9/11/2011

Trailer Time: The Raid, directed by Gareth Evans


Gareth H. Evans only makes high octane martial arts flicks. Even though he's Welsh, his stock 'n trade are movies using the Indonesian "Silat" style of combat. Razor thin plots used merely as an excuse to jump straight into the ass kicking action, which is a mix of Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa, and the pistol blazing shootouts of John Woo. For a prime example, check out his 2009 flick, Merantau.

The buzz surrounding Evans' latest film, The Raid(also starring Iko Uwais), has been phenomenal coming out of the Toronto International Film Festival, with some proclaiming it the best action film in years. Judging by this balls out, kinetic trailer I can see why. It revolves around a SWAT team raiding a high rise apartment full of armed goons in order to take out a drug lord. If this clip is to be believed it's almost entirely action with very little time to stop and take a breath. True be told it reminds me a lot of District B13, but far more violent.

The film is being packaged now for a US release, with Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda cranking out an updated score. We'll be keeping an eye out for a firm release date, but for now check out the trailer, and hold on to your seats...