The Raid 2: Berandal (2014) is a thrilling action movie directed by Gareth Evans. As the sequel to The Raid: Redemption (2011), it expands the original story, diving deeper into the criminal underworld. Packed with intense fights and emotional drama, the film takes action cinema to new heights.
Plot Summary
The film continues the story of Rama (Iko Uwais), a Jakarta cop who must go undercover to protect his family and expose a powerful criminal syndicate. To gain the gang’s trust, Rama enters prison and befriends Uco (Arifin Putra), the son of mob boss Bangun (Tio Pakusadewo).
After leaving prison, Rama joins Bangun’s organization and climbs the ranks. However, Uco’s growing ambition and his alliance with rival gangster Bejo (Alex Abbad) lead to betrayal and chaos. With the criminal world spiraling into war, Rama must navigate dangerous alliances and stay alive while working to bring down the syndicate.
Cast and Performances
- Iko Uwais as Rama: Uwais excels with his emotional depth and breathtaking martial arts skills.
- Arifin Putra as Uco: Putra portrays Uco’s ambition and inner conflict, making him a standout character.
- Tio Pakusadewo as Bangun: Pakusadewo commands attention as the aging but sharp mob boss.
- Alex Abbad as Bejo: Abbad delivers a chilling performance as the cunning and ruthless gangster.
The cast’s strong performances enhance both the emotional weight and the intense action sequences, creating a compelling story.
Themes
The movie explores loyalty, ambition, and the moral challenges of corruption. It also examines the cost of power and the personal sacrifices required for justice.
Action and Direction
Director Gareth Evans creates some of the most unforgettable action scenes ever filmed. The fight choreography, based on traditional Indonesian silat, combines brutal realism with cinematic flair.
The movie features incredible set pieces, such as a chaotic prison yard brawl, a deadly kitchen knife fight, and a thrilling car chase. Each sequence is fast-paced, brutal, and visually stunning, keeping the audience on edge.
Cinematography and Sound
The cinematography by Matt Flannery and Dimas Imam Subhono captures the gritty and dangerous atmosphere of Jakarta’s criminal world. The use of tight spaces and wide cityscapes adds intensity and scale to the film. Meanwhile, the pulsating score by Joseph Trapanese and Aria Prayogi enhances every moment, amplifying tension and excitement.
Reception
Released on March 28, 2014, The Raid 2 earned critical acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and thrilling action. Fans praised its bold expansion of the original’s concept, while critics lauded Iko Uwais’s performance and Gareth Evans’s direction. The film holds an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its status as a modern action masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
The Raid 2: Berandal is more than just a sequel—it’s an action epic that combines relentless combat with an engaging narrative. While its graphic violence may not suit everyone, fans of action films will find it both thrilling and unforgettable.
If you enjoyed The Raid: Redemption or love intense, well-crafted action, this film is a must-watch. Prepare for an exhilarating journey through Jakarta’s brutal criminal underworld.