The Raid 2 is arguably the most engaging action and martial arts film of our time with more than praise for the fight sequences, impressive set pieces and wonderful artistry. Directed by Gareth Evans, the film is the second part in the series following ‘The Raid’ (2011) and had very little funding of about $4.5 million which is quite a small fraction of the typical budgets of major Hollywood blockbusters, however it was extremely successful in achieving a fast-paced and engaging film whatever the budget would allow.
Perhaps the most stunning sequence in the film is the apparently never ending chase through the streets of Jakarta. Even though it is a fast paced chase, it is unique in the way it is presented in the film. The chase has fist fights and lots of vehicles being driven aggressively and what is unique is that the film did not shy away from practical effects. Many big Hollywood movies nowadays, for instance, may just cover a vista with a computer generated image and have actors run in front of a green screen; The Raid 2, in contrast, avoided the use of CGI and any computer generated images and relied on real actors performing stunts and real world situations.
The most thrilling part of the chase is the camera work, which focuses on what goes on inside the car. One car’s exterior is tracked into another car’s interior via a passenger side window and a rear window with almost no relief to the movement whatsoever. Not only was that scene impressive because of the visuals, it was also devoid of computer graphics. This was made possible because of a very clever trick: the camera man was the passenger seat. As the operator does not leave the cockpit, the entire shot appears to be one continuous motion.
It’s not just the fight choreography and practical effects yet seamless creativity to make the relentless siege possible that makes The Raid 2 among the best action films in the past. With emphasis on executing one’s vision and devising solutions to challenges faced, it shows even a low budget production can result in something impressive.