Editor-writer-director Gareth Evans and cinematographer Matt Flannery began their fantastic, long-running collaboration with 'Merantau' - a fresh taste of Indonesian action heaven that allows Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian to show us what they're capable of before more deadly clashes years later.
"Pencak Silat" is the most gratifying fighting style to ever grace the screen; it's vicious, dynamic, and slick. Single take beatdowns, environmental weaponisation, and glorious multi-stage boss fights would soon become the norm for a Gareth Evans action epic, yet it's ridiculous to realise he pretty much perfected his craft here in a myriad of exciting set-pieces that pull no punches.
There's a simple and engaging story that touches on themes Evans would later explore deeper in future projects, but, ultimately, this is an exercise in creative hand-to-hand violence that teases audiences for what its director and star performer would thrillingly unleash next on the world.
8/10.
"Pencak Silat" is the most gratifying fighting style to ever grace the screen; it's vicious, dynamic, and slick. Single take beatdowns, environmental weaponisation, and glorious multi-stage boss fights would soon become the norm for a Gareth Evans action epic, yet it's ridiculous to realise he pretty much perfected his craft here in a myriad of exciting set-pieces that pull no punches.
There's a simple and engaging story that touches on themes Evans would later explore deeper in future projects, but, ultimately, this is an exercise in creative hand-to-hand violence that teases audiences for what its director and star performer would thrillingly unleash next on the world.
8/10.