The Raid (2011)

By Devaron (06/04/2025)

Deep within the slums of Jakarta lies a run-down Apartment block. The tower is run as an impenetrable and untouchable fortress by a ruthless drug lord filled with his army of killers. Under the cover of night, 20 elite members of the Indonesian national police have been sent in with the mission of raiding the safehouse and arresting its leader. However, after being stranded on the 6th floor, trapped within the building, their mission quickly becomes only survival. Forced to fight their way through the complex, what follows is one of the best martial arts and action films ever made with the violence and oppressive grittiness of the Apartment block bringing in elements of the survival horror genre.

Aside from the aesthetics 'The Raid' also has a great cast starring now action legend Iko Uwais as Rama the young rookie that the film follows but despite his new status in the corp his martial arts prowess is incredible. Equally Yayan Ruhian who plays the psychopath and gangster known as 'Mad Dog' also shows off his skill with the pair of actors behind the scenes doubling as the lead fight choreographers utilising their expertise in the Indonesian martial art form of "Pencak silat" a form which utilises the whole body as well as weapons. The Film expresses this perfectly in the Frenzied collision of fists, machetes and guns blurring in the frantic struggle of the police as the fights smash through claustrophobic hallways, apartments and drug labs all confined within the Tower Block.

The Raid remains today one of my favourite films and most likely my favourite martial arts film and is certainly a must-see

5/5

Keep ya popcorn buttered!

Devaron