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

Roger Ebert, a name that carries weight in the world of film criticism, was never shy about voicing his opinions—good or bad. Over the years, he’s handed out some pretty tough reviews, but his take on The Raid: Redemption left many scratching their heads. Released in 2012, this Indonesian action flick quickly became a cult favourite, celebrated for its relentless pace and jaw-dropping fight sequences. Yet, Ebert wasn’t impressed, giving it a single star and dismissing much of what fans loved about it.

In his review, Ebert didn’t hold back, writing,

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

He went on to say,

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

For Ebert, the film was all brawn and no heart, lacking the depth he looked for in a good story.

What Ebert Missed—and What He Got Right

It’s fair to say everyone’s entitled to their own view, and Ebert’s wasn’t entirely off the mark. The Raid: Redemption is, at its core, a non-stop action showcase. But to say it’s soulless? That’s where plenty of punters would disagree. The film opens with a SWAT team storming a rundown apartment block, and for a moment, there’s hope they might actually pull it off. But as the violence ramps up—especially after a child is shot—the sense of humanity slips away, replaced by a grim fight for survival. The death of Commander Jaka is a real gut punch, leaving the audience with little hope anyone will make it out alive.

Ebert also questioned the meaning behind the film’s title, saying there was no ‘redemption’ to be found. But if you look closer, it’s there in the journey of Rama, played by Iko Uwais. There’s a moment where Rama is visibly shaken after killing a man in brutal fashion, and by the end, he chooses to let his brother go, heading home to his family instead of seeking revenge. It’s subtle, but it’s there for those who want to see it.

The Film’s Cinematic Impact

One of Ebert’s main gripes was that the fight scenes felt staged to favour the hero. In a way, he’s right—that’s the point. The Raid: Redemption isn’t about realism; it’s about spectacle. What set it apart was the way it was shot. Director Gareth Evans ditched the shaky cam style that dominated action films in the 2000s, opting instead for wide, steady shots that let viewers see every punch and kick. The result was a fresh, dynamic look that made the action feel more immediate and intense.

For many, this approach was a breath of fresh air. The film’s cinematography became a benchmark, influencing a new wave of action films that favoured clarity over chaos. It’s no wonder The Raid: Redemption is still held up as a game-changer in the genre.

Setting the Stage for John Wick

Before The Raid came along, Hollywood action was all about quick cuts and frantic editing—think Taken and its many imitators. The Raid changed the game, showing that audiences were keen for something different. Evans used sweeping camera moves and wide angles, letting the action play out in real time. This style caught on, and soon enough, films like John Wick were following suit.

John Wick’s director, Chad Stahelski, took a similar approach, using steady cams and long takes to showcase the choreography. While The Raid introduced the world to Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art, John Wick blended in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Japanese Jujutsu. The connection runs deeper—Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman, both from The Raid, appeared as formidable opponents in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. In a nod to their influence, Keanu Reeves’ character spares them out of respect, recognising their impact on the genre.

So, which film comes out on top? That’s up to the audience. But there’s no denying The Raid: Redemption left a mark that’s still felt in action cinema today.