When first news broke out that Matthew Vaughn will not direct the X-Men days of the future past, well it was a sad day. I mean after doing great at First class, then it's expected he'll save X-Men for good.
Unfortunately, it was not. He chose this film than doing X-Men.
After watching this film, I know why now. I hope Bond was this bloody, I mean literally bloody great! What's more interesting is what I found out later.
It's a great action film, great thing to start this year with this one and of course, looking forward for more of this stuff. I mean, this film should be, definitely has a sequel.
Although it has some mishaps. Only 2 things disturb me. Weird first scene, I did not quite get, how the dude died. I mean, it's explodes but it's still there and all of them lives. It was weird and sort of did not get it. I'll watch it again when the home release comes.
Another one, well, sorry to spoil but indeed, Colin Firth's character shouldn't be dead. I know it maybe part of the story but he started it all and he is Kingsman. Indeed.
That's all! The rest is damn great! I'll give credit to Matthew Vaughn that always deliver the good in his action packed films. This one is no exception and some others say it's his best film. For me, I can say yeah! He kinda trampled all other spy films in the action sense. He showed great action scenes, and really deadly villian and, great cast as well. Despite the film was long, I really did not feel a second that is boring or a scene dragging. That's how great it is. Especially that church scene, I mean at first I did not understand because its a surprise but I don't care! It's a blast!!! That is damn action scene!
Great cast! At last Mark Strong is a protagonist, I mean more than half of his films are always at the villain side. Great scary mentor and support for the film. Michael Caine is always Michael Caine. Samuel Jackson is just the right type of crazy main villain. Roxy, I forgot that actress name playing her is interesting. Taron Egerton is a promising star, and this dude will get a lot of roles in the future. Of course, the ultimate Kingsman: Colin Firth. Wow, total transformation by him, I mean you always watch him in drama films, but this one, well mannered killing spy machine. Geez, I hope he'll do a lot this kind of action films. Sofia Boutella is the name of the actress of the blade runner. Geez, can you believe an ichi the killer as a woman? That sold me! Especially the first kill of hers. That was insane!
Anyway, the most suprising part is the writing. I mean, when I searched this comic at the net, they changed a lot of characters and even the spy organization. Give credit to Matthew and Jane for that making it work. I don't know how they will make it work in the future films but with that skill, they'll make it work.
What a way to start this year with a great action packed film. Great thing they pushed this from October to February because I don't want to watch a film about a man who has a fetish in S&M.
I mean japanese and european films already done that. Unless if the director of that film is well, I know who can do it in a more good way.
Forget it, I did not like that, but for this one...
I like that line, Manners maketh Man.
Who will win by the way, Ichi or Gazelle? hehe
Well, I used to be curious in most films.. Way back high school, when we have still cable TV, I just surf the movie channels and some international channels and you can't help going over some indian channels. There are 2 most number international channels in Cable because these 2 nationalites has the most populous, namely chinese and indian. Well, I can stand watching chinese films, especially their 80's-90's cinema, but indian, I just wonder how can I stay long watching a film full of belly dancing, eering singing and a lot of those at the end. Can't blame their culture and the people of it. I'm not against indians, I mean it's just I don't really get it. Most of their films or worse, TV shows are just that. Tried and tested for a long time.. Besides, their bollywood industry alone, has a market value of millions of dollars despite at that look. Geez, well, give credit to those almost 1 billion followers. Not only in india but the neighbor countries as well.
That changed in this one film, I mean I read almost all the film sites or blogs, raving or kinda like this film. Indeed, not the usual indian flick. Although there are still the songs and dancing but not the actors themselves.. It's not perfect but it's great film. Great action packed bloody film.
There are some flaws that I said. One is kinda weird, it's damn long. US release of this flick is staggering 3 hours long. Well, sad to say, that's short. The real release, is damn almost 5 hours long! Split into two parts. The cinephiles won't mind that long running time. But for average or even casual movie goer, I don't think they won't stand that time frame. I'm not sure with the US release if they do release as one film, I don't know how the editing will go. But for me, watch it, the long cut. I'll explain below..
Another flaw, the production set is not really changing. Well, I do understand that this film shot in a fast pace that they had to shoot in secret.. I hope they kinda at least change the scenery or look the background in the old times. Due to the story's scope, places change or even you can say it's a damned place, at least there should be a decent set in a certain time. That really shows in the first part of the film, all the shots it's like in the dessert. I hope it's better than that. Or don't tell me, that's the truth? That's sad.
Enough of the flaws.. First strength is despite it's really 5 hours long and kinda robbed my weekend rest.. Well, it did not bore me. The pace really made the viewer going like one scene is killing then next one is talking then another long scene of violence then stops, normal scene.. The up and down pace helped the film engaged to the viewer. If the film first hour is more of talking, then I'll just sleep perhaps. But that's not the case, great job of the narration which really helps to understand the flow of the story. Without it, it will be damn hard to follow. Give credit to the staff and the director of course.
The strength of it's cast also help in the film. Great surprise that they casted mostly not famous actors, and they shot it in a frentic pace which you can see as you watching the film. That's not easy to do, especially with the violent nature of the film. I love the main cast, a couple of beautiful lads, and my favorite character in the film, Definite. Weird name, but in the end, he's the only one you'll definitely remember. I'm thinking of Faizal as my fave but he's kinda unlucky. Ramandhir, indeed acts as a main villain. Lucky one is J.P. Most unlucky, the two fathers, Sadhar and Shadhir if I'm not mistaken. Poor dads. But the whole cast done their parts, from the uncles, to the henchmen and even the kids.
Another strength, the simple but long story of revenge. This is the reason why they done it long. I mean they could go for the Godfather route of splitting the films into 3, but they done at this rate, well it's a gamble. If this film not a hit and they only shown part one, which it has like one of the harrowing endings shown in film, viewers will be dissappointed if no part two due to poor sales. That's what I thought why they went to 2 flicks, show it at the same year or I don't know how they done it. Then part 2, it's not a let down and great thing, they finished it great. The climax is indeed there and pace went fast. It's like watching Godfather in a most minimal budget you can think of, and with a simple story. Two families out killing each other.
With this film, I have an idea how India not only looks like in some of the simple cities but gangs work. Geez, they are more scary than ours perhaps. Scary shit.. Those are the kind of families you don't want to mess with.
Lastly, the selling point of the film, violent action scenes. First one was kinda action packed although some of it funny but damn, profanity, cursing and guns in one scene, that's it! Then, despite not really using modern guns, mostly second hand guns, scenes were realistic, with stabbing, beheading, and shooting spree. Geez, it's kinda scary to go there. Alone.. I was smiling at the election scene, they do that in broad daylight? Wow, I don't want to vote if that's the case.. It's hell! Both endings of the two films are kinda harrowing, but the first one, I felt I cheered for Sadhir to get revenge, I even thought he'll live. But that's not the case. The second one, indeed it's crazy as hell and abrupts to close. Great timing.
Ah yes, expect those songs again but it's their OST anyway but you'll be shocked at some songs with profane lyrics. I don't if that's the right sub but if that it is, then the tagline of this film is correct..
Not your usual indian cinema. Oh, I wonder if it shown here, will the indians watch this?
Noong nakita ko trailer nito sa asianwiki, or kahit yun pictures nila, di ako makapaniwala na gagawin nila talaga to! hehe From Gatchaman, black butler and Hentai Kamen, Kenshin, eto na, Lupin! hehe
Una ko hinanap, not Lupin, or Jigen or Goemon, lalo naman si Zenigata. hahaha But Fujiko, at nalungkot ako. Di hot or kaboom eh. hahaha Will that change after I watch the flick. Let's find out..
Story is simple, eh etong si Lupin at iba pa, members pala sila ng the works, headed by a billionaire Brit na parang Robin Hood ang creed whatever, ends up dead noong naraid sila ng group ni Michael, si Jerry Yan ng F4. Tapos, ayun na, Lupin at Jigen, at well Fujiko, hinahanap nila si Michael para makaganti. Then, sinusundan pa sila ni ICPO inspector Zenigata. At habang naghahabulan sila at hinahanap yun kwintas ni Cleopatra, they discovered from the very start, kung sino talaga may pakana ng lahat na ito. At ako eh nagulat bakit ganun? hahaha
After more than 2 hours, I must say, it almost epic failed. Almost. Geez, parang Dragon Ball Z movie but nah, di naman ganun level. hehe What did Ryuhei Kitamura do good sa film? By the way, siya director ng Versus, hmmm Azumi not sure, ah Midnight train and recently, No One Lives. Ah, first of all the looks of the actors, mahirap siyempre kumuha na sobrang payat yet mabilis na Lupin, Shun Oguri, pwede na. hehe Si Asano as Zenigata is having a crazy time playing a matabang Zenigata. In the anime, payat rin siya mukhang malaki coz of the coat but here malaki naman si Asano, pero masaya siya at makulit as Zenigata. Pero pinakakuha si Jigen, at Goemon. Inside and Out, perfect sila sa casting hanggang dialogue. hehe Eto, Meisa Kuroki sa Fujiko, hmmm her face may angle na oo nga Fujiko, pero the whole movie, I call her conservative Fujiko. You know what I mean if you do watch yun anime, voluptous, vixen, dangerous, deceptive and loves guns. Wala siya yun first 2. hehe Sorry but ok lang siya. But still not satisfied. Hindi dahil mahirap maghanap ng ganun babae na Japanese. Well, sad to say, there is and the casting crew should have gone look further, marami at madali lang. hehe If the first 3 pwede madala sa acting and some costume, Fujiko should be eye candy, head turner at later yun acting. hehe
Ang isa pang nagustuhan ko, action scenes, not top notch pero enjoyable. Lalo na yun car chases and yun last part na kahit weird and almost like b movie, pero masaya. Ryuhei is indeed an action director. Oh I love the 2 women fighting. hehe How about Jigen vs. Goemon. Fun!
The sad parts almost made this film failed. Kaya pala ang una sabi ni direk when he got interviewed, he hope fans of the material will appreciate the film, pag may ganun senyales pala, medyo magingat na. hahaha
First, dialogue! I mean almost poor written, and mixed language?! Kaya pala sila nacast because they can speak some clear english. Weird but lalo na yun una, grabe nahilo ako kung ito ba talaga, japanese flick, english flick, chinese or international flick. I don't know.
Second, plot changed well lalo na yun una na may origin agad si Lupin which I think sa series rarely discussed or ang alam ko, magnanakaw agad ito si Lupin. Well, that changed sa film at may group siya. What? hehe I hope they just really followed sa anime na sila na apat, stealing and looting then sumabit type of story. Oh don't forget, yun mga twist and turns that well, not fun. A waste of time, especially yun main villain after what all he did, he is kinda lucky at the end. Erghh..
Third, unneccessary characters. Despite Jerry Yan eh scary siya dito at nagulat ako sa role niya, he is damn unneccessary. hahaha Nagpagulo from the original source. How about yun general friend ni Zenigata and that annoying hacker, and even the main villain. There are many di naman kailangan na character. I preferred Jerry Yan to be the main villain kasi sa una nakakatakot siya pero pagtagal, parang change of heart? Eh?
Lastly, well.. When you watch Lupin, any one episode, or anime movie, you get slapstick comedy, mystery, and action. All balanced, may sobrang kakatawa, tapos mapapaisip ka din, tapos may parts na serious at siyempre action din. This film, very very few comedic shots, mystery is not that challenging or well, twist din. Action is a lot, sa simula hanggang wakas ata, grabe, pero not top notch. So, yun ang nagkaproblem sa film. Lupin should be at least half fun/comedy/action piece, not more action, less fun and more serious. Geez.. Talagang kaunti pa nakakatawa at natawa pa ko sa unexpected character, Goemon?! hehe
Actually Lupin is more filmable and should be enjoyable unlike the other adaptations pero ito it's just did not work. I hope the next one, well iba gumawa at please spend more time watching Lupin the anime to really get what I mean or most of the fans, that's it's a fun film. Please kahit yun OST makuha man lang or how about make it hmmm 70's setting. Basta ayusin na lang next time. Not too comedic or action packed film, outrageous is a better word. hehe
And yes, please change the actress of Fujiko. She's a good actress though pero eye candy? Nah. Try for example, Asana Mamouru, wow. hahaha All you need to do is train her to act. Possible. At least yun eye candy effect, sure na. hahaha
Lupin stole from me 200 ha!
Lupan!!! hehe
As a rookie cop, doing everything to not only finish the mission but also to survive was already a harsh ordeal. What more if you discovered that all your efforts will go to waste and there is a bigger problem to deal with it. It's sad but that's how the story goes in this epic sequel of one of a hell action movie!!!
At first, the story is simple but as go into the end, it became complex and you'll ask, how this story will end?
Let's put it this way, hmmmmm I watched it twice and although it has some flaws or goofs but that's very forgivable. I have only one minor problem in the future, the director said Raid 3 will start and end 3 hours before this movie ends. I don't know how he will do it but simply this is the end. Of course, you want to see Rama going back to his family alive and all the goons are freaking dead but if the ending suggests cut scene, that's fine.
However, like I said it has many minor flaws and some weird factors in the film but that's forgivable due to the major assets of the film that cover the shortcomings.
Here in my country, the title is simply The Raid 2. If you are going to ask me, if you need to watch Raid Redemption or Raid 1, after watching this one, I don't think you need to watch the first one. Reason why? Well, first of the scenes of the film already discredit the first film. But of course, you need to watch the great first film, it's not bad but on how they made this film, I thought well, I don't think I need to watch it again.
Fantastic things for this flick that made it as a classic.. First thing camera used and photography are top notch. I mean, I don't know how they get close to such fight scenes, one great example. The toilet fight scene is kinda sick, how on earth they get such close shots of that fight. Another example is the taxi scene, which is short yet heart stopping, I don't know how they got the top shot of it. Those examples are only the small ones, better yet check the bigger scenes. Great use of the camera and yes, Red Camera used it perfectly.
Another great thing, the sound effects used in the film. I watched many martial arts or action films now and then, but I can't imagine how they got the perfect sound for every blow, bone crushes, the gore, guns blazing, the cars, the weapons used or even the musical score used. The sound is such perfectly done and it helped really give me thrills and shrieks, one great example.. The car chase scene! Until the last second of that scene, it's crazy and great. The fight chreography helped or the car racing but the sound really made it great.
One aspect also helped this film great is the actors. I mean most of the action films, few can really act and most of the actors fight. This one, has a great balance of ones who can act like the character Uco and Bangun and yeah the japanese actors. Mix it with great real martial artists but trained to act or the other way around. Iko Uwais I think already surpassed Tony Jaa and might be better if he start doing other kind of films. Then even the bosses, the old cop, Bejo is the rising crime lord which looks fashionable, Prakoso an unusual turn of having fighting and acting as the good henchman. Eka is also a surprise especially at the end. Actually all those characters you see in the poster done great job of acting for their roles. Don't forget which I'm surprised that they are siblings in the story, bat boy and hammer girl!
Second great part of the film, one of the sickiest, craziest, real fight scenes. I mean, it's usual for a martial arts film that some scenes where kinda planned or worse they put CGI already and sometimes they put it wrong. Here, I know it has choreo but I don't know how many times they practiced it but looks real to me. They said that to make real, they reduced speed and strength to really show the blows or pain in the film. Except of course for the knives, bat and the hammer. But seriously, from the first fight scene until the end, wow, kinda addictive. With the sound effects and other factors plus with great fight choreo, they show it in an awesome way. I think Silat martial arts are deadly than ours or it's the same level with other martial arts, but great thing arnis was used here. I'll put Silat maybe on top of Muay thai because of the punching and elbow techniques used, in close range, deadly sh*t. The second half of the film, simply martial arts epic madness. Kitchen is a great place to fight. Kidding. Oh I almost forgot, despite less gun use in the film, it's still great. I mean usual action flicks uses high grade guns, here they use simple ones, baretta and shot gun but it was used in a most practical and scary way. That car chase scene says it all.
Lastly, give credit to the screenplay and director which is one dude. Gareth Evans not the Godzilla guy, really made this film a classic. I mean, despite some flaws such as the snow scene, or the last factory scene which I'm surprised the dudes doesn't have guns. Or maybe the taxi chase which they can just use a gun to kill Rama but they did not use it for martial arts purposes. I don't know the reason but the director was able to create adrenaline to really forget those mistakes and just watch the film. I did not feel bore despite it has drama scenes and it's two and a half hours long! Wow.. Few films can do such feeling of forgetting the passage of time. He's damn great and I only hope two things like other upcoming directors should do. Do other genre or flicks with such style and another thing for this dude. If bourne is like this, that will be great! This director should do Bourne or James Bond or other action franchises. He can do it anyway in a small budget. It looks big budgeted film, but well it's small budget. Especially the first film which he admitted the reason he done the first film other than this one, due to budget constraints. Wow..
I wonder, when you look the scenary of the film, I thought it's in the Philippines, well with the same taxi cars or even eatery and the looks of the actors, we have more good looking actors or better acting but unfortunately, we don't have really martial artist actor that can somewhat do the same. Or even match what the Thais are doing. Geez, we are so behind.
But well, can't wait for the home release and I really love that fighting pose in the kitchen scene. Some what iconic.
I watched it despite poor dubbing, delayed release by 2 weeks and more cuts than the director did already. It means the true cut is epic!
Simply this film made some of the classic martial arts and action flicks became basic or forgotten, crappy, whatever.. Or even most recent flicks.
Oh don't forget Rama is kinda lucky and strong. Iconic character. Will do everything for his family. One undercover cop against everyone, The Raid indeed..
By the way, just got the real copy, can't believe from start to finish, it has a lot of cuts!!!! Dubbing is correct, sync with subs and with the cuts.. Instant classic!!! It's like Mad Max 2, you'll forget there was a first one!
As record speaks, a lot of comics/manga/anime/game adaptations failed to really convert to movies. I just realized that there were many failures than success in this field. However, these past years, some film makers doing their best to avoid such downfall or ruin the creditability of the source material. Recently, like Dredd 3D or Ace Attorney made good strides, not that very much faithful for each detail but at least, the context of the movie is there.
Another kind of momentum added because of this movie! Well, before the movie was shown I had glimpse of Rise of the Guardians, thanks to that reeler. =) Just around 5 mins, Rise looked good but the reeler realized it was the wrong movie, and me inside did not mind it but well, it's wrong anyway. At last.. The right film reeled in.
For this film, of course, it has some flaws. As they really adapt the source, which I hate in the original one, a lot of talking and dialogue. Himura as nature talk first then fight, unlike his past. Then yes, a lot of talking from other characters and yeah it drags some time.
Another thing, it's not really a flaw but it shows glimpses of Himura's past in a most short way that leave fans wanting for more. That's what I expect especially that scene where he killed the one who gave him the first scar. I was wanting to see Tomoe's face but alas.. Nice white kimono. Ergh.
But anyhow, this film almost got into the list of great samurai films. The only thing hindered was evident, less blood and not much gore, it's because of the nature of the material and yes, the reversed sword. Expect a lot of ouch than splat of blood. Nice action sequences especially to that actor who really ran and jump like Himura, and yes, the sword as well.
Sword fighting sequences are good. Especially the sequences which Himura fights one dude, then Samanoske (if I got the spelling right) fights another dude. Although not great but it has execution and flowing sequence. I love the scene which the boss launches his machine gun, in great detail the scene work with the help of Saito. The 3G blood effect shows not in 3G so give credit to the effects team.
The direction is good, for having the pace same as the manga/anime. Choosing the right actors and I know the reason why. Director give effort to emphasize the mood of the present Himura and the past one, as one scene is dark, then the present is light, with the right effects and direction for those scenes, it helped. The screenplay is great as development of the story goes especially how the past mattered in the story. Especially in Himura's part.
Damn, give credit to the actors, not only looking almost the same in the original source but also they did the part in a great way. Give credit to the lead actor of course, for acting with justice as Himura. Then the actress acted as Kaoru (I thought her name is Kaori. hehe), Yahiko the kid who is indeed a stubborn kid. Sanosuke, a really tall dude yet a ripped one, unlike the thin dude in the original one. Saito is Saito in this film even in small parts like his hair and sword style. I know for die hard fans, might looking for other characters you like, for me, the Master of Himura but we all pray, this will have a sequel or what I love, the prequel which I know it will be very very bloody and lovely, romantic.
Lastly, I give credit to the costume/production setting people who I think made this film more real and make the adaptation work. Like my friend Ted, every detail is captured, like one example, the look of Megumi is indeed Megumi, Saito is Saito with his few bangs. How about Himura's scar and that maroon kimono. Or bright pink in the Anime, I don't know but it looks great. Kaoru, the villains and the other characters really show who they are as supposed in the original material. The right slow action sequences and yes, the Hiten Mitsurugi Style. =)
I can't believe Warner brothers Japan invest a lot in 2 of the most beloved mangas ever created, this one and my fave Berserk. Although I'm still waiting to watch Berserk's part 2 and part 3 (I hope they will make a lot of it). This one is worth of their investment, and I won't be surprised if they will make more of this as long they take their time doing this and distribute it in the right way. Give credit to SM for exclusively showing this, see, after I watched this film, a lot is lining up outside. I don't care for the Hobbit. I did care for this one.
It's because it's a childhood fantasy anime throughout the years. =)
I hope that they'll do better in the next one or yeah they take time of this. I hope Japan will be the ones will make their own adaptation than relying to the US which they do bad. Unless it's a western material, but if it's manga or anime, please don't give it to them. hehe I'm now bracing myself to Akira, Oldboy and Ronin 47. Will it be a mess or hit? Except for Pacific Rim perhaps. If that looks good, then Del Toro should make Gundam, Madox, or even may fave Macross. hehe
For now, if they can make it for themselves like Ace Attorney, Yamato or this one, then why not others or maybe it's really unfilmable. DBZ is one I think we put in anime instead, no more attempts. Please.
