The Raid was great for it what it was, and was a perfect tone for that film specifically. It was claustrophobic with a sense of urgency throughout. The story was meant to be simple, but it's execution was spot-on, and the martial arts and action overall was nearly revolutionary of the time. The only thing that it lacked was character depth which didn't much need any since it is a story about a raid gone bad.
The Raid 2 is a grand scale EPIC. And to think this was Gareth Evans ORIGINAL intent really wows me. People that argue about the slow start maybe saying that because how urgent the first film was throughout, which is fine. But to me, I appreciate the breather points. I want to know about these characters, I want to know about this world that they are in. The Raid 2 have some of the most colorful characters that I can ever remember and glad we were introduced to. And even if some of these character's parts are small, you can tell there's a deep character depth within these people. And the ACTION when it comes it absolutely mind blowing. It is crazy that this was Evans first time ever filming a car chase scene, but dude took it to a level that not even The Matrix 2 could level up to. And I will be the first to say, THE KITCHEN FIGHT IS TO ME THE GREATEST MARTIAL ARTS FIGHT I HAVE EVER WITNESSED ON SCREEN. I am even including all the classic martial arts films. I cannot ever remember myself trembling with full excitement and awe and didn't ever wanted it to end.
Hands down, I would think it would be a CRIME to all film lovers out there if this movie DOES NOT at least get nominated for a BEST FOREIGN FILM when Oscar time comes around.
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