Roger Ebert’s Harsh Take on The Raid: Redemption Sparks Debate

Legendary film critic Roger Ebert was never shy about sharing his blunt opinions, even when it came to movies that would later become cult favorites. His review of The Raid: Redemption, a 2012 action thriller that took the world by storm, stands out as one of his most controversial takes. While the film quickly earned a reputation for its relentless fight sequences and raw energy, Ebert saw things differently.

In his review, Ebert dismissed the film’s approach to storytelling and character, writing,

“They [the audience] require no dialogue, no plot, no characters, no humanity.”

He went on to criticize the lack of depth in the characters, stating,

“No one in the film has a personality; they are all ruthless fighters without a brain in their heads.”

For Ebert, the movie ’s focus on action over substance left it hollow and unmemorable.

Dissecting Ebert’s Critique: Missing the Heart of the Action

While Ebert’s perspective resonated with some viewers, many fans and critics saw The Raid: Redemption in a different light. The film’s opening scenes, featuring a SWAT team’s tense entry into a crime- ridden apartment block, set the stage for a relentless battle for survival. As the story unfolded, the stakes grew higher, and the violence more intense, especially after a child is shot and the team’s hope for escape fades with each loss.

One of the film’s most powerful moments comes when Rama, played by Iko Uwais, is visibly shaken after a brutal kill, dragging an enemy’s head through a door frame and ending his life on exposed spikes. This scene, along with Rama’s decision to spare his brother and return home to his family, hints at the emotional core Ebert claimed was missing. The title’s promise of “Redemption” is realized not through grand speeches, but through these small, human choices amid chaos.

Redefining Action: Cinematic Innovation and Lasting Impact

Ebert also took issue with the film’s choreography, suggesting the fights were staged to favor the hero. Yet, this was precisely the point for many fans. The Raid: Redemption broke away from the shaky camera work and rapid-fire editing that dominated action movies in the early 2000s. Director Gareth Evans used sweeping camera moves and wide shots to showcase the full scope of the action, allowing audiences to appreciate the skill and intensity of each fight.

The film’s influence extended far beyond its own story. Its innovative approach to action cinematography and its introduction of Pencak Silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art, set a new standard for the genre. The Raid’s success paved the way for a new era of action filmmaking, inspiring directors and choreographers around the world.

The Raid’s Legacy: Shaping the Future of Action Cinema

Before The Raid, Hollywood action films often relied on quick cuts and disorienting camera work to mask the limitations of their fight scenes. The Raid’s clarity and intensity changed that, and its impact can be seen in later hits like John Wick. Director Chad Stahelski adopted similar techniques, using steady cameras and long takes to highlight the brutality and precision of his characters’ movements.

The connection between the two films runs even deeper. Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman, who played memorable villains in The Raid series, were cast as formidable adversaries in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Their climactic showdown with Keanu Reeves ’ character was a direct nod to the influence The Raid had on the genre, blending respect for martial arts with a new level of cinematic craftsmanship.

Whether you side with Ebert’s critique or the film’s passionate defenders, The Raid: Redemption remains a landmark in action cinema, challenging expectations and leaving a lasting mark on the industry.