not for kids
Indonesian fight/chase movie is well made but ultra-violent.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Raid: Redemption is an ultra-violent Indonesian chase/fight movie. The entire movie is basically one extended battle, with guns and knives, as well as hammers, billy clubs, machetes, and martial arts. There's extensive blood, many dead bodies, and many other painful moments of bashing and smashing. Though the movie is spoken in Indonesian, language is also an issue in the English subtitles: "f--k" is used often, as well as "s--t" and other strong words. The movie's main setting houses a drug lab, and some of the occupants are junkies, but these things are only shown in brief flashes. Sex isn't an issue, and the hero is a fairly positive role model, despite the high number of dead and wounded he leaves in his wake -- he's an exceptional martial artist, and he always tries to do the right thing. Still, the movie is too intense for all but the most mature teens.
- Families can talk about The Raid's intense violence. How necessary is it to the story? How does the impact of the violence in a movie like this one compare to what you might see in a horror movie?
- Is Rama a role model? Does he believe in people's inherent goodness, even though he's surrounded by corruption? Can he be a positive role model if he hurts and/or kills so many during his ordeal?
- Is The Raid a good demonstration of martial arts? Is it used for self-defense or for unleashing violence?
- How does the movie's setting -- an industrial, graffiti-covered apartment building -- add to or detract from the story?
The good stuff
-
Messages: The titular raid is undertaken for all the wrong reasons, and many deaths come of it. In the meantime, two estranged brothers do learn to work together again. But despite the title, no one is really redeemed.
-
Role models: The main character, Rama, is a good-hearted rookie cop who unexpectedly discovers that his current assignment was arranged for crooked reasons. He tries to make the best of it, saving as many people as he can (though also killing/wounding many). He's also trying to get home alive to his pregnant wife so that he can be a good father. He's also an exceptional martial artist.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Dozens of characters die in this movie, which is essentially one extended fight sequence. Characters are shot, stabbed, sliced, bashed, smashed, blown to bits, and dropped from heights -- sometimes in close-up. Weapons include machetes, axes, hammers, billy clubs, broken glass, knives, pistols, and automatic weapons. Viewers see squirting and spraying blood, and various bones are broken. There's also a scene of torture and violence against a boy of about 9.
-
Sex: The main character says a fond goodbye to his pregnant wife/girlfriend as he leaves for work. He kisses her baby bump.
-
Language: Though the movie is in Indonesian, "f--k" and "s--t" appear fairly often in the English subtitles. "Piss," "c--t," and "a--hole" are used once each. During the closing credits, a crude hip-hop song plays (in English), with words such as "bitch" and "boobies." There's also graffiti all over the walls of the building. Though the camera never lingers on anything, it's possible that freeze-framing a DVD could reveal more strong words.
-
Consumerism: Not an issue
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: The entire movie takes place in a huge apartment complex that operates as a drug lab. Viewers see quick images of this lab (just a few moments), as well very quick flashes of junkies and drug users in their apartments as the main characters run through.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Kung-fu mayhem by Jimmy George Jones
If you're blood-thirsty for kung-fu action this movie will not disappoint. Plot is strong enough
for this type of film to keep your interest. I'm not a big fan of the genre but from what I've seen in the past, the fight sequences from this movie leave everything else in the dust.
Not a great date movie.
5
You'll regret not catching this in theaters while you can! by Pa3cya
Excellent martial arts action movie! Gritty and raw violence. The actors didn't miss a beat. Highly recommend to anyone who can handle it!
5
Very Cool! by D3ATH D3AL32
As far as the acting goes I would rate it an 8/10, considering it's subtitled and purely action, they did a great job.
I thought the director executed it quite well (8/10), not many special effects but these guys were so awesome they didn't need effects to carry the film. If you're a fan of Linkin Park or similar music you'll most likely love the soundtrack as I did (9/10).
Cinematography was pretty amazing (9/10); very convincing and real with some interesting angles but overall provided the audience with a clear view of the action, not like the Bourne series.
The story is cool and a little scary to think about (8/10), almost a zombie film really.
I am 21 and would not recommend this to children under 16. It's probably the most violent movie I've seen since Snyder's Watchmen or 300...the camera does not shy away from the gore and violence. My overall score = 9/10.
If you enjoy violence, Linkin Park, and martial arts then you should get a "kick" out of this one!
5
Great Movie!! by DragoNYC
This is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. The action and fight scenes were incredible (no wire work or shaky cam). The acting, character development and the story was excellent. I like the villain in the movie. he is from "I Saw the Devil" (can see on Net Flix great movie) he is real sadistic without overdoing it just a great actor. "I highly recommend this movie if you do not want to see the Hunger Games or if you saw this movie already, it is worth your time and money to watch this movie.
5
The Raid - Redemption by SeniorCACritic
This movie has to the be the among the best (if not at least tied for the best) fighting-action flic to date of all time. Unlike most movies of this genre, the hand-to-hand combat sequences are realistic, detailed and virtually non-stop throughout the entire show. Perhaps the only arguable-non-realistic item is that the hero seems almost indestructible. This is most certainly "must-see" film if you like action movies and exciting, non-stop hand-to-hand combat .
One of the few that I plan to see at least one more time ... and buy the DVD!
5
ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTION MOVIES EVER!!! by CryHavoc
Watched it and let me just say in 40 years of living The Raid is one of the greatest action movies I have ever seen IN MY LIFE!!!!!
Ya'll don't hear me. ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTION MOVIES I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!! I plan on seeing it again this weekend.
There's a henchman named Mad Dog that was no joke. Mad is the original refuse to loose, all go no quit, Energizer Bunny of *** kicking! Mad Dog is in the business of kicking *** and business, excuse me, bid'ness is booming! I could watch a whole movie just about Mad Dog breaking people off. His weapon of choice, his two mits! I loved this movie. I can't recommend it enough.
5
AMAZING AND SMART , WELL DONE !!! by shah11417
this movie was not highly publicized so i took a chance to see it, i read the viewers reviews and they were mostly positive..well this movie was amazing, the story was good, the fight scenes were amazing. the actors were all fighters and did thier own stunts...this is a small non hollywood movie set in indonesia ...this movie was well done and very smart. not a boring part ..kept me jumping in my seat...i want everyone who can stand blood and gore to go see this movie...not for the faint hearted..definitely a guy flick....
5
In my top 10 list o,f physical action movies by MovieMasterGoGo
Went in with low expectations, but held to the edge of my seat as the action blew me away!
Definitely loved the brutal fight scenes, no holding back. Definitely not for the faint heart. If you can't handle action, and think that action should be with gloves on then this film is not for you.
The music and action choreography was done really well. And the acting was surprisingly good, opposite of the staid Jason statham films, if you know what I mean.
5
Phenomenal Martial Arts by plain_jane_rotten
A lot of people will talk about how lame the story was, but anyone who is seeing this movie for the story is watching the wrong parts. The fighting is some of the most intricately choreographed fighting I have ever seen, completely fascinating from beginning to end. And I must say the director of photography deserves a lot of recognition, very unique use of the environment to frame the shots. This one you must see on the big screen, or you may miss out on many of the subtle details that went into making this film complete fascinating to watch.
5
Best ACTION movie ever by mension
If you like anything martial arts and anything BIG action then you will love The Raid: Redemption. Matter of fact stop reading this and go already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!