The Raid

This was a hell of a way to start Sundance 2012. Set in the slums of Jarkata, Indonesia, The Raid beautifully tells the story of a group of police officers, veterans and rookies combined, tasked with taking down a drug lord held up in an apartment building chock full of insane addicts and evil henchmen. What ensues is a blood bath of corruption, greed, and a shit-ton of ass-kickery.

I went into this movie fully expecting to see nothing but gratuitous gore and violence, and although I was entirely correct on my assumption, the movie proved to be much more than that. The characters are extremely well developed, the cinematography astounding, the editing meticulous, and the fight choreography (choreographed by lead actor Uwais and director Evans) was some of the best I’ve seen in years. I literally found myself light-headed during a few scenes, not realizing I hadn’t exhaled since the initial punch was thrown.   Yes, it is literally that intense.

The Raid is competing in the Spotlight Competition.