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Finally an exciting action movie that puts to shame all the lame Hollywood junk that has come down the pike. Iko Uvais is the rising star from Indonesia to watch. His fighting techniques along with his onscreen intensity recall the same energy and spirit of Bruce Lee. It is just a matter of time before he has an international hit in the US. What sets Uvais apart from other action stars in his charisma that makes you love to watch him even in the simple scenes that have no action. This serves to enhance the dramatic energy his fighting scenes generate.

The Raid 2 is so much better than the first Raid movie because this time out it is all not just fighting. There is actual character development and interesting drama that provide a valid framework to showcase Iko’s Penchak Silat, a deadly and brutal Indonesian martial art.

Iko plays Rama who agrees to go underground to root out crooked cops and infiltrate the gang warfare in Jakarta. While in prison he befriends Uco the son of gang lord, Bangun. After Rama is released he is driven by Uco to meet his father. The Bangun family uses Rama’s fighting skills for their purposes.

The action in The Raid 2 is amazing! At times the onscreen violence is very intense and this is from my own perspective as a lover of violent cinema. I have watched countless horror, crime, and action movies and even I was tempted to turn away from the wrathful carnage in this movie.

However, there is a certain beauty in Penchak Silat that I didn’t mind watching it. It is the same love that some have watching two highly skilled chess players play a battle of wits. You see Rama throw a punch or kick and then you quickly look to see what his opponent does. Despite the blood and sound of snapping bones the real beauty of Penchak Silat shines through. To me that makes for an exciting and entertaining action movie that is never dull.

Run do not walk to see The Raid 2. Even if you missed the first one, movie fans tired of the boring Hollywood CGI system should see this. You just might find yourself a Silat teacher in your neck of the woods and start taking lessons.

Highly Recommended

5 out of 5 Stars