aforementioned "Infernal Affairs", as well as "Fallen Angels". "Breaking News", "SPL" and "the Chaser". "Berandal" not only stands among them...it stands atop them. If your pulse isn't racing by the film's climatic fight sequence, it's only because it stopped from over-excitement caused by a prior action scene.