The Edge of the Frame

Wow. Not gonna lie, I haven’t had a trailer knock me flat and leave my jaw hanging as close to the ground as this one just did in quite some time. This is a red band trailer that truly lives up to that distinction. “The Raid” is an Indonesian film directed by Gareth Evans debuting at the Toronto Film Festival this week. While the film is probably not poised to take home many prizes, it will definitely create a bit of stir.

The plot is sweet and simple. A team of twenty SWAT officers engage in a raid on a building ran by a drug overlord and infested with criminals of every kind. The operation was meant to go smoothly, but the building’s tenants are alerted to the cops’ presence and the officers must choose to risk their lives to complete the mission or attempt escape and survive.

Many insiders are claiming the film is one of the most cut-and-dry action films since John Woo’s “Hard-Boiled”, while echoing the newer styles of movies like “Old Boy.” To me, it looks like a whole lot of unadulterated, shamelessly violent fun. Can’t wait for a US release.

Warning: This movie and its trailer have got some brutality in them.