Don’t miss these martial arts and Asian title releases for April!

Posted on April 7, 2014 by JJ Bona
"Apokalips X" Blu-ray Cover

"Apokalips X" Blu-ray Cover

To most people, Spring means brighter days, sunshine, flowers and singing birds…

To us, Spring means giant monsters destroying cities, Seagal snapping bones, Japanese battleships struggling to save mankind, post-apocalyptic Malaysians slaughtering one another, endless kung fu brawls, bloody samurai epics and killer Chinese spies!

For those of you looking to add a number of exciting Blu-ray & DVD titles to your collection, April is a solid month!

For your convenience, we listed titles by day of release. If you’re interested in purchasing the titles, we’re hoping you’ll click on our links to show your support towards cityonfire.com. As always, we’ll appreciate it!

Warrior Assassin: April 1, 2014
Lionsgate presents the DVD for Dou Xiao’s Warrior Assassin. Two strangers set out on individual quests for revenge, and when they cross paths, they discover that revenge lies with the same man. Joining forces, it will take more than an army to keep them from unleashing the ultimate punishment, even if it means sacrificing their own lives. Starring Pan Yuanjia, Ji Chunhua and Bryan Leung (aka Leung Kar Yan or “Beardy”).

47 Ronin: April 1, 2014
Universal presents the Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D & DVD for Carl Rinsch’s 47 Ronin, starring Keanu Reeves. A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun. Also starring Tadanobu Asano (Ichi the Killer), Kou Shibasaki (Battle Royale), Hiroyuki Sanada (Twilight Samurai) and Rinko Kikuchi (Assault Girls).

Switch: April 15, 2014
Funimation presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Switch, starring Andy Lau (Shaolin) as a James Bond-like hero. This highly anticipated Mandarin-language film was shot in Dubai, the same location as Tom Cruise’s now famous hotel-climbing stunt in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, on a budget of about $20 million US dollars, it’s basically Hong Kong’s answer to the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Confession of Murder: April 15, 2014
Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Jeong Byeong-gil’s Confession of Murder. The film is about a police officer who is haunted for failing to capture a serial killer 15 years ago, and is back on the case after a novelist publishes the book “I am the Murderer,” claiming responsibility for the crimes. Starring Jung Jae-young and Park Si-hoo.

Seven Warriors: April 22, 2014
Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1989’s Seven Warriors, directed by Terry Tong (The Sentimental Swordsman). Seven kung fu fighters band together to protect a village from evil bandits. Seven Warriors is homage to Akira Kurosawas’s 1954 classic Seven Samurai. The film stars Adam Cheng, Jacky Cheung, Max Mok and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and Sammo Hung.

Exit Wounds: April 22, 2014
Warner Bros. presents the Blu-ray for Steven Seagal’s Exit Wounds, directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak (Romeo Must Die). First time on Blu-ray! Orin Boyd (Seagal), a tough cop in an inner-city precinct discovers a web of dirty cops and corruption. Exit Wounds also stars Michael Jai White (Never Back Down 2), DMX, Isaiah Washington, Anthony Anderson, Bill Duke, Tom Arnold and Eva Mendes.

Apokalips X: April 22, 2014
Action Slate presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Mamat Khalid’s Apokalips X. This anticipated Malaysian-made martial arts film – about rival gangs who fight for pride and ego in a world destroyed by chemical warfare – stars Farid Kamil, Peter Davis, Jehan Miskin, Adam AF2, Iqram Dinzly, Pekin Ibrahim, Pyan Habib and Ayez Shaukat Fonseka.

Angela Mao Double Feature: Lady Whirlwind & Hapkido: April 22, 2014
Shout! Factory presents the Angela Mao Double Feature: Lady Whirlwind & Hapkido DVD. Directed by Huang Feng (Stoner), 1972′s Lady Whirlwind (aka Deep Thrust) has Mao teaming up with Chang Yi to take on evil Japanese thugs. 1972′s Hapkido (aka Lady Kung Fu), also directed by Feng, has Sammo Hung and Carter Wong going forces with Mao as they take on, you guessed it, more Japanese baddies!

Space Battleship Yamato: April 29, 2014
Funimation presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Takashi Yamazaki’s Space Battleship Yamato, a live adaptation of the Space Battleship Yamato anime TV series by Yoshinobu Nishizaki. The crew of the space battleship Yamato set out on a journey to the planet Iscandar to acquire a device that can heal the ravaged Earth. Starring Takuya Kimura, Meisa Kuroki, Toshirō Yanagiba, Naoto Ogata and Hiroyuki Ikeuchi.

Gamera: Legacy Collection: April 29, 2014
Mill Creek Entertainment presents the DVD for the Gamera: Legacy Collection, which includes Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965), Gamera vs. Barugon (1966), Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967), Gamera vs. Viras (1968), Gamera vs. Guiron (1969), Gamera vs. Jiger (1970), Gamera vs. Zigra (1971), Gamera: Super Monster (1980), Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995), Gamera 2: Attack of Legion (1996) and Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999).

Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume One: April 29, 2014
Mill Creek presents the Blu-ray set for the Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume One, which features Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965), Gamera vs. Barugon (1966), Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967) and Gamera vs. Viras (1968). The first 4 films of Daiei Studios’ monster series Gamera are unleashed and available on Blu-ray for the first time! Your favorite giant turtle returns to Earth leaving no fire-spitting scene behind.

Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume Two: April 29, 2014
Mill Creek presents the Blu-ray set for the Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume Two, which features Gamera vs. Guiron (1969), Gamera vs. Jiger (1970), Gamera vs. Zigra (1971) and Gamera: Super Monster (1980). The last 4 films of Daiei Studios’ monster series Gamera are unleashed and available on Blu-ray for the first time!

If you’re looking for a new import release, please visit DDDhouse.com. The trusted retailer carries new and upcoming releases that are not available in North America, such as The Four II, Hwayi and Jackie Chan’s latest, Police Story 2013!

Also, be sure to enter our current Blu-ray and DVD contests!

Posted in News |

‘Once Upon a Time in Vietnam’ gets a July 2014 release date

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Z Ravas
Once Upon a Time in Vietnam | DVD (Lionsgate)

Once Upon a Time in Vietnam | DVD (Lionsgate)

Back in 2007, former 21 Jump Street star Dustin Nguyen managed to reinvent his image by playing a nearly invincible martial artist bad guy in the Vietnamese hit The Rebel. Now, Nguyen is parlaying his status in the burgeoning Vietnamese action scene by stepping behind the camera for an ambitious project.

Previously titled Monk on Fire, but now known under the title of Once Upon a Time in Vietnam (AKA Lua Phat), the film is described as an ‘Eastern Western’ featuring motorbike-riding kung fu monks and large-scale battles. Not only does Dustin Nguyen direct and star, but he also wrote the script.

Update: The final trailer is available.

BREAKING NEWS: Lionsgate gives Once Upon a Time in Vietnam a July 2014 release date for the upcoming DVD. Click here for more details.

Posted in News |

Confession of Murder (2012) Review

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Paul Bramhall
"Confession of Murder" DVD Cover

“Confession of Murder” DVD Cover

Director: Jeong Byeong-gil
Writer: Jeong Byeong-gil
Cast: Jung Jae-young, Park Si-hoo, Jeong Hae-gyoon, Kim Young-ae, Choi Won-young, Jo Eun-ji
Running Time: 119 min.

By Paul Bramhall

As a huge fan of Asian action cinema, I found the 2008 documentary Action Boys, which followed the lives of a group of stuntmen in the Seoul Action School, to be hugely enjoyable. Such was my enjoyment that I visited the school in the same year, to witness first hand the rigors of the training that they went through. Of course a huge part of that enjoyment came from the way first time director, and student of the school himself, Jeong Byeong-gil, structured the story. So I felt pretty excited when four years later, it was announced his first full movie was set for release, Confession of Murder.

I’ll be the first to admit though that upon reading the story line, I had no idea what to expect. It’s fifteen years since the last murder took place by a serial killer who targeted women, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake, and with the case still unsolved, the statute of limitations is about to expire. Once it does, a mysterious character played by K-drama actor Park Si-hoo, making his movie debut, comes out of the woodwork with an autobiography, graphically detailing how he committed all of the murders. The detective who was on the case, played by Jeong Jae-yeong (Moss/Castaway on the Moon), has his doubts if he really is the killer. But first he has to contend with the families of the victims, one of which has clearly been styled after the bow and arrow wielding Bae Doona of The Host, who have formed a club to kill Jae-yeong at the earliest opportunity.

You can see it’s supposed to be a crime drama, but something about the details somehow made me smile. Was this movie really going to attempt to get away with being serious, with such details as a best selling serial killer, and a club of blood thirsty family members!? Byeong-gil also wrote the screenplay, so I hoped that whatever he had in mind, he could pull it off without it becoming too laughable. What I didn’t expect though, was for the action to be thrown onto the screen in such abundance. Sure he’s a graduate from the Seoul Action School, but the synopsis simply didn’t seem to lend itself to many action movie scenarios.

Imagine my surprise then when it opens to a blistering seven minutes of Jae-yeong viciously throwing down with a masked assailant in a makkoli bar, sending glass and cutlery smashing everywhere, which segues into a ferocious chase on foot featuring several extended one take shots, with the camera following them through dark alley ways and even under cars. It’s an exhilarating and frantic sequence to watch, and one which ends on a particularly wince inducing moment. Similarly, later there’s an insane car chase, with Si-hoo grappling with members of the victim’s families on top of cars, a stretcher, and in an ambulance.

It’s worth noting that the action sequences are all choreographed by another Action School Graduate, Kwon Kwi-deok, who at the end of Action Boys is the only one still working in stunts. In the four years since that documentary was made, Kwi-deok has become a respected stuntman and action director in Korea, having worked with the likes of Kim Ji-woon, Ryoo Seung-wan, and Na Hong-jin. He even makes a cameo as a live fish chauffeur.

Between these thrilling moments, it becomes clear Byeong-gil never meant to make this as a dark thriller, so while the plot sounds dark, it’s never particularly portrayed that way on screen. There are plenty of comical moments, such as when the victims family arrange for one of them to dress as a pool cleaner, and drop a bunch of snakes into the pool in which Si-hoo is swimming. There are also a lot of subtle swipes at the way the media is willing to make a celebrity out of anyone, such as when it comes into doubt that Si-hoo may not be the real killer, hordes of young girls’ crowd around screaming their adoration for him and waving banners which read “Si-hoo is the Real Killer!”

This tone takes up over an hour of the movie, however at some point Byeong-gil realizes he has to bring everything to a close somehow, and the final third moves away from both the action and the comedy in order to deliver it’s conclusion, which as with so many things Korean, features a somewhat tragic late in the day revelation. This is perhaps the only time when it becomes clear that this is a debut movie from a new director and screen writer, and there is so much quality on show that for me it was forgivable. Byeong-gil perhaps didn’t think about the fact that if you have an hours worth of great action and black comedy, people are going to expect things to progress in the same way, maybe heading for a big action finale, rather than a complete change of tone to wrap things up.

Still with a second viewing and the correct expectations, I’ve no doubt Confession of Murder will still be a rewarding viewing experience, if not more so than the first. Byeong-gil has proven that he has talent to spare, and that his time at the Seoul Action School hasn’t gone to waste, with some of the most exciting action to come out of Korea in far too long contained within its run time. With a slightly tighter script to work with, Korea might have potentially found its next Ryoo Seung-wan.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 8/10

Posted in Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

Deal on Fire! District B13 | Blu-ray | Only $4.99 – Expires soon!

Posted on April 5, 2014 by JJ Bona
"District B13" Blu-ray Cover

"District B13" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for District B13 (aka Banlieue 13), directed by Pierre Morel (Taken) and produced by Luc Besson (The Fifth Element). Set in the ghettos of Paris in 2010, an undercover cop (Cyril Raffaelli) and ex-thug (David Belle) try to infiltrate a gang in order to defuse a neutron bomb. This martial arts/Parkour-based action film is being remade in the form of the upcoming Brick Mansons, with Paul Walker. See the original before you see the remake!

Order District B13 from Amazon.com today! Also available at a low price is the District 13 Collection, which contains the original and the sequel!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Watch the extended TV Spot for ‘Amazing Spider-Man 2′

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Z Ravas
"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" Theatrical Poster

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield) squares off against the Rhino (Paul Giamatti) and the powerful Electro (Jamie Foxx) while struggling to keep his promise to leave Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) out of his dangerous life. Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is expected release date for this 3D sequel is May 2, 2014.

Updates: Official look at Spider-Man’s new mask | First set photos. | Spidey’s nemesis Norman Osborn is back and ready to wreak some havoc. Who’s playing the character this time? High caliber actor Chris Cooper (Adaptation, The Bourne Identity). | First look at Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) as Mary Jane Watson. | New photos of Woodley and Stone. | First photo of Jamie Foxx as Electro. | Collider has the first official image of Jamie Foxx as Max Dillion (Electro without a mask) and Dane DeHaan as Harry Osborn.

First, Shailene Woodley’s appearance (as Mary Jane Watson) in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was slimmed down to a bit part. Now, Woodley’s appearance is being completely cut. In fact, she probably won’t be in The Amazing Spider-Man 3 either, due to her busy schedule in the upcoming years. In an interview with THR, director Marc Webb said: “I made a creative decision to streamline the story and focus on Peter and Gwen and their relationship.”

New photos of Spidey, Electro and Gwen Stacey. | Does this new banner poster reveal our first glimpse of the Green Goblin and the Rhino? | AICN has a closer look the Green Goblin (mild spoilers). | Quality version of that banner poster in 3 pieces: 1 | 2 | 3 | First trailer.

Watch the new international trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2! Also, according to Collider, Sony Pictures announced that Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods) will write, and possibly direct The Sinister Six (a title referring to Marvel villains Doctor Octopus, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, Sandman, and Vulture); In addition, Alex Kurtzman (People Like Us) is directing a Venom movie, which he is writing along with Roberto Orci (Cowboys & Aliens) and Ed Solomon (Now You See Me). | Newest teaser poster. | Newest poster. For the others, visit impawards. | Super Bowl teaser trailer. | Super Bowl trailers: 1 | 2 | 3 | Collider reports that Spidey is facing yet another villain in The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Alistair Smythe, played by B.J. Novak (Inglourious Basterds). | New trailer. | Final trailer!

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the extended TV Spot.

Posted in News |

The Chef, the Actor, the Scoundrel | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Posted on April 3, 2014 by JJ Bona
The Chef, the Actor, the Scoundrel | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Chef, the Actor, the Scoundrel | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: June 24, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for The Chef, the Actor, the Scoundrel. Directed and written by Guan Hu (Design of Death), who calls this film “mass entertainment,” revolves around the fate of two Japanese scientists, who are captured in Beijing during World War II Sino-Japanese War in 1942. The film stars Zhang Hanyu as The Actor, Huang Bo as The Scoundrel, and Liu Hua as The Chef. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order The Chef, the Actor, the Scoundrel from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases |

Deal on Fire! Cradle 2 the Grave | Blu-ray | Only $7.88 – Expires soon!

Posted on April 2, 2014 by JJ Bona
"Cradle 2 the Grave" Blu-ray Cover

"Cradle 2 the Grave" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for 2003′s Cradle 2 the Grave (aka Black Diamond), starring Jet Li, DMX and Mark Dacascos. Directed by Romeo Must Die’s Andrzej Bartkowiak, Cradle 2 the Grave has Jet Li and DMX teaming up to rescue a jewel thief’s daughter. Hey, it’s no Kiss of the Dragon, but it’s still a Jet Li flick. Read Numskull’s classic review.

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Deal on Fire! Albert Pyun’s Captain America | Blu-ray | Only $9.49 – Expires soon!

Posted on April 1, 2014 by JJ Bona
Captain America Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Captain America Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray 1990’s Captain America, directed by Albert Pyun (Cyborg). Frozen in the ice for decades, Captain America (Matt Salinger) is freed to battle against arch-criminal, The Red Skull (Scott Paulin). Also starring Ronny Cox and Ned Beatty. Why flock to the theaters for Captain America: The Winter Soldier when you can OWN this cult classic? Be a rebel!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Doug Liman’s ‘Splinter Cell’ movie gets ‘Up In The Air’ writer

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Z Ravas
"Splinter Cell: Blacklist" Japanese Poster

"Splinter Cell: Blacklist" Japanese Poster

Comic book movies continue to do blockbuster business around the globe, but there’s also a sense that audiences might be suffering from superhero fatigue. Some analysts suggest that video games may be the next undiscovered country for Hollywood to mine for gold.

Sure, there have been a few video game adaptations here and there – Mortal Kombat and Silent Hill come to mind – but lately we’re seeing high-profile game publishers package together their own movie deals before shopping them around to the studios.

The first major coup for Ubisoft was signing Michael Fassbender to the Assassin’s Creed movie. Now comes word that Tom Hardy, fresh off star-making turns in films like Bronson and The Dark Knight Rises, has agreed to play the lead character Sam Fisher in a movie adaptation of Splinter Cell.

A screenplay is development from Eric Warren Singer, who wrote The International. Spun from the mind of Tom Clancy, the Splinter Cell series follows an elite secret agent – frequently voiced by Michael Ironside in the games – on dangerous missions around the globe. It’s James Bond meets 24…the only question now is which studio will take the bite.

Updates: According to Deadline, producer Basil Iwaynk is officially on board to produce the Splinter Cell movie. Some of his past productions include The Expendables 1 & 2 and The Town. As always, we’ll keep you updated!

According to Collider (via THR), Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow) is in final negotiations to direct of Splinter Cell for Ubisoft and New Regency, with an August production start-date and a planned 2015 release.

BREAKING NEWS: Screenwriter Sheldon Turner (Up In The Air) is on board for Splinter Cell. Production is scheduled to start in August.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! The Ultimate Matrix 6-Disc Collection | Blu-ray | Only $24.99 – Expires soon!

Posted on March 30, 2014 by JJ Bona
The Ultimate Matrix Blu-ray Collection (Warner)

The Ultimate Matrix Blu-ray Collection (Warner)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Ultimate Matrix Blu-ray collection, a 6-disc set which contains The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Matrix Revisited and The Animatrix. The set is packed with supplemental materials, including two new audio commentaries on each film. At about $4 a disc, it’s your chance to own the series that put Yuen Woo-ping on the American map!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Wong Kar Wai’s ‘The Grandmaster’ streams on Netflix!

Posted on March 29, 2014 by JJ Bona
"The Grandmaster" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"The Grandmaster" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Wong Kar Wai’s The Grandmaster has currently made its way onto Netflix’s streaming service! This epic action feature is inspired by the life and times of the legendary Kung Fu master, Ip Man, who mentored Bruce Lee. The Grandmaster stars Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Ziyi, Chen Chang, Song Hye-Kyo, Bruce Leung Siu-Lung and Zhao Ben-Shan.

If you’ve seen the other Ip Man movies (Donnie Yen’s Ip Man 1 and 2, Anthony Wong’s Ip Man: Final Fight and Dennis To’s Ip Man: Legend is Born – all of which are also streaming on Netflix), now’s your chance to see his life portrayed with some added Wong Kar Wai flavor!

Be sure to check out our review by Ghost Dragon Triad.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! The Replacement Killers: Extended Cut | Blu-ray | Only $6.29 – Expires soon!

Posted on March 29, 2014 by JJ Bona
"The Replacement Killers" Blu-ray Cover

"The Replacement Killers" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for 1998’s The Replacement Killers: Extended Cut. Failing to kill anymore because of his conscience, a troubled hit-man (Chow Yun-Fat) seeks aid from a forger to help him get papers to China. However, the drug-lord has hired replacements to finish the job and kill the hit-man. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and also starring Academy Award Winner Mira Sorvino and Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead). Read our review.

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Predator Trilogy | Blu-ray (Fox)

Posted on March 28, 2014 by JJ Bona
Predator Trilogy | Blu-ray (Fox)

Predator Trilogy | Blu-ray (Fox)

RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2014

20th Century Fox presents the Predator Trilogy on Blu-ray. This 3-disc set includes 1987’s Predator, 1990’s Predator 2 and 2010’s Predators (aka Predator 3). Not included are the AVP spin-off titles (let’s face it, those were pretty lame anyways). All 3 Predator films make up a cast that includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Robert Davi, Bill Paxton, Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Laurence Fishburne and Danny Trejo.

Pre-order  the Predator Trilogy from Amazon.com today!

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Savage Streets | Blu-ray (Scorpion Entertainment)

Posted on March 27, 2014 by JJ Bona
Savage Streets | Blu-ray (Code Red)

Savage Streets | Blu-ray (Code Red)

RELEASE DATES: Summer 2014

Code Red presents the Blu-ray for 1984’s Savage Streets. After nearly being rundown by a gang, Brenda (The Exorcist’s Linda Blair) and friends trash the leader’s car. Gang leader, Jake, exacts his revenge by getting his cohorts to gang-rape her mute-dead sister, Heather (Linnea Quigley). Armed with a crossbow and a bad attitude, Brenda sets out to avenge her sister while blazing a bloody, Death Wish-inspired trail through 80’s Los Angeles. Check out the trailer.

Stay tuned for pre-order information regarding the Blu-ray release. Note: A DVD version is currently available.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Raid 2, The: Berandal (2014) Review

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Paul Bramhall
"The Raid 2: Berandal" Theatrical Poster

“The Raid 2: Berandal” Theatrical Poster

Director: Gareth Evans
Cast: Iko Uwais, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara, Tio Pakusadewo, Alex Abbad, Julie Estelle, Ryuhei Matsuda, Kenichi Endo, Kazuki Kitamura, Cecep Arif Rahman, Cok Simbara, Yayan Ruhian, Very Tri Yulisman, Donny Alamsyah, Epy Kusnandar, Roy Marten, Zack Lee, Fikha Effendi, Deddy Sutomo
Running Time: 150 min.

By Paul Bramhall

It’s hard to believe but 2009 is already five years ago, the year that saw the release of Merentau. It was a movie which starred an unknown lead in the form of Iko Uwais, from an unknown Welsh director by the name of Gareth Evans, from a country which was barely known for any type of cinema, let alone of the action variety, in the form of Indonesia.

Like almost any new martial arts based movie these days, fans approached it with a sense of trepidation. The cynical amongst us commented on how Uwais seemed like a blend of Tony Jaa and Jackie Chan, but not being on the same level as either, while the more positive minded noted that Merentau was a breath of fresh air, and just might be the start of something beautiful.

Thankfully, the latter proved to be right, and a couple of years later The Raid hit the screens. A stripped down 100 minute assault of martial arts chaos and violence, choreographed with a sense of immediacy and intensity that hadn’t been seen for a long time. While Merentau gave us a taste for how the Indonesian martial art of Silat could look onscreen, The Raid gave us a hearty mouthful, and then some. The plot was simple – take 1 team of rookie cops, throw in a building which has a drug lord on the top floor, and every floor below crawling with junkies and low lives, and create a setup wherein the rookie team have to get from bottom to top without getting killed. Simple.

So simple in fact, that when a sequel was announced people pondered what could possibly follow such a fantastic shot of adrenaline. Well, skip forward another couple of years and its March 2014, and that sequel is here, not only that, but I just got through watching it last night. If Merentau was a taster and The Raid was a mouthful, then let it be said that its sequel is an all you can eat buffet of epic proportions. The Raid 2 had a budget almost four times that of the original, however the scope of the movie is closer to a hundred times larger in its scale. By the end of the first hour you’ll realise just what a tiny drop in the ocean that building from the original really is.

The stripped down simplicity of the The Raid is replaced here by a layered story of a city, torn between rival gangsters and yakuza. It’s a dark and violent world of weary family heads trying to keep a grip on the empire they’ve built, of blood thirsty offspring willing to do anything to tip the scales of power, of undercover cops so deep they’ve lost their identity, and assassins who will slice you up in an instant. Then thrown into the chaos of this world is Rama, the character played by Uwais, coming directly from the events which took place at the end of the original. He’s picked up by a special unit dedicated to weeding out corrupt cops, told he’ll be declared dead along with the rest of his unit, and sent into prison with the intention of befriending one of the head gangster’s sons that’s doing time there.

This kicks off the events which unfold in The Raid 2, and for 90 minutes, almost the same length as the original, the story develops on a slow boil, punctuated with extreme moments of violence that serve to propel the story forward, compared to the set piece style setup of the original. These punctuations alone serve as some of the best and most brutal action witnessed onscreen since, well, since the original – a frantic prison yard brawl, a desperate assault in a restaurant, a vicious shakedown on a warehouse. Every scene would be the finale in a Hollywood movie, but here they only serve as a link in a chain of events which keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Despite this, there is a danger some might almost be disappointed here. Those who wanted the locomotive pace of the original may be left shuffling in their seats, others may complain that the chaotic camera work during the brawls doesn’t capture the moves as clearly as it should. But that’s ok, the pacing is intentional and Evans displays an assured hand, he’s a film maker who shows a maturity here that belies his relatively short time in the industry. It’s under this assured hand that Uwais turns Rama into not just a rookie cop relying on his wits and fighting skills, but a fully rounded character with very real fears and motives, and this makes us rally for him all the more.

This is just as well, because The Raid 2 clocks in just short of 150 minutes, and it’s at that 90 minutes mark when things EXPLODE. The much spoken of Hammer Girl and Baseball Bat Man make their appearance, and believe me they’re worth the wait, Bruce Law puts together a car chase scene which makes his work in Special ID look like he must have been having an off day, there are more wince inducing facial impacts than you can shake a stick at, and throughout it all there is some of the most finely choreographed fight action you’re likely to see this side of the millennium. For its final hour, The Raid 2 crams in so much tension and action, you’ll hardly have time to catch your breath. (As a matter of fact in the screening I attended, one person clearly didn’t and had to be carried out by security)

To go in-depth into the action would probably take another 1000 words, so I’ll simply say that it’s impossible to be disappointed. Big words, but I’ll stand by them. Evans gives Uwais just short of an entire army to wade through, but also knows it’s pointless to have an invincible hero that no one else can match. Rest assured by the time you see him standing at one end of the corridor, with Hammer Girl (played wonderfully by Julie Estelle) and Baseball Bat Man (played with sinister cool by Very Tri Yulisman) standing at the other, you won’t be left wanting. Even if you are, The Assassin, as he’s billed, played by Cecep Arif Yahman, is waiting just behind the doors. If you thought they crammed a lot into the Ninja: Shadow of a Tear finale, then The Raid 2 seems determined to stomp all over it, which is no mean feat for those who have seen Scott Adkins laying on the beat down in his latest effort.

Put simply, it would be easy to talk at length about The Raid 2 for another few hours, but it’s best to leave it at that and say get out there, buy tickets to go see it, then once you have you’ll probably buy another ticket to go and watch it a day later. Evans has constructed a masterpiece here, which is every bit as much of a gangster movie as it is an action one. For those who are looking, there are subtle nods of the head to several of the classic Korean gangster movies, the Nikkatsu movies from the 60s, The Godfather, as well as a host of winks to talent he obviously has a lot of respect for such as Donnie Yen, John Woo, Panna Rittikrai, Takeshi Kitano, and in one scene I’d even say David Lynch. I’ll sign off there, now get out and see it.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 10/10

Posted in Indonesian, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , |
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