Writer: Gareth Evans

‘Merantau’ is a good-looking film, but in every other department it is just a touch too average to stand out from the crowd.

An action/fight fan’s dream come true, ‘The Raid’ contains all the brilliantly choreographed fights scenes you could want but is also a damn riveting thriller.

While sometimes over indulgent and not quite as good as the first instalment, ‘The Raid 2’ is still an incredible achievement, a staggering action film and, well, just plain essential cinema.