Gareth Evans is the greatest living action director. This is not even discussed: everyone who watched “Merantau” with “Raid” thought so, but watching “Raid 2” dotted all the i’s. And The Raid 2 demonstrates that Evans belongs among the greatest directors of our time. Let's finish here. This shouldn’t be blamed on the genre - he really is an excellent director.
The genius of the first "Raid" is that it was essentially one continuous action scene, a film in which one shooting location immediately replaced another, barely allowing you to catch your breath. The fight scenes, with an extraordinary combination of beauty and brutality, were taken to the next level. It would seem that there is no point in making a sequel to such a film. What would you do? They sent the main character, policeman Rama (Iko Uwais), into an even larger building? The formula could not be repeated, which is what Evans did. Instead, he took the old script and adapted it to continue the story of Rama. The Raid 2 turned out not to be a film with non-stop fights, but a natural crime saga, a story of deceit and betrayal, spanning years, whereas the first part covered only a few hours.
This modernization is only visible at the beginning of the film: The Raid 2 picks up almost exactly where it left off.Raid", but in order to start a new game, you need to clear the board, as a result of which most of the characters who survived in the first part are killed in the first five minutes. Rama learns that the ordeal he went through was in vain, as higher-ranking bosses and corrupt police officers still remain beyond the reach of justice. To radically change this situation, he must agree to work undercover and uncover connections between the most powerful mafia bosses in Jakarta and the police commissioner. To do this, Rama needs to get rid of his real identity and go to prison to become friends with the son of the leader of one of the criminal syndicates.
So, Rama comes out of prison reborn, now a different person compared to the “immature” recruit we saw in the first film. It's darker, which matches the atmosphere of the darker world it's set in. He needs to get to the top to win the trust of crime bosses and provide evidence of police connections with organized crime. But while he's doing this, the leader's son begins to get annoyed by the old man's rule, while at the same time another new player begins to wreak havoc between the Indonesian and Japanese crime families. When violence breaks out, Rama finds himself trapped.
Not confined to the confines of a single building, Evans can wreak violence everywhere, from a kitchen fight that has to top the list of the greatest fight scenes of all time, to a thrilling and inventive car chase, a subway carnage and a bloody battle in the snow. All fight scenes are unique and exciting in their own way: Evans prevents the fights from looking similar. And each fight doesn’t just occupy a place in the narrative - each fight has its own subtext, each action scene has its own purpose, either for character development or for developing the plot. This is how action scenes should be, but they rarely do. Take, for example, the film's climactic fight in the kitchen. It reveals, act by act, how Rama and his rival adapt to each other's styles, how the advantage passes from one to the other, and in the end everything develops into a bloody, extremely cruel finale. This is not just a flurry of punches and kicks, it is a thoughtful chain of individual crescendos and climaxes.
And how creatively he films fights! Uses long, measured takes. He watches the action through windows and walls, gets close-up on horrific injuries and squeezes the camera into seemingly impossible places - for example, directly between two opponents during a knife fight, or inside the car where Rama fights four people at the same time, or into a three-foot-wide prison toilet. If Evans had simply placed his camera in one place and captured the action, we would have been impressed by the skills of the fighters, but he doesn't stop there - he ups the ante by introducing new cinematic ideas into the fights every now and then.
Evans has another great skill - his characters are convincing. I'm not so much talking about depth, about the subtleties of human nature, but about those characters who differ in style, appearance and attitude. There's a guy who throws baseballs at his opponents. There is a hitman who looks like a homeless man (played by Yayan Ruhiyan, "Mad Dog" from the first film). And there is a master of silat, who exudes incredible cool from the very first appearance on the screen. They all don't get a lot of screen time, but they make an immediate impression. Here you have spontaneity in the style of the film “The Warriors” (1979), and memorable, well-thought-out characters. Evans is an expert at this.
Some complained that The Raid had little to no plot and was all action. They are obviously crazy, but this time the degree of their dissatisfaction should be lower. In "The Raid 2" there is more than enough plot, however, there is no feeling of dragging. The film is two and a half hours long, but length is not an issue. Evans has crafted an underworld saga that needs space, but that doesn't mean he skimped on the action, and he's also a master at pacing the story. The plot is fascinating despite being a classic tale of how even the best-run organizations are susceptible to the fickle nature of human emotions and greed. It's like a gangster movie, but instead of one guy with a gun, there are ten guys with knives.
If The Raid 2 deserves criticism, it is only because Rama fades into the background at times: he is aware of all the betrayals and secret deals, but does nothing. "The Raid 2" ends with a pretty clear hint of "The Raid 3", and I hope that next time Rama is not so indifferent to what is happening. But this is, in principle, a minor nitpick, because I had a lot of fun with the characters who were closest to the center of the action. There's a Johnnie To vibe to the whole film, although I found The Raid 2 to be more consistent in its storytelling than many Asian crime dramas I've watched (I'm no expert on the genre).
"The Raid 2" (in Indonesia it was called "Berandal"; according to Evans, no one knows for sure what the film will be called when released in the United States) is a real masterpiece. The action is second to none, the cinematography and shot compositions are stunning, and the crime story at the heart of it all is compelling. Gareth Evans managed to surpass The Raid, and only for the reason that the film he shot was no less cool than the original and at the same time completely different from it.
Posted by Devin Faraci
Source: badassdigest.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
Thanks for the link Celpaso
Home » Reviews » Translated reviews »
Tags: The Raid, The Raid 2, The Raid 3, Gareth Evans, Iko Uwais, Raid
Tags: The Raid, The Raid 2, The Raid 3, Gareth Evans, Iko Uwais, Raid
- Reminded me of traction. Everyone is trying to keep up with this film. Yes where there.
youtube.com/watch?v=6ENwSP2s9JI
If I get to the cinema, I will most likely reflexively write a review on KP.
EvilDollaR, almost all Russian-language web publications immediately send them to KP, where they are published. I don't think there's any point in posting them here. I haven’t found any new ones in English yet.
...I don't like the Hollywood trend. It is expressed in the fact that everything that once was is sometimes forgotten. And the exclamations - This is the best action movie of our time, make me personally smile. This is written by people who have no idea about good fighting games like ONG BAK, UNDISPUTEABLE 2... Not to mention the legends of Hong Kong.
In principle, what was to be expected.
I feel that soon someone will make a very good fighting game in the cinematic world. He will assemble a great team and use all kinds of modern technologies. And this will be a really interesting breakthrough.
So far, all the pieces that I’ve seen here look good (I’m not taking into account the amateur cameraman). But these are pieces. And the film runs about 2 and a half hours. And no matter how cool the action is, you still need to know when to stop. There must be a good story and of course everything that does not concern the action.
For example, RAID 2 was transformed when I saw the scenes in the restaurant. There were no more slums and I wanted to look at this picture.
You won’t believe it....but I liked the fact that the acting appeared in the film (characters appeared) and the presence of the plot more than the battles themselves in the sequel. =) By evening, if you are interested, I can post the entire review here.
By the way, I just wanted to suggest - if you wish, send me reviews and I will publish them, otherwise there has been a ready-made category for a long time, but it is empty.
Since all web publications are not specialized (read: not particularly competent) in terms of fighting games, everyone unanimously talks about the ingenious and skillful choreography, furious action and the scale of the pogroms. “Sequel to the best action movie of its time” and so on... As for the plot and acting, there is a minimum of analysis here. As expected.
Russian-language reviews have so far been entirely positive.
- positive in terms of?...drive, fights or something else...?
Russian-language reviews have so far been entirely positive.
I'll go to the movie tomorrow. Surprisingly, I even made it to our Khabarovsk, albeit only a few screenings in two cinemas, but still. Usually only Hollywood breaks through, but here it’s just a feast for the soul.
Sorry for being off-topic, of course =)
The cameraman has glued the camera to his hand and is scratching her head.
Fight in a restaurant
youtube.com/watch?v=NbhGxNLuKA4
At this rate, we will be able to watch the film in pieces even before its release. :)
Fight in the car
Excellent mochilovo content!!! Installation is garbage! The operator is average. They skimp on emotions. A cool fragment was in a cage, with lemon. More editing and reaction. Even at the beginning... well, they collect weapons. And what.. that I didn’t see how weapons were assembled or what?
And then Arnie in COMMANDO or Vanya in Double Team did it perfectly in front of the camera. Aesthetics and the power of cinema!
And just remember the fragment in KILL BILL where those 88 fighters, as they called themselves there... literally, like bees poured out of a hive. And the heroine in the person of Beatrice Kido only observed on a macroplan all these intricacies of editing. That was cool! I sat and watched - Wow! How many are there!!!
Deleted scene from the movie Raid 2 (Gang War), still warm. :)
The first part, even before its wide release, received many awards at various film festivals. But I haven’t seen such information about the second part. Maybe someone came across some info? I'd be glad to know.
Excerpt from Hammer Girl
youtu.be/7twIxbArQ3Y
Familiar faces
[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BioN1_UCMAAn7xU.jpg[/img]
Official poster
[img]http://twitchfilm.com/assets_c/2014/02/Raid2BerandalInternationalPoster-thumb-630xauto-46033.jpg[/img]
Dubbed trailer for Raid 2, nothing new, but you can check out the voices. The film is released in our cinemas on March 27. http://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/669466/video/95378/
On the one hand, I agree - this is his trick (although let’s say in his last Fist, an attempt to mix the MMA-win chun-screen fighting style of Bruce looked terrible). And he’s great at this, but on the other hand... good conditions are largely to blame for this. Those. for Ip Man, he studied Wing Chun for 9 months; today's film fighters (especially in the West) can only DREAM about such time for preparation!!!
It’s just that almost ANY movie fighter with such experience in combat and on-screen fights as Donnie, if he is given so much time to study almost ANY style, then he will look very convincing in the film. Of course, some basic features of the fighter will remain and will be visible, but with proper choreography and camera work, such little things will be almost invisible.
Donny - he can fight in any style. It is necessary - depicts Wing Chun. You need some kind of “long” style of classic kung fu. It’s necessary - backyard MMA. We need a police rifle. And every time it looks absolutely authentic, as if this is exactly what he’s been doing all his life. I don't remember anyone else doing THIS.
Dacascos also skillfully copies styles - Only the Strongest, American Samurai, Drive demonstrate this.
By the way, don’t forget that according to the plot there are ordinary special forces and ordinary bandits, and whoever is alive is right. Never in real life will there be Dzhekichan's acrobatics in a fight between a riot policeman and a thug. Mighty men beat so that after their blows they don’t get up. And in general, for a paratrooper to engage in hand-to-hand combat, he must lose a machine gun, a pistol, a sapper's shovel, a bayonet, a belt with a heavy buckle; lose the entire support group, find a flat area where there will not be a single stone or stick, and find another such idiot.
Ps In defense of the “Special Person,” I will say the same thing. And in general, what admires me about Donny is that he can fight in any style. It is necessary - depicts Wing Chun. You need some kind of “long” style of classic kung fu. It’s necessary - backyard MMA. We need a police rifle. And every time it looks absolutely authentic, as if this is exactly what he’s been doing all his life. I don't remember anyone else doing THIS.
- Im a Big fan, really, but TYG2 was such a disappontment
- On TYG2 I acted in the film, but I did not have any involvement in producing, directing or editing the film. Best Wishes T.J.
By the way, yes, I watched TYUG 2 and was very disappointed. I thought Tony knew his strengths, turns out he doesn't. Either OB3 or TYUG2 - it’s unclear for whom these films were made.
I will also write my opinion about films with martial arts and about Raid in general.
Let me start with the fact that the film Raid was released at a very good time, this is a rare success in our time because nothing worthwhile comes out of action films: Ninja 1,2 films are weak in terms of choreography, only the films of the magnificent Trio pleased me (Jha, Ritikray and Pinkaya) with the Heel the Bangkok knockout was eye-opening, but the last Honor of the Dragon was a little disappointing. People miss martial arts movies like the good old days. And we got the first Raid with furious action, with a sea of blood, with a bunch of battle scenes that are very dynamic, and sometimes you don’t have time to keep track of how quickly the fighters on the screen are moving. But there is one minus: the action scenes are not as elaborate as in the films with Jackie Chan, they are not so inventive, not so beautiful, not so technical. The blows are repeated and, in my opinion, the cruelty was too much, it’s not for nothing that the film received an R rating. The film has an interesting plot, which is important in the film and even has to be with martial arts. There is only hope for Asian cinema that we will still see action films with well-choreographed fights and real stunts. Jackie Chan was criticized here earlier, but I will say a few words in his defense. Jackie Chan remains my idol even now, when he is already at an advanced age, but think about it at 58 years old in Armor of God 3, to move and jump and tumble like that, it’s worth a lot. Yes, he cannot do some things on his own due to the large number of injuries he has received over his many years of career, but despite this he continues to delight me with his stunts. I was happy as a child when Jackie Chan fought on the couch in Armor of God 3: just like the good old days, a very interesting fight scene, and I think this is the best fight scene with Jackie Chan in the last 6 years. It’s too early to write him off, he’s the best stuntman in the business. And in general, Armor of God 3 is far from an average film, and it will be weaker than the two previous parts, but if you don’t compare, then for our time the film is good in its own way. As for Raid 2, I’m really looking forward to the same drive as from the first Raid, after all, for me this is the only worthwhile action movie this year that I’m looking forward to. Movies A Special Person is a very weak film, even the same Ninja is better, Honor of the Dragon 2, comparing it with the first part, I will say that this is heaven and earth.
Ravenside:
I think I understand that FEARLESS HYENA is a good movie, but I don’t think so at all. But THE DRUNKEN MASTER AND THE SNAKE was still very different from the films of that time in its presentation. Although Jackie was not the director there.
“Given the availability of technical means, Evans may not yet know exactly what and how to do with them. He is just an average director...”
- I agree on this. And I accept this side. It’s probably hard for many people to understand, but I don’t understand how you can make your own MOVIE and not know what you want. I often ask young people - What do you want to do in life? The answer I get is - I don’t know, as long as there is money. How so???
Is there really nothing that you would like and that would, of course, generate income? And this is answered by 25 year olds. I don't understand. Maybe I really am stupid?
When we were filming SLUPIK, I didn’t understand a lot of things (as I still don’t. I’m learning, learning, but I feel like I’m going to die a fool), but I knew exactly how the scene should happen. What points should there be and how to remove them. Where will there be close-ups, where will there be panoramic plans, and where will there be generally interesting macro plans? We also divided the fight into something comical in the first half and more serious in the second.
That is, watching everything that happened on the world’s movie screens, and having some kind of personal base, we created our own and knew that it would be interesting to any viewer.
And indeed... that’s what happened.
But the main thing is that we truly loved cinema and trained while having fun!
The Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and The Drunken Master, The Fearless Hyena... not bad films, but average.
But Drunken Master 2 is already cool.
You just listed it as a supply manager))) Just kidding. I mean that, given the availability of technical means, Evans may not yet know exactly what and how to do with them. He, in fact, only made 2 action films. And by the way, the “era of amazing opportunities” often plays a cruel joke on people. The more of these same possibilities, billions of paths and tools, the less a person navigates what he wants, floundering with his hands in a myriad of crutches.
I will now summarize my thoughts about Evans: I think that he is not incompetent, he is just an average director, with an average team, who is still new to this genre. That's why critics and viewers wear crowns on him early. Merentau and Reid are strong, down-to-earth genre films, but not superb.
No, he just has a different genre.
I don't agree. The formulation of the question is incorrect. But I won’t talk about that, it would be too off-topic.
Ravenside:
And here I will have a positive discussion with you on this topic.
"What if Evans just doesn't know HOW to do what he wants yet?"
- Not true. He has all the possibilities. Actors, cameras, the ability to work with source material. Moreover, in an era of amazing opportunities and information, only the lazy will not be able to know what they are striving for.
I wouldn't count Terry Gilliam among those I listed above. His level is much lower than theirs.
About Jackie?
Well... SNAKE IN THE SHADOW OF THE EAGLE and THE DRUNKEN MASTER were good films. If we are talking about the director, then let’s talk specifically about the director’s capabilities. And this is THE YOUNG MASTER, PROJECT A and so on... Are these films bad? In the case of Jackie, everything is much simpler, because he loved MOVIE, Buster and old comedies + had a good martial arts school.
Gareth has every opportunity to realize it. BUT personally, I don’t see either the author or his any bias in them. There is nothing to implement. Am I wrong?
Although... maybe he likes MMA coverage and is trying to recreate something similar. May be so.
The same Florentine has a style from the first films. And in the same KICKBOXER IN THE DESERT one can feel the later motives of UNDISPUTEABLE 2 and 3. Oh, how one feels it.
As for the latest ARMOR, at least it's well-cut. Not without sin, of course, but still...
Considering Jackie's potential age. This is the usual physiology of a person who, at a certain age, experiences a surge and also a decline in his performance. And that's okay.
We can talk endlessly about the success of actors, and I could give a huge tirade here as examples. But I’ll just say that the actor is a forced person and sometimes I don’t envy them. Why did the famous film celestial Amitabh Bachchan practically say goodbye to his film career, starring in romantic roles, but with the release of the film LASTING REQUEST in 1975, he became a superstar! And he holds this title to this day. And from the same country, Mithun Chakraborty received an award for his first film, but 35 years have passed!!! films before it became popular and popular. And this fame, as well as his style, was brought to him by the legendary DISCO DANCER. There are many controversial points, but they are 1000% explainable!
But Genesis is far from Pink Floyd or the Beatles and Michael Jackson. Do you agree?
Jaidev, nope, not always. The first works, for example, by Terry Gilliam, were stylistically weak, but the time came and he made 12 Monkeys. And then again the incomprehensible “Voorbrazarium...”
Taste in cinema often depends on knowledge and experience. What and how you see is one thing, but whether you can technologically translate this vision or idea onto the screen is another. What if Evans just doesn’t know HOW to do what he wants yet?
Well, let's talk about Jackie. Are his first works particularly good? No, these are attempts at writing, and also within the framework of the stylistic clichés of that time. And the latest "Armor of God"? Oh well...
The same goes for actors. Not everyone has the sense of “authorship” or super potential in early works. No one, for example, at one time expected that the little-known Australian actor of musicals and romantic comedies would become “Wolverine.” What about the band's first album, "Genesis"? Who could have imagined that the group would later become one of the flagships of British art rock.
Ravenside:
Of course, I’m always categorical, but let me say this about Evans: You either have taste or you don’t. Even in his first works one can feel the author. Take Besson, Leone, Argento, Tarkovsky, Cameron, Gaidai, Chan... They are truly geniuses. Same Quentin. I watched enough films, and by pasting them into my own “salad” I created my own style in the first films. Not to mention the short film "My Friend's Birthday". Even there you can feel Quentin's style. Of course, everything has the ability to BE DEVELOPED. I agree with this. But the foundation is already felt in the initial works. You can't take that away. Evans is just a small craftsman. Let me explain why? He doesn't feel the bar being raised in action films. It is noticeable that the person did not watch the movie with BI and did not analyze it. On the other hand, of course, why would he do this? He just takes it and shoots it. Probably this is also a kind of move and I accept it somewhere. But... the creator loses in quality.
Again, about the actor’s presentation - this is where the director’s bright mind lies. He has nowhere to take examples from. Because he doesn't have BI, and because he's not a movie fan.
When we filmed THE STRANGER, the main character had to move around a certain area, and I gave examples of how he should move. Kind of like a cat. And he not only showed, but also gave an example from ENTER THE DRAGON, how Bruce moved in the hall of mirrors in the final scene. My assistants agreed that this was a good example for training actors. Or for example, when we are filming a fight, we say - Oh, but now we are filming “Miracles” or “Police Story”, or we take the rhythm of “Who am I?” or "Lightning Strike". Or we say - “Oh, and now a little Donny!” And everyone understands what we want in the end. This is important to know. At the same time, you will never say that we completely ripped off Jackie. Never!
Jacobas clearly knows what he wants. And it shows. + he has charisma. Which Tim doesn’t have and which Adkins so lacks. Well, I would also like to add that Jacobas makes films himself, and not only acts in them or choreographs fights, like Tim or Adkins. And this is even more work.
Yuwais has not yet found himself. It is difficult and will be difficult for him. After all, despite the release of similar Asian films, Tony Jaa is still a recognizable number 1 star.
But what’s interesting is that while copying Jackie Chan, Jacobas still has his own idea! So who knows, maybe something will work out for Iko in the future.
Jaidev, I wouldn’t call Evans mediocrity, he’s just a novice director. And sometimes the taste lets you down. But he is also trying to make HIS CINEMA, he just doesn’t have a settled style yet, despite the fact that he works with silat fighters, it would seem that there is a concept - at the same time, they move like street punks. This is also due to lack of experience in filmmaking. They weren't working on camera. Yuvays absolutely, absolutely does not know how to present himself on camera during action. Evans senses potential in him, but doesn't fully exploit it. I think he decided to work with him because he is the Indonesian pencak silat champion. But it has already been said a hundred times: not every champion is a good screen fighter. After 3-4 films, everything can change for the better. Well, or for the worse.
Regarding the scene with the toilet in "Death Grip" - I agree that it is very cool. I think this is one of the coolest ideas I've seen lately.
And one more thing about Eric. Let's imagine that he was neither a director, nor a screenwriter, nor a choreographer, but was simply a fighter-performer. But he would still look better than many. Including Yuvays. Why? Because he has excellent technique. It is clear that there are characteristic features of silat, but Yuvays, IMHO, is greatly let down by technique. I watched a lot of videos with him, demonstrations of choreographic elements with Rukhiyan, all sorts of working moments, and it seems to me that he still lacks technique. Everything is blurred, chaotic, convulsive. Why do I often talk about Jacobas or, for example, Nguyen. They, among other obvious talents, are distinguished by high technique, precision, clarity of movements, their precision, intensity, high control over movement, and completeness of thought. Here, forbidden "Chinatown Cho Lon", Nguyen's knife fight with several opponents: 13-20 seconds in one take, every movement is visible on camera. And it would seem that the same Tim Man is technically very equipped, but damn, he is so slow on the screen and so... somehow bloodless, artisanal, clichéd.
And the feeling of contact in the fight is also very important. In Evans, for all his formal cruelty, people on the screen often only touch each other.
But mediocrity is absolutely radical.
I agree that there are some sagging. I also don’t understand the glitches of Eric’s character. I was waiting for an explanation, but it didn’t happen. Or maybe that accident left an imprint on my life. We always ask ourselves the question of what to do and how it could be.
And you are right, there are a lot of ideas and thoughts of the author. There were places where I frankly said - Wow! Or winced at what was happening. Especially when in the finale Eric's hero tries to rip his opponent's face off. Wow, creepy!!!
And most importantly, I see the AUTHOR! I see that he doesn’t just want to make a film with fights, but to convey something of HIS to the viewer.
Unlike the same RAID. Why did Eric hire a good cameraman, brainstorm how to surprise the viewer, put his soul into almost every blow, so that the audience would worry. Why bother with separately filmed emotional scenes of the characters? Why did I come up with so many things! Especially with the toilet! I’m generally silent about all his “visions”. A separate epic. Why didn’t this happen in the same RAID or MERANTAU? Why?
The spirit of the fights kept me in suspense, while giving a very clear picture. No one was shaking the camera like a paranoid person. And at the same time a certain thriller atmosphere was created.
Once again I am amazed at the talents of the person who wrote, acted, directed and put together this movie!
FINE!
Wave once said about a forum for fans of FIGHTING! Watch this movie. Yes...there was a lot of fighting there! But what...!
This is what at least 15% of action films should be like.
And Scott Adkins would be better off working with Eric, and not with Brahim or even more so the same type of Tim Man. NOT to mention the stagnant Florentine.
And let anyone say that RAIDS are cool and Gareth Evans is the best director of our time. For me, he is a mediocrity with opportunities and a good team in his hands.
And the film with Eric only confirmed this!!! Isn't this a wonderful film worthy of praise? And his head can easily be on par with Jackie Chan's thoughts! But Jackie Chan is not this for you and this is not the place for you!
Someone wrote to Evans that they were waiting for “Raid 2” to appear on the bay, to which Evans replied: “Thank you.” :)
Some videos were filmed purely for advertising purposes. They were not included in the film because they did not fit into the concept (at least one fight).
Solid work, but IMHO, you can feel the lack of experience, there are a lot of sagging in the narrative, Eric at times reminds himself of his out-of-touch brother. Strange slow motion atmosphere. But, really, it’s something of its own, special. There are many interesting ideas and intrigues. Yong Bosch has really gotten noticeably heavier. And one more thing: the preview videos for “Death Grip” contain fights that are more interesting than those included in the final version. It’s strange, I can’t understand why and why this is so.
Well, you're right. Of course not about me.
I apologize for not talking about the topic of RAID, but still on the topic of the quality of films made by beginners or professionals - lovers of their craft...
So yesterday I found DEAD GRIP with Eric Jacobs. And you know...
I was impressed by this movie. I could write a whole review, but I’ll put it simply - Why doesn’t he still make films for the big screen??? Taking into account the attraction of additional opportunities to enter the film market, he has every chance of a good distribution of his films.
+ you can feel the hand of a good potential director, with his own inner world, as well as a skilled editor capable of putting together a very interesting picture. I can say a lot, but I will say - Look!!!
Jaidev:
Read my posts. And everything will fall into place. And most importantly - sober thoughts and positive thinking.
Good luck!
Ha ha ha! This moment amused me.
Well, this is about you, right? No?
Could be so:
[img]http://www.220-volt.ru/f/a0/ru/auto/200909/10124057.1.jpg%3Fmaxw%3D660%26maxh%3D1024[/img]
Ha Ha Ha! How can they be confirmed? Although a prize would be nice! On the farm.
Prize in advance (if promises are not confirmed)!
[img]http://www.lanmart.ru/media/wysiwyg/instriction/089_jirous_24_ex_mimo_alubox/makita.jpg[/img]
And don't say ka. I'm tired of giving them away myself.
Alex Kalashnikov - winner of the OSCAR award for "best performance of film stunts", in Shadrin's film comedy - "+20, -35 degrees, precipitation 100%." Advance!
[img]http://cs572.vk.me/u6596722/91909986/x_2e184a01.jpg[/img]
If you decide to throw yours away, then give them to me. I'll drill holes in their heads and make them into a pepper shaker and salt shaker =)
Well, why are everyone tired of the fucking Oscars, and I agree with the author, he’s a great director, everything is great
And what, may I ask, do you think he does?
There is a complex merit here: Tsui Hark, and cinematographer Arthur Wong, and Van Damme himself.
As for MEDALLION, you must understand that an actor is only one link in a well or poorly made film. Don't forget about the screenwriter, director, cameraman, fight choreographer. That is why the very well-prepared Adkins can be seen among the masses of different kaki.
Regarding beauty: an entertaining movie MUST be beautiful. But people have different concepts of beauty. This does not mean that they are wrong: they just see differently. It’s another matter when a person, after watching a hundred or two films, begins to talk about the industry as a whole - such a person, of course, is a mug. But it is useless to dissuade him.
In general, what am I talking about? Every genre periodically experiences a decline in viewer interest. But sooner or later, some film suddenly sharply returns mass interest. The Raid was such a film, whether you like it or not. Remember the last Asian film that would have been released on big screens in Russia before it. You'll have to think for a long time. And not only narrow-minded fans of the genre went to see it, but also ordinary viewers who fundamentally bypass “cinema for the narrow-eyed.” Even those who are far from the action genre, even the European one, started talking about it. So, you can argue with me, but I’m sure the Raid will remain in the memory for as long as the Armor of God. Or Tom Yum Goong. Or Stars of Destiny.
PS: And Ivan in the Exploder is a great guy. One of his best films. But the merit here is rather due to Tsui Harka.
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Well...a completely different dialogue. ON one leg you can say.
Why am I always talking about the same thing? I would like to see the quality together. Just like it was in earlier films. The world brings us new pros in parkour, Muay Thai bran, the same silat, and tricking. There are a lot of interesting people appearing all over the world. The same Scott Adkins inspires my admiration, but the same Sammo and Jackie cause bewilderment when in the MEDALLION I see the devil in battles! I just refuse to understand that this hard-working guy Scott is in front of me.
Again... why can't an entertaining movie be beautiful? For example, ARMOR OF GOD or MIRACLES, as well as FUSE with Vanya. It was filmed absolutely breathtakingly. This is where the angles and inventiveness come in, while the picture is at its best. Does anyone disagree with me?
And it looks like a breeze! But it's entertainment! Am I wrong?
And the same DRIVE with Mark? Entertaining, but how done! And God bless these cables and backups. Overall it's powerful!
Dear Jaidev, unfortunately, you yourself are very inattentive in reading other people’s posts. I have never called myself an "expert". Don't take this as an insult to your inflated self-esteem. On the contrary, I take everything more simply. Perhaps I will open your eyes: feature films of this genre are, first of all, ENTERTAINMENT cinema, which requires the viewer not to strain, but to relax and enjoy. If it didn’t work out for you while watching Raid, it doesn’t mean that those who liked Raid are idiots.
By the way, as a non-expert, I am primarily interested in the fight choreography and dynamics in the film. That’s why I don’t really like American cinema of this genre, where the number of mutual blows to the face goes off scale with terrible force. For me, a fight is a small separate story with its own plot and framing of the frame. That's why I'm more interested in surnames like Liu Chia-Liang, Lam Ching-Ying, Yuen Wu-Ping or Ching Siu-Tung. But I’m sure an expert like you has heard about them more than once...
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...And what’s most interesting is that I will watch RAID 2 too!!! Oh how! This is the paradox of all paradoxes.
But you can give kicks to everyone. Agree. Even Kubrick for his perfection in some films and mediocrity in others.
By the way, from “The Drunken Master” I more or less liked only the second one, and that was because of Ken Lo and his super cool footwork. And she seemed super cool to me fifteen years ago. The antics of the “drunk” Jackie somehow leave him indifferent. Otherwise, if you give earrings to all the sisters without any discounts, as Iko and Evans get here, then “Drunken Master” also has something to criticize for.
And in general, of Jackie’s films, for me, only films made from the eighties (from “Project A”, probably) become watchable, i.e. when he gained experience in more than forty, almost fifty films. And they stop being careful after the year 2004. I didn’t even get through the much-anticipated “Armor of God 3.”
I'm tired of the argument. In any case, the second "Raid" has been filmed and in any case I will watch it. Almost guaranteed repeatedly.
AndBeast:
“I have more than 25 years of experience in the action film industry, and I’m also ready to say that Raid was shot gorgeously, the camera picked incredible angles, the action sequences (many) looked just “candy” - an incredible achievement for a SECOND full-fledged film. Sorry , dear, but most of your conclusions are an ordinary set of empty phrases. Why is it that if you can judge films, then others who hold the opposite point of view automatically become wrong and are not able to reason “correctly?”
- What is the difference between Matt Flannery, Dimas Imam Subhono and Arthur Wong?
And also...sorry, but for a 25-year-old film expert, you are not speaking very logically. Although... I apologize. I knew one of the many “experts” who, “understanding movie fighting games”, considered almost the milestone of the standard WHO AM I with Jackie, and not, oddly enough, ARMOR OF GOD, POLICE STORY or DRUNKEN MASTER 2 with MIRACLES.
I'm already tired of saying something to anyone. Read my posts. And everything will fall into place. And most importantly - sober thoughts and positive thinking.
Good luck!
Yes, I haven’t read so many comments for a long time, I’m glad, friends! It’s always amusing to see how a person wants to pass off his personal opinion as the final truth that everyone should adhere to. And a strict opposition is definitely needed: if one is good, then the other, even if millions of people like it, is bad. Especially, of course, Jaidev is sweet, so confident that he is incredibly logical and always right. Sorry, dear, but most of your conclusions are an ordinary set of empty phrases. Why is it that if you can judge films, then others who hold the opposite point of view are automatically wrong and unable to reason “correctly”? So I immediately remember: “Hello, I am the king. Hello, king!” Gaidai.
I have more than 25 years of experience in the action film industry, and I’m also ready to say that Raid was shot gorgeously, the camera picked incredible angles, the action sequences (many) looked simply “candy” - an incredible achievement for a SECOND full-fledged film. But believe me, I really like Ong Bak. And I generally love Jackie (in a good way). And most importantly: I do not deny you, Jaidev, the right to admire films that are different from my favorite ones. And you to me? :)
Yes, there was a twist, I also thought so when I first watched it. In addition, the plot structure is similar: a “village” guy who knows a traditional form of martial arts comes to a big city, gets involved in a mess, gets into fights with the mafia and screws everything up... True, all this was filmed a long time ago in “The Big Boss” with Bruce . But, one way or another, bias occurs, perhaps unconsciously. But it’s quite possible that it’s just a matter of conjuncture.
Well, you guys are rocking!!! With a sense of humor! This is good.
Remembering the same ONLY THE STRONGEST I really want to say that the film made me pay attention to capoeira. And why? Because Mark’s hero, although he showed only the basics in essence, was a very athletic example to follow. It was the same at ONG BAK! Tony Jaa's character evoked emotions and was a good physical athlete. Bruce again...Jackie was amazing as he pulled off his shirt, showing off his capabilities at their finest!
When I watched ONLY THE STRONGEST, I became interested in capoeira, and after watching ONG BAK, I became interested in Boran. Boran itself essentially looks very impressive.
Viewing MERANTAU evoked one feeling - a strange feeling under ONG BAK. Especially in the scene of running fights with a tied scarf, a la Tony Jaa's bag. Personally, this immediately caught my eye. As for the struggle... only later did I find out that it turns out to be silat. Hmm... however.
I'm not one of those people who looks at a good thing as a whole and says it's rubbish. Is it possible?
My soul immediately felt warmer, I’ll call Mark now and console him)
Okay, I'll rephrase: "an acrobat/gymnast pretending to be a person skilled in capoeira." It's all right? :D
No, I understood that. It is clear that he was confined there and performed a limited number of elements, usually the same ones, but being a parodist is still an exaggeration.
I didn’t say that the film was a failure, but about capoeira performed by Dacascos.
Does the name have tai chi in it? Eat. Is this in the film? Eat. This means it was also aimed at popularization. This is the market. Well, that’s a plus for color.
I think you're exaggerating.
Eric Roberts in “The Best of the Best” looked like a parodist compared to the Koreans. But Dacascos didn’t look like a parodist at all. And did the film work? It worked.
Only the Brazilians and Prieto looked convincing there. Compared to them, Dacascos looked like an acrobat parodist.
“Tai Chi Master” has nothing to do with the popularization of tai chi. It was conceived as an action comedy with a hint of history.
YES, what the hell with him and Besson - you watch 2 films - “Merantau” and “Ong Bak” and compare. And you don’t think about Besson or Tarantino. "Merantau" could be no worse than "Ong Bak". He's just very down to earth. Although I don’t watch Ong Bak at all.
Evil, not only, there Muay Thai was shown in an obviously advantageous light. Invincible style, there is no better in the world...
Well, ok, even if Besson... and “Only the Strong” with Dacascas as a popularization of capoeira? In my opinion, much more convincing than “Merantau” with silat. Although “Tai Chi Master” came out worse as a popularization of tai chi...
He shot, but Tarantino and Besson played an important role in this.
Evil, I agree with this. However, if Evans’ films were made to popularize silat, then in my opinion they fulfill this purpose rather poorly.
Everything is a little clumsy in this regard.
Ong Bak succeeded in popularizing Muay Thai, but Merantau did not, although I repeat, I like many things from the final fight. And in Reid, everything was mixed up in the Oblonskys’ house. Both silat and slab...
First of all, Evans and Uwais lack experience. But what to do with the potential? Somehow I didn’t look at anything in Uwais. Although... someone looked into it.
The style according to which if you don't drink, you won't win? Isn't this alcohol propaganda? I can imagine a competition where the referee announces that fighters X and Y have been disqualified because... entered the ring in a sober state, and this is unacceptable. :)
And I don’t see much drama there, just antics instead of comedy. I didn’t see a deep plot either.
Merantau is Evans' debut feature film ("Steps" doesn't count) and for a debut it looks pretty decent, although I would change the ending. Iko had not acted in films before, unlike Tony Jaa with his experience as a stuntman.
I hate to see what he's been doing lately. I do not diminish his merits at all.
And I'll add to Ravenside's thoughts:
Remember how we all almost unanimously watched GROUNDHOG DAY with Jacobas!
Everyone admired it 10000%!!! As for me, I’m still reviewing this short film and have already shown it to everyone and everything I’m not too lazy to see! Super!!!
Indeed, we can look at things objectively! And is that bad?
Returning to DRUNKEN MASTER, I will say that the creators even chose an interesting topic - Young Wong Fei Hungg. Reckless and carefree. And they were right! This is the calculation.
Wave, about the forum for fans of massacres, of course you’ve spoiled it)). It is necessary to rebrand and rename the site)) Now to the point: let’s say, I personally don’t say that if there is nothing in a film except good fights, then the film is a dummy. But the point is that good fights don't just happen. Good fights divorced from the context of a film or a specific screen story are, in my opinion, a utopia. It will be a dragopod suspended in the air. Or some kind of, you know, sport. The number of quick strikes, jumps, tricks and complex combinations per unit of time with three editing slides is counted. And the judges are like this: 6.0 - 6.0 - 6.0-.. and the last one annoyingly puts 5.8.))
But of course, if the fights are simply unrealistically cool, and the plot is not very good, then I confess: I will rewatch the fights, rewinding everything else. And discuss them, namely them, and not the film. But is this good? It's bad because this approach to films by both creators and viewers is a monotonous, narrow-minded approach. How often do I watch fights in modern films of this genre? No, not often. That is, it turns out that they don’t impress me as films and the action is boring. This is, of course, a matter of taste. But let's remember among all the news of this resource from short films to full-length films - how often do we like everything we see? How often do we say “oh wow, how cool”? Do our opinions often agree? After all, knowledgeable people have gathered here, people who are quite erudite in the genre, and if the film is objectively cool, unusual, if there is something clearly new for us on the screen (and we have all watched the same films here and we have approximately the same baggage) - then We will say out loud that this is cool. Does this often happen? No, not often.
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- Well, at least someone answered intelligibly. Why not? Good move.
RZA also makes films with BI, so let's elevate him to the rank of cool directors of our time.
THE DRUNKEN MASTER was filmed for basic income. BUT at the same time they did not forget about the quality of production, filming and editing. The creators had a desire to make something qualitatively new and interesting, which was different from the films of that time, albeit through pure money-making. This is fine. Moreover, the style of the DRUNKEN MASTER was revealed by JACKIE in all its glory, from choreography to various options for acting. Consider the moment when he ran away from Jang Lee Hwan with dirty knees and no pants. And laughter, as they say, is also a sin. This is where the drama comes in.
This is not a RAID slum.
Why didn't Evans make something more interesting than the acclaimed ONG BAK? Having trouble clearing your mind? Another director would have sat down and thought, “Okay, I love making films with BI, but let me make something unusual.” There is Muay Thai Boran, and I will have Silat. And I’ll film it in the way that Ravenside talked about earlier, showing even more creativity. Is this really not interesting?
I can understand Florentine, who has already driven himself into this same type of action machine and does not know how to get out of it. And he most likely doesn’t need to go out.
But why can't you get creative?
Have you seen the filming? Installation? Acting in the same initial MERANTAU with silat? Do you think this is not hack work?
Okay, do you want camera movement? Yes, no question - Why can’t it be done cooler than in BLADE 2 or THE MATRIX? Why can't you look at Arthur Wong's work and say - Oh, this is cool! How can I drone on something?!!! Is this really not interesting? Do you really like to just stupidly slap action movies? I’m generally silent about music in modern films! Separate topic!
Why can't we exercise our brains in all aspects of filmmaking?
Sorry EvilDollaR, but lately I’ve noticed that you have a terrible dislike for a person called Jackie Chan. What are you right... of course his time has run out and he is a great swindler. To put it mildly, I’m not delighted with some of his films, but it’s still worth respecting him, believe me. No matter how much time has passed.
Do you agree?
To popularize SILATA (started from Merantau). Evans has spoken about this more than once + he likes making films with BI, he has a well-coordinated team. What else does?
And now a counter question: why was “Drunken Master” filmed?
"This is not a forum for aesthetes, this is a forum for fans of massacres."
- ??? That is, IQ no longer plays any role, as I understand it?
It is precisely for this reason that directors and producers treat Russian (and not only) stuntmen as cattle. Not everything, of course, but still...
"And note, this is not the first topic where you moan about how everything from the militants has disappeared except the militants and that this is very bad."
- The quality of action films has dropped and that’s a fact. Don't argue with me. And if you argue, then back it up with weighty arguments.
Ravenside in higher posts sorted everything out. Do you want to challenge? Give it a try.
But don't stoop to the level of "So what?" Not the best prospect.
Do you know why I wrote, write and will write?
Someone reading these posts will think about making an action movie. But before you shoot, you will probably think about - How and Why?
You need to use your brain. Is it bad?
The people do not notice how they sink to a primitive level, demanding more and more, and then more and more. But ask people what they liked, they won’t say anything, being in a state of euphoria from who knows what.
Why is that so?...but no...sorry - WHAT IS THIS?
But some of my friends simply refused to watch it after I showed the trailers. For brutality. And what?
And some of my friends (my ex in particular) refuse to watch Jackie Chan films - old, naive, garbage. And what? (I was offended, because I really wanted to show her and watch my favorite films with her.)
And some people don’t want to watch Soviet films (those that are “forever”). And what?
Most action movie fans know about The Raid. And most of those who watch it will remember it for a long time. There is no need to fetishize all sorts of subtle matters - people like it, what else? This is not a forum for aesthetes, this is a forum for fans of massacres. And the complaint is not even that those present don’t need anything else - I’ll be happy to watch your films if there is something to watch in them - the complaint is that you consider the film a dummy only because there is nothing in it EXCEPT what those present here need .
Now you remind me of... Well, roughly - a vegan who wandered into a magnificent banquet and began to persuade everyone to give up meat, milk, eggs and other things.
And note, this is not the first topic where you moan about how everything from action movies has disappeared except action movies and that this is very bad.
"The raid was released in 2011 and everyone still remembers it, taking into account the release of the second part - the memory of it can be safely extended for another 2-3 years. If the third comes out and is as successful as the first... and the second (after all the rating on IMDB is now off the charts)….then you’re 10 years old.”
- But most of my friends who watch movies don’t even know about this film, a narrow circle of fans... so to speak. Moreover, I don’t understand the fact that because of the presence of the second part, they will remember the first. Well, this is completely nonsense. Honestly.
“There is quality in Raid - that’s a fact, the fact that the film hooked the majority of those who watched it is also a fact.”
- What is the quality?
Most of those who watched? Today they said Oh, and the next they forgot. This is the trend in almost all modern films.
And then there is education. Here it plays a role in our intelligibility of various types of art. As well as the fact that there is infused tea from berry leaves or brewed tea in standard bags.
He who knows how to “see” will certainly see.
“I just think that you are not objective enough to say that Evans does not put his soul into his work, that he is not passionate about his work, that the films are not of high quality, there is nothing to admire about them and that they will be forgotten. You don’t like Gareth’s films and because of this you You turn a blind eye to obvious things in support of these films, and you begin to present your subjective “don’t like” as a fact.”
- I AM ALWAYS OBJECTIVE! Exclusively.
Once again I ask the question - why were RAID and RAID 2 filmed?
And I ask you to CAREFULLY read what I write. So that there is no misunderstanding.
The raid was released in 2011 and everyone still remembers it, taking into account the release of the second part - the memory of it can be safely extended for another 2-3 years. If the third one comes out and is as successful as the first one...and the second one too (after all, the rating on IMDB is now off the charts)....then here you are, 10 years old.
There is quality in Raid - this is a fact, the fact that the film hooked the majority of those who watched it is also a fact. Only here taste preferences begin to play, some were delighted with the film, some simply liked it, some did not like it. And now some of the latter, who are “warmed up” by the comments of the former that the film is GREAT, begin to say that the film is of poor quality and will be forgotten.
I just think that you are not objective enough to say that Evans does not put his soul into his work, that the films are not of high quality, there is nothing to admire about them and that they will be forgotten. You don’t like Gareth’s films and because of this you turn a blind eye to obvious things in support of these films, and begin to present your subjective “don’t like” as a fact.
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However... But here I will let you put you on your shoulder. Forced to say - Mate.
Hater (enemy, foe, troublemaker, hater) is someone who finds fault with every little thing, even if everything is done well. Haters condemn any creativity that they don’t like; also, due to the lack of arguments and evidence of their rightness (or lack of education and brain), they can act aggressively towards the author of the creativity they don’t like (threats, obscenities, physical violence, etc.) .d.)
More: http://www.wikireality.ru/wiki/%D0%A5%D0%B5%D0%B9%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%8B
I always back up my opinion and never say it's rubbish, because that's what I think. I have no idols or worship. I respect professionalism all over the world. It doesn’t matter who it is - Jackie, Tsui Hark, Sammo, Sergio Leone with Dario Argento or Keaton with Gaidai, Tarkovsky or even Tinto Brass with Andrew Blake.
Personally, I watch a lot, good and bad, in order to compare and do something interesting in this life. The same RAID will be forgotten in a year, and the ARMOR OF GOD will remember where the light stands. How to give a drink.
One thing amazes me - why praise something that is not made very well?
We must not forget that we are watching a movie, not a report from the scene.
But quality, it either exists or it doesn’t.
Duck, what am I talking about? It’s bad that it doesn’t insert anything! And it should insert. Damn, it’s clear that we watch movies for fights, because they film it in such a way that there’s nothing else to watch except fights. But what I’m saying is that you have to do it in such a way that the whole film is inserted, otherwise it’s a dead end. Alex watches for the fights, Ilya, Wave... we all watch, but this is because we know in advance that there is nothing to catch there other than fights.
And the second point: now the fight scenes in 2-3 films out of 20 are decently shot. The rest is boring.
Whatever you say, Reid, everyone I gave my DVD to watch liked it. This is probably important. And the second Raid will apparently be no worse, which is good news.
And Jaidev, you are just a hater. If you hate this movie so much, why are you wasting your time on it, that is, reading reviews of it? Do you continue to rewatch Ong Bak or something (which I also love).
Almost 100% I also look.
Yes, Christmas trees! Who cares, what about me? action films look for the sake of fights! And of my favorite action films, EXCEPT for fights, something fascinated me only in the films of Jackie and Co. from 1985-2005 and very individual examples like “The Man from Nowhere” or “Denny the Watchdog”. Neither the vaunted Ong Bak, nor the even more vaunted Boyko, nor any other vaunted films impressed me with anything else! Thai without translation? I don’t care, I’m still wasting from fight to fight! I would be quite content with plotless short films if they were filmed and edited at the level of Boyko’s fights or the fights from Ong Bak. All. And according to this indicator, “Raid” impressed me more than all “Thors” and “Avatars” combined. Although I watched the avatar on a big screen, and the raid on a small monitor.
Ps I watched the sports drama “Warrior” with pleasure, I look with pleasure at M, J, White as an actor, etc., but I watched these films with pleasure and forgot. And I’ve already watched “The Raid” x, 3 times.
Of course, this is purely my subjective opinion :)
In your case, apparently this is the case =)
Ravenside:
Every letter is spot on!!!
The creators don't think about the little things. And they are really important! They play a direct role in the film. Jackie didn’t always pay attention to all the details, as, say, Quentin did in KILL BILL (remember the scene of GoGo’s fight with the Black Mamba? So many little things with that thing on a chain!), but he built a whole panorama and it was worth a lot.
I watched the final of MERANTAU yesterday and did not understand the essence of the battle. They fought for a long time and were not particularly interesting. Then they suddenly decided to take the montages and started fighting with them, and then the final blows, which could have been anywhere. Everything is boring. Remember a few seconds of the fight in the SNACK where Keith Vitali and Benny beat up Jackie and Yuen, after which the latter say - Cool guys! We must run! And you believe that you really need to run! Moreover, everything was shot and put together masterfully, not to mention the powerful acting!
I will never forget when my friend’s mother watched AWOL and at the end she almost screamed - Come on!!! And how much joy there was in the eyes when Vanya came to victory with his jumping punches, beaten to the point of being impossible.
But what emotions there were! And why? Because people lived by their creativity and wanted...!
It turns out Evans is also an editor of his films. I would like to ask him a question - do you edit the material with your eyes closed?
In RAID 2 there was an interesting fragment where two heroes are pulled opposite each other before the fight. Why not show it big? Moving legs, tense arms, glances... Walk around with the camera. Someone will say that this is not necessary? Hell no! Still as needed. All this determines the human reaction to what they see. This is basic psychology. How so???!!!
Then films with BI will be like the well-known 18+ genre, where it’s not about the plot, but about.... well, you get the idea. In an action game)) You can’t do that. If it's just about fights, then you can only shoot short films or just individual fights. Why then make full-length films? Now we have some niches: there are films for special effects, like Thor or Pacific Rim. There are all sorts of thrashers and slashers, which are still churned out using Stakhanov methods, 10 of them a year. But we haven’t had “smart” militants for a very long time. Or films with mixed genres, such as great action comedies. More precisely, there are a minimum of them, they have been degenerating for the last 15 years. Every year there are fewer and fewer of them. I had high hopes for fighting films, but it hasn't really panned out yet. It's just... well, now they're just filming fights. A set of movements and blows, a series of everything learned or taught, which migrate from film to film. As Dacascos' character said in Kickboxer 5: "A movement without a soul is nothing." One hundred percent - this is true. Two hundred.
Alex, of course, I’m exaggerating a little, and I understand perfectly well what you mean. And it is logical that if this is a film with B, then high-quality B is important.
But why does the hero raise his leg? Why is he clenching his fist? What is the punch filled with? Before filming the fight itself, please show the hero’s face and how he feels. And let the camera show us qualitatively what he is doing. So that you can see all his concentration, everything he puts into every blow. In films with BI, the whole essence of the BI themselves is lost. This is the emotional and ideological content of the movements.
In short, I took this philosophical speech to what: the fact that the fight is not in itself. This is an artistic technique. A person drinks water because he cannot help but drink. A man fights on screen because he can’t help but do it. But if they show us how he suffers from thirst for a long time, and what obstacles he overcomes before he picks up a glass, and then a close-up of how he drinks every drop, and his eyes at this moment, and even with the right music - then we will believe him . It's the same with the fight. Like with Raid 1, where the hero stabs a piece of lamp into the enemy’s neck. What if the enemy had first stuck this lamp into his palm? And only then the hero hits the villain in the neck with the same lamp sticking out of his palm. It is clear that this would not have made the whole film any better. But such details are also important.
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Jaidev, we'll also look at “The Fallout” and “The Stranger.”
"What am I talking about? On a site about cinema with BI, talking about the lack of spirituality of these films is like discussing and exposing the primitive fencing technique of Smoktunovsky in Hamlet, or, say, Livanov’s fighting skills in Sherlock Holmes. In these films NOT THIS is the main thing.
Every movie has its own audience. A hackneyed truth. But, alas, not each of them respects the taste of the other."
I have a completely normal question - Why, say, Jackie or Sammo at one time (and it was at least 10 years, working for Golden Harvest) tried to make each film like a delicious candy? Inventing, filming and editing, investing fully. So much so that to this day sometimes you can’t not only find fault with something, but also enjoy it every time you watch it.
So where is the truth?
Let's take RAID and SERPENT IN THE EAGLE'S SHADOW.
RAID 2 and DRUNKEN MASTER. AND...? Everything will speak for itself.
I'm talking about temporary space and actions in this time.
What is it for me?
Nowadays, every more or less literate person who is familiar with cinema fancies himself an expert in his field. This is right? No!
Today's generation of directors, with rare exceptions, is not passionate about their work. And no matter what anyone says in their defense, the facts will be unconvincing. Because everything is visible on film. All the mood and desire for your creativity.
Yes, it’s this Bollywood-star war fight :-D I agree with you - the fight is bad, but it stuck with me. Nija 2 watched and forgot. Better raid. Undisputed 3 is a separate topic. The fights are great, but they're not 100% engaging. So far, only the Thais have succeeded.
It's sad to read some of the "comments".
I’ll never understand a certain “troll” mentality (or whatever it is instead...).
There will always be people who, without having seen the film (or without reading the book!), are ready to criticize in the penultimate words, just so that those who sincerely expect a miracle))), visual happiness from a movie (book), will know about their pseudo-marginal opinion. They found out and were outraged! From this a person will receive an incomprehensible dark pleasure!
What am I talking about? On a site about cinema with BI, talking about the lack of spirituality of these films is like discussing and exposing Smoktunovsky’s primitive fencing technique in “Hamlet”, or, say, Livanov’s fighting skills in “Sherlock Holmes”. THAT is NOT the main thing in these tapes.
Every movie has its own audience. A hackneyed truth. But, alas, not each of them respects the taste of the other.
It's sad to read some of the "comments".
I’ll never understand a certain “troll” mentality (or whatever it is instead...).
There will always be people who, without having seen the film (or without reading the book!), are ready to criticize in the penultimate words, just so that those who sincerely expect a miracle))), visual happiness from a movie (book), will know about their pseudo-marginal opinion. They found out and were outraged! This person will receive an incomprehensible dark pleasure!
What am I talking about? On a site about cinema with BI, talking about the lack of spirituality of these films is like discussing and exposing Smoktunovsky’s primitive fencing technique in “Hamlet”, or, say, Livanov’s fighting skills in “Sherlock Holmes”. THAT is NOT the main thing in these tapes.
Every movie has its own audience. A hackneyed truth. But, alas, not each of them respects the taste of the other.
In the subway, is this when they played Star Wars and got electrocuted? The taste and color as they say. For me, these fights are not even close to the fights from Raid, or the fights of the same Undisputed 3 or even Ninja 2 (which I consider the best fighting game of the past year). Yes, even Master Taichi looked better in terms of fighting.
What's unclear here? There is a person who likes to be a director. He makes films that he likes, that he wants to make. These films have found their audience and a large number of people like them, the films pay for themselves and the director is able to calmly continue filming what he likes. And the fact that someone doesn’t like his films....well....it happens that you can’t please everyone.
From Twitch:
The Raid 2 is quite frankly, the most epic martial arts action film ever made. And no, it's not just damned hyperbole.
It should be noted that Twitch Editor-in-Chief Todd Brown is credited as an Executive Producer of The Raid 2. That has no factor in this review. Trust us, we'd tell him if he sucked.
Sorry, I didn't put it that way. But everyone has known the essence for a long time.
Without a single gluing. There were up to a dozen takes.
With all due respect to the brown belt, I can safely say that sometimes people themselves don’t know what they’re crazy about. Today they like one thing, and tomorrow another. And his opinion is certainly not an indicator of the level of the film. The man probably only talked about fights. But the film doesn’t end with just fights, oh, not just fights.
But God is with them with fights. Let them be. But why not take them off cool! As we say in PUSH 1 - the famous scene FROM A SINGLE TAKE!!!
Nowadays there are few films in the fighting game genre in global cinemas. And those in which martial arts are present in one form or another, even if indirectly, are either films with a high age rating, that is, for children and teenagers. Or Jason Bourne style. Therefore, the all-around tough “Raid”, with its “raid” through cinemas, logically begins to be considered a modern action icon for those who are poorly informed in this genre. Another thing is that in fact the level of “Raid 1”, despite the epicness of the idea (it’s really good), is an average one, filmed on the knee. Therefore, when the reviewer writes: “The action scenes, with an extraordinary combination of beauty and cruelty, have reached the next level.” - he is simply lying. Because that's not true at all. I would even say the opposite - the scenes in "Raid 1" not only do not progress in any developments or experiments, but perhaps show a rather mundane old-school (in a bad sense) level. Even in comparison with Evans’s previous “Merantau”, in which the final battle looked, IMHO, decent, though not so much in choreography as in tension and suspense.
But if I really want to watch a fight between one hero and a crowd, then I’d rather watch Jackie’s old films or even the fight in the original Korean “Oldboy”, which, in terms of the atmosphere and drama of the fight, IMHO, completely surpasses all “Raids”.
Although I've always had a good opinion of Evans, he's a generally likeable director, but it's just too early to put on the crown. It’s too early for both him and Iko Yuvais, who is constantly waving his arms. Little experience, money, and hard-won ideas.
Opinion of Dmitry Gromov (½ G.L. Oldie) - brown belt of goju-ryu - about the first “Raid”: “Cool, cool!” - with a sparkle in his eyes and complete approval in his voice.
At the same time (with all the disadvantages including "RZA") they managed to film the best fight (in the metro) over the last 3 years. And I really liked the rest of the fights between Jaa and Crump.
By the way, this is the most expensive Thai film. Cost 16 million dollars.
One thing I don’t understand is why make films like RAID or MERANTAU? Just for the money?
The idea there is not particularly interesting. Film art even more so. Popularizing certain martial arts? Well it's possible in a way.
And I’ll even justify TRAFFIC 2. It’s obvious that they filmed it for money and in pursuit of 3D. They completely exhausted the already depressed Tony Jaa and his creative brain. In addition, they took it for 3 kopecks, at the most.
Well done!
I'll write when it's done.
On the Internet, and in the same VK, there is a detailed breakdown of special effects, especially for BLIND FANATICS. There wasn't a box there, but that doesn't change anything.
youtu.be/H0pAUXZw7Hw
The director was not afraid to talk about them even before the film was released.
"The toy guns in Raid look funnier, just like the hammers from the Part 2 trailer. And this is what people admire now???"
- It is the last sentence that makes you look at films with BI with horror. With new technologies and opportunities, the creators became lazy, thinking only about the money.
Raymond Chow and Leonard Ho also thought about money, but look what they contributed to cinema! Invaluable!!!
AS my good friend once said - When I saw the opening screensaver in the form of the letter G, I knew that now I was going to watch something cool! Oh how!!!
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This 60-year-old guy made a contribution to cinema that modern directors and actors never dreamed of. Look at yourself at 60 years old...can you even jump? The shovel they are trying to hit was made with the help of computer graphics... the eyesight is apparently already bad. The toy guns in Raid look funnier, just like the hammers from the Part 2 trailer. And this is what people admire now???
And I noted him in Tom Yum Gung 2. Charismatic guy! And it looks very convincing! You believe in him and he has a certain zest in his personality.
...unlike the same relay protection. I still remember him with laughter. Watch him somehow, how he moves. This is a comedy purer than Gaidai!
Yesterday my girlfriend and I watched PULL 2. It was her first time, but I watched it again. An indelible hmm...impression. The mood boost from the relay protection is guaranteed!
What do you think of Crump?
If we take openings, then Tony Jaa in general and Scott Adkins. And nothing more, really. Andy He doesn't really stand out. It seems to be there, but it’s not there.
“The original with Panna is somehow closer to me. I won’t believe in the brutality of Chupong until I see it with my own eyes.”
- Well, I certainly wouldn’t say that he’s brutal. But sometimes the emotionality that comes from it is convincing.
+ in this film there is again something that makes you say - Oh f...!!!!! This is not the case in MERANTAU.
In RAID there is, but there is no operator.
So Undisputed 2 even more)
There hasn't been a better film since Ong Bak 2.
So the 2nd Baku is already how many years old. And again he refers to Tony Jaa.
This will be done by the authors on the site, the editor-in-chief of which is one of the producers of Raid 2, so I wasn’t even going to translate their review. She will be biased by default.
The original with Panna is somehow closer to me. I won’t believe Chupong’s brutality until I see it with my own eyes.
What about Ong Bak 2?
For youngsters who haven't really seen anything, Bieber may be a genius. I agree. But this critic didn’t really see anything. Or he wanted to suck up one place known to everyone.
Is this about Jackie in the last movie...? Humor of course. I almost precipitated myself.
Yes, it’s better for him not to act at all. Good things, as they say, little by little. So I’ve already done it 3 lives ahead.
I'm currently re-watching some of the old BORN TO FIGHT. Dan Chupong is more convincing, I tell you, than Iko.
For some, Justin Bieber is a genius in music. This is the opinion of one critic with 10 years of experience, nothing more.
Does a 60-year-old well-publicized guy who can hardly jump onto a box that is 5 cm above his ass look convincing? And at the same time, the pipe and shovel with which they are trying to hit him were made using a computer. graphics...
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I completely agree with you!!!
For me personally, Tony Jaa has a place to be. He brought something interesting to the cinema that had never existed before. And he's convincing.
The rest is already classic.
Now I’m rewatching the fights in MERANTAU. Complete rubbish! Trossa... and Iko's unconvincingness are so great that they are no good! The camerawork, editing and dramaturgy of fights are generally below average. Is this the case?!!!
Nowadays there is nothing particularly admirable in modern action cinema.
The latest innovations include UNDISPUTEABLE 2 and mini films with Eric Jacobas.
Of course it looks great! I show it to everyone! what happened after the 2000s began to become boring) Jackie will remain forever in my heart, but this does not mean that there is no place for others!
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- and in my opinion the final fight with Dick still looks great! Not to mention the scenes in the above Sammo films. Personally, I don’t understand the word “boring” at all. Mastery, it either exists or it doesn’t. There is no other way. And I understand now Jackie, who always says - Oh, I want to be remembered in history as Buster Keaton. Yes...you need to try a lot to remember it that way. Although I don’t think anyone can dispute Jackie’s merits.
And if something awakens, as they say, children’s feelings, then it is only a brilliant source, but not its pitiful likeness. Because cinema is not only stupid fights.
oh Jadev! When I was little, I first watched Project A, how happy I was when I saw the final fight with Dick Wei, and then there were fights in The Last Dragon, Diner on Wheels, Dragons Forever, Rickshaw, My Lucky Stars, etc.. Then it all began to become boring, neither Ong Bak nor Undisputed interjected me, only in SPL, something stirred in my soul... And I am grateful to Evans that he was able to awaken those childhood feelings in his films. Merantau, who is in the Raid... I am grateful to him for these moments, and I hope that the second Raid will not let me down...
"Gareth Evans is the greatest living action director. This is not even discussed: everyone who watched Merantau with The Raid thought so, but watching The Raid 2 dotted all the i's. And The Raid 2" shows that Evans belongs among the greatest directors of our time. Let's end here. We shouldn't attribute everything to the genre - he really is an excellent director."
- What? What? What do I hear? Is a low-level director already considered a genius? Hm...yes...How the world is turning upside down!
“And how creatively he films fights!” Aha.... Straight Arthur Wong. Laughter.
"Evans has another great skill - his characters are compelling."
Who is convincing? A boy in the lead role?
RAID 3? RAID 4? RAID 24???!!!......
I'm shocked. In the deep. It’s not even worth continuing, but I’ll say one thing - the author of the review apparently has no idea at all about films with martial arts.
Although this review can be considered as a declaration of love to the director.
I recently saw this on ruTracker:
- Oh, I watched RAID - cool movie! What else do you recommend watching?
- Ong Bak.
- What...a cool movie?
I'm out! Full!
Please. It’s a pity that the author didn’t give a rating, but it’s clear from the text that it’s no lower than 7/10.
Thanks for the review.
How cool! I'm sure Evans won't let you down!!!
I'm literally counting down the minutes until the film comes out to us))))