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The Raid

Name: The Raid
Director: Gareth Evans
Released: 2012
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

2012

Director

Gareth Evans

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Raid is a highly specialized genre film centered on hyper-masculine survivalism. It succeeds by drawing on Indonesian culture, including Pencak Silat martial arts and a localized setting. However, the film's approach to identity is quite traditional. It lacks diverse representation, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and those with disabilities. Gender roles remain conventional, with women playing minimal roles. Despite this, the film offers a unique cultural perspective.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Raid have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-traditional gender identities.

How does The Raid portray gender?

Minimal

The story revolves around a male-dominated SWAT team and criminal network. Women play minor roles and have limited influence over the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Raid?

Excellent

The film features an almost entirely Indonesian cast, highlighting the cultural heritage of Pencak Silat to challenge Western action clichés.

How does The Raid represent religion and culture?

Fair

The setting depicts a Jakarta slum with stark economic disparities. The narrative emphasizes a black-and-white morality rather than addressing broader societal issues.

Does The Raid include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of characters with disabilities, either visible or invisible. Physical abilities are portrayed through the lens of peak athletic performance and combat skills.

Present on Screen

Provides a culturally authentic, non-Western cinematic experience through an Indonesian cast.
Highlights specific cultural heritage with the use of Pencak Silat martial arts.
Establishes a strong sense of place by focusing the narrative in a localized Jakarta slum.

Limited or Absent

Does not feature any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or characters.
Includes very few meaningful roles for women.
Lacks any representation of disability among the main characters.

Official Synopsis

Deep in the heart of Jakarta's slums lies an impenetrable safe house for the world's most dangerous killers and gangsters. Until now, the run-down apartment block has been considered untouchable to even the bravest of police. Cloaked under the cover of pre-dawn darkness and silence, an elite swat team is tasked with raiding the safe house in order to take down the notorious drug lord that runs it. But when a chance encounter with a spotter blows their cover and news of their assault reaches the drug lord, the building's lights are cut and all the exits blocked. Stranded on the sixth floor with no way out, the unit must fight their way through the city's worst to survive their mission. Starring Indonesian martial arts sensation Iko Uwais.

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