It's my first time leaving a review, and this is coming from casual audience.
I came here watching expecting nothing, and it doesn't really disappoint nor it impresses me. It is known that Iko Uwais got a reputation from The Raid franchise, especially for its superb fighting style and impactful fighting scenes.
The good thing is, it exists in here: the suspense, the impact and the choreography. The gore feels impactful, and will definitely make you move. This movie is especially action oriented, and will at the very least incite certain adrenaline and excitement through the body.
The story exists, and it doesn't really leave a major plot hole. The theme explores brotherhood, betrayal and loyalty. There's an emotional undercurrent that adds layer to the structure of the movie.
Yet it doesn't really went further than that. The characters exists, historical too-but it's lacking depth and layers that makes them alive. It's as if they existed simply to add suspense and basic human emotions. Nothing wrong with that, really, but it doesn't really make me feel *anything* about the movie beyond the layer of suspense and action.
So what to expect is good action-oriented movie, The Raid-like choreography and gore, as well as basic themes and emotional exploration. But don't expect anything more than that.
Worth watching if you want to see fighting scenes. Less so if you're seeking superb emotional depth and top-tier writing.
It just works.
