Raid 2 (2025) Movie ft. Ajay and Vaani
The Raid 2 stands as one of 2014’s finest action films. Welsh director Gareth Evans returned with this Indonesian martial arts sequel starring Iko Uwais as Rama. The cast includes Arifin Putra, Tio Pakusadewo, Julie Estelle, and international actors Ryuhei Matsuda and Kenichi Endō. Evans wrote, directed, and edited this ambitious project, showing complete creative control over his vision.
Plot Development
The story continues shortly after the first film. Rookie cop Rama thinks he can return to normal life after surviving his bloody encounter. However, his actions have attracted deadlier criminals who threaten his family. Rama must go undercover to survive.
The plot sends Rama into prison to befriend Uco, son of Indonesia’s biggest crime boss. After saving Uco from assassination, Rama works for the feared gangster Bangun upon release. Uco grows impatient with his father’s careful approach and allies with rival families for a hostile takeover.
Cast Performances
Iko Uwais delivers another strong performance as Rama. His acting improved significantly due to the dialogue-heavy script. Though his screen time percentage decreased because of the complex story, Uwais maintains his hero presence. His natural charisma and martial arts skills shine throughout.
Arifin Putra earned critical praise for playing Uco. He won Best Supporting Actor at the Indonesian Film Festival. His performance balances the character’s volatility with vulnerability perfectly. Yayan Ruhian returns in a new role as Prakoso, providing solid support.
Direction and Technical Mastery
Gareth Evans shows remarkable commitment to action filmmaking. I was impressed by his meticulous preparation – he spent six weeks designing the final fight alone. The epic kitchen fight took eight days to film with 195 shots. Total fight preparation extended to 18 months.
Evans used cutting-edge technology, shooting on RED Scarlet cameras with Epic cameras for slow motion. The film was among the first shot entirely digital. This allowed Evans to edit sequences during production. The result rivals major Hollywood productions despite the modest budget.
Matt Flannery and Dimas Imam Subhono handled cinematography beautifully. Their work earned praise as sumptuously shot and perfectly paced. Many critics consider Evans the best action director working today.
Critical Reception
The Raid 2 achieved 82% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 175 reviews with a 7.50/10 average. The consensus states it delivers more of everything audiences loved about the original. Metacritic scored it 71/100, indicating generally favorable reviews.
Total Film awarded 5 stars, calling it flat-out exhilarating.RogerEbert.com praised the involving plot and charming cast. Critics noted the sequel represents a great step up from the already impressive original.
Some critics were less enthusiastic. RogerEbert.com’s Glenn Kenny gave 2/4 stars, acknowledging the action is like nothing else but might alienate squeamish viewers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film’s greatest strength lies in action choreography and technical execution. I believe this ranks among the greatest action movies ever made. The fight sequences transcend violence to become about the joy of performance.
The commitment to practical effects creates authenticity. All punches and kicks were real, requiring extensive actor training. This dedication shows on screen with incredible impact.
Pacing issues affect the first half. Some critics noted overcomplicated plot despite the 150-minute runtime. The length may test patience, though exceptional action overshadows these concerns.
Box Office and Impact
US sales reached $4.14 million on DVD and Blu-ray. In the UK, it became 2015’s best-selling foreign film on home video. Theatrical release faced challenges with many theaters closing after one week.
The Sundance premiere received overwhelming reaction. Social media exploded with excitement, establishing the film’s reputation among action fans.
Cultural Legacy
The Raid 2 became a landmark in action cinema. It influenced numerous subsequent films and proved international action can achieve critical acclaim. Evans indicated interest in The Raid 3, stating he developed a new concept after reconnecting with Uwais.
The film brought Indonesian martial arts to international attention. Pencak Silat gained global recognition through these films. The influence appears in everything from John Wick to various international productions.
I found The Raid 2 to be a masterpiece of action filmmaking. The combination of brutal choreography, technical innovation, and committed performances creates something truly special. While the story may feel complex at times, the visceral impact of the action sequences makes this essential viewing for any action fan.
