The fanmade trailer for The Raid 3: Retribution (2024) channels the raw energy and visceral action that made the first two films in the Raid series iconic. While this is a fan creation, the trailer effectively imagines a brutal continuation of the franchise, filled with high-octane combat, complex choreography, and a grim, intense atmosphere that has become synonymous with The Raid.
The trailer opens with a stark, gritty cityscape—immediately setting the tone of urban chaos and lawlessness. A voiceover in Indonesian sets the scene, explaining that after the fall of the previous crime lords, the city has become a battlefield for rival gangs vying for control. Quick shots of street battles and dark alleyway confrontations emphasize the rising tension, with civilians caught in the crossfire.
We then cut to Iko Uwais’ character, Rama, who has seemingly left his life of violence behind. He’s shown in a secluded rural setting, training alone, but his peace is shattered when he is pulled back into the conflict by former allies. The trailer hints at an even larger criminal organization pulling the strings from the shadows, much more dangerous than anything Rama has faced before. This time, the fight for survival is not just in the slums but spread across the entire city.
The fanmade trailer excels at recreating the intense, close-quarters combat that fans of The Raid expect. The rapid montage of fight scenes showcases Iko Uwais engaging in brutal hand-to-hand combat, using everything from fists and elbows to machetes and improvised weapons. The choreography is sharp, fluid, and unforgiving, with the familiar hyper-realistic style of Silat (Indonesian martial arts) at the forefront.
There are also glimpses of new villains—ruthless gang leaders and highly trained mercenaries—each more violent and unhinged than the last. The trailer teases epic one-on-one battles, including a sequence set in a cramped, dimly lit corridor, reminiscent of the famous fight scenes from the previous films. The tension builds as Rama faces off against multiple enemies, each encounter more intense and destructive than the last.
The action is fast-paced, with quick cuts between urban shootouts, knife fights, and explosive sequences. The fan trailer ramps up the chaos with shots of mass rioting, car chases, and large-scale shootouts, signaling that Retribution will raise the stakes beyond the narrow confines of a single building or neighborhood. This time, the battle for survival seems to engulf the entire city, with a sense of impending anarchy.
The music, dark and pulsating, enhances the intensity of the action, creating a sense of dread and urgency. The trailer closes with a final, climactic shot of Rama, bruised and bloodied, standing in the middle of a ruined street as rain pours down. He stares into the distance, seemingly preparing for one final battle against impossible odds.
While it’s fanmade, The Raid 3: Retribution trailer brilliantly captures the spirit of Gareth Evans’ vision—raw, intense, and relentless. Fans of the original films will appreciate the faithful recreation of the fight sequences and the continuation of Rama’s story, as well as the fan’s attention to detail in mimicking the gritty, high-stakes world that defined the series. Though not an official release, this fanmade effort delivers a thrilling taste of what could be, leaving fans eager for a true sequel.
