The Raid Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Set in Jakarta, The Raid (original Indonesian title: Serbuan Maut) takes place almost entirely inside one crumbling high-rise. A crime boss controls the tower block, and it has long served as a haven for criminals, a place even seasoned police have avoided. Before sunrise, a SWAT unit slips inside with a single objective: climb to the top and take down the man in charge.
The plan relies on surprise, and that advantage disappears quickly. The team is spotted, the alarm spreads upward, and the building turns against them. With the lights cut and the exits sealed, the officers are stranded partway up the tower, surrounded by armed residents loyal to the boss. Iko Uwais leads the cast as Rama, one of the officers caught inside the operation.
The tagline sums up the setup: “1 Ruthless Crime Lord, 20 Elite Cops, 30 Floors of Hell.” The result is a tightly contained survival story driven by close-quarters martial arts combat, where every corridor and stairwell becomes a fresh obstacle.

What Makes The Raid Notable: Cast, Director and Context
- Director and writer: Gareth Evans wrote and directed the film.
- Cast: Iko Uwais (Rama), Joe Taslim (Jaka), Donny Alamsyah (Andi), Yayan Ruhian (Mad Dog), Pierre Gruno (Wahyu), Ray Sahetapy (Tama), Tegar Satrya (Bowo), Iang Darmawan (Gofar), Eka ‘Piranha’ Rahmadia (Dagu) and Verdi Solaiman (Budi).
- Genre: Action, thriller and crime, built around martial arts fight sequences in a single tower-block location.
- Origin: An Indonesian-language film produced across Indonesia, France and the United States, with Celluloid Dreams, PT. Merantau Films, XYZ Films and Stage 6 Films among the companies involved.
- Festival path: In the US, the film screened at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2012 and at New Directors/New Films in March 2012 before its theatrical release.
- Runtime: 101 minutes. Rated R in the US.
The Drama4U Score shown on this page gives a quick read on audience reception. If you’re looking for a review-style overview, the main draw is a stripped-down premise paired with sustained, choreographed action.
Is The Raid Worth Watching? Who Will Enjoy It
- Martial arts fans who want hand-to-hand combat front and centre
- Viewers who enjoy siege or single-location thrillers with a clear goal
- Crime-film audiences interested in Indonesian cinema
- Anyone who prefers lean action films that get moving fast
- Adult viewers comfortable with intense, violent content (rated R)
The Raid Release Date and Where to Watch (US)
US release history:
- January 20, 2012: Sundance Film Festival screening
- March 22, 2012: New Directors/New Films Festival screening (also the film’s world release date)
- March 23, 2012: limited theatrical release (rated R)
- April 13, 2012: wide theatrical release (rated R)
- August 14, 2012: DVD release
Where to watch in the US (per JustWatch data as of October 24, 2026):
- Streaming: Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Availability can change, so check your chosen service before watching. A trailer is available.
Trailer
Cast
Iko Uwaisas RamaSee credits →
Joe Taslimas JakaSee credits →
Donny Alamsyahas AndiSee credits →
Yayan Ruhianas Mad Dog
Pierre Grunoas Wahyu
Ray Sahetapyas Tama
Tegar Satryaas Bowo
Iang Darmawanas Gofar
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When was The Raid released in the US?
- The Raid screened at Sundance on January 20, 2012. It opened in limited US theatres on March 23, 2012 and went wide on April 13, 2012. A DVD release followed on August 14, 2012.
- Where can I watch The Raid in the US?
- As of October 24, 2026, JustWatch data lists it for streaming on the Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel. It can be rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home and Plex. It is also available to buy on most of those stores.
- Who is in the cast of The Raid?
- Iko Uwais stars as Rama, alongside Joe Taslim (Jaka), Donny Alamsyah (Andi), Yayan Ruhian (Mad Dog), Pierre Gruno (Wahyu) and Ray Sahetapy (Tama). Gareth Evans wrote and directed the film.
- How long is The Raid and what is it rated?
- The Raid runs 101 minutes. Its US theatrical release was rated R.
- What language is The Raid in?
- The film is in Indonesian. Its original title is Serbuan Maut.

Viewer comments
Loading comments…
No comments yet. Be the first!