Following up 2011’s “The Raid: Redemption” comes “The Raid 2,” directed again by Gareth Evans. 

The Source Magazine attended the film’s New York premiere on Monday at Landmark Sunshine. From the film: Iko Uwais (“Rama”), Julie Estelle (“Hammer Girl”), and writer/director Gareth Evans, all walked the red carpet. Read our thoughts below!

The protagonist from the first film, Jakartan star Iko Uwais, reprises his role as  Rama as we see him take on the underworld once again in this action packed sequel. Joining him for the ride is newcomer Julie “Hammer Girl” Estelle, as well as two returners from the original “Raid,” Yayan Ruhian and Donny Alamsyah.

Simply put, “The Raid 2” is one of the best action films made in the last decade. Starting off with the groundbreaking choreography, spearheaded by Iko Uwais himself, the fighting sequences are beyond belief in terms of precision and execution. The fighting never seemed over the top or corny even for a second. What was most striking about these scenes was the overarching gore and effort into showing just how many different ways the human body can break. The gore in this film makes “Mortal Kombat” look like an episode of “Looney Toons.” Aside from how great the film is overall if you’re looking for a convincing action film, look no further. This is the absolute epitome of Asian choreography.

The film finds Rama again locked in a battle with the criminal underworld as we see our hero go undercover to fight the beast inside its own belly. Rama agrees to go to jail in order to befriend the son of a local crime lord and subsequently get closer to bringing the entire organized crime scene to its knees. The son Ucok, played by Arifin Putra, takes a liking to Rama after Rama saves his life during a prison riot. This scene itself has to be given its proper dues as, aside from the ending, it was the best fighting scene in the entire film. We see around 120 people just clobbering each other in the mud and soon enough the prison guards get involved and all hell breaks loose. After Rama is released from prison, about two years later than he thought he’d be inside for, Ucok takes him to see his mob boss father Bangun (played by Tio Pakusodewo). Bangun takes a liking to him and here begins Rama’s real descent into the criminal underworld.

“The Raid 2” scores high on all fronts including musical score, storyline, and of course in the action department. Actor Iko Uwais is well on his way to becoming the next Jet Li with performances like this. He is a superb actor as well as an authentic master of martial arts. Look for him to do big things as his career goes on.

“The Raid 2” opens in New York City and Los Angeles on March 28.

-Jagpal Khahera