The Raid 2: Berandal

Direction
Cinematography
Acting
Screenplay
Score
4

Fresh from The Raid Rama (Uwais) is thrown right back into the underworld when his captain asks him to take on the task of exposing corrupt cops within the force. In order to get himself in with the right crowd he must commit a crime and go to prison. Once on the inside the true test begins as he must become a hardened criminal and insert himself in to the right circles and gain their trust. There is clearly only one way to earn trust in prison and that is fight like a maniac and protect the person you wish to gain the trust of and when Rama gains Uco’s (Putra) trust he is on the right tracks. Although his prison stint is longer than he had hoped when he is released he is accepted into the crime family as though he is one of their own. From there it’s all about finding out who’s corrupt and exposing them, and also beating the absolute life out of anyone that crosses his path.

When The Raid arrived in 2011 it blew the minds of almost all that viewed it as Gareth Evans brought the fast paced and thrilling fight sequences to the screen with a serious punch. In going for a much-wanted sequel there was always a chance that he would just throw out the same again, but he surprises in attempting a more intricate story that leaves the first film in its wake. With that in mind The Raid 2 may not be what fans of the first instalment expect or want, but that’s just tough.

There are definitely shades of Infernal Affairs and that is no bad thing as there is much more story present to make it less repetitive and more interesting, although it could have focused a bit more on Rama’s struggle with his undercover work. When the fight scenes do arrive they are absolutely brilliant and as with The Raid they are so inventive it defies belief. Who thinks a toilet cubicle is a good place for a fight sequence? Eh, Gareth Evans and it’s brilliant. It would be remiss not to mention the two hammers but it’s best left at that; can’t ruin all the surprises.

There probably is a little too much story, but it really doesn’t take that much from the overall production especially as it’s broken up with the aforementioned fight scenes and you don’t feel the running time either, so it’s mission accomplished.