Headshot

Headshot, an Indonesian action thriller movie released in 2016, showcases the extraordinary martial arts skills of its lead actor, Iko Uwais. Known as a star in the action movie realm, Uwais is renowned for his electrifying fighting scenes in action movies like The Raid. In Headshot, Uwais plays the lead role in a thrilling plot that involves memory loss, violent crime, and a relentless quest for survival. The film is directed by Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto (also known as the Mo Brothers) known for their work on horror and thriller movies, adding a level of suspense that nicely complements the action sequences.

The movie kickstarts with a dramatic shooting scene at a correctional facility which sends reverberations straight to the core of the criminal underworld. Following the massacre, we're introduced to Uwais' character, a man found washed up on a beach, suffering from an extreme case of amnesia. The hospital names him Ishmael, after the biblical figure who was cast aside.

A devoted young doctor named Ailin (played by Chelsea Islan) becomes committed to helping Ishmael regain his memory, caring for him and trying piecing together his broken past. A unique bond gradually forms between the two characters, adding an emotional strand to the plot. Their peace is disrupted when Ishmael’s past comes back to haunt him. Textbook bad-guy character Lee (played by Sunny Pang), a ruthless crime boss enters the story and turns their lives into a game of survival.

However, there’s a significant twist to the film’s premise: Ishmael is no ordinary man. As he starts being targeted, his mysterious past starts to unravel. Ishmael, it appears, was part of a violent syndicate that trained its members to be murderous fighters. Under the pressure and conflict, Ishmael’s latent skills as a relentless, ruthless warrior come bubbling back to the surface.

One of the key features of Headshot is the intensity of its fight scenes. Uwais, who is also responsible for coordinating the fight scenes, draws from the Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat. His mastery and the creativity with which he designs the action sequences, combined with deftly applied movie magic, turns even the simplest of environments – like a police station or a bus – into a full-on battlefield. Combatants, using everything at their disposal, fight to the death in impressively choreographed, and often-up-close-and-personal fight scenes.

The film doesn’t sideline emotional depth, though. Amidst the ultra-violent face-offs and bone-crunching action, room is made for exploration of themes such as love, loyalty, and individual identity. We witness the metamorphosis of the central character, as he moves from a state of almost childlike innocence (as an amnesiac patient) to a fierce and ruthless fighter.

On top of everything, the cinematography of Headshot deserves a mention. There's an aesthetic to its violence, the directors often opting for an almost artistic representation of the fight scenes. The choice of the shooting angles, the well-timed slow-motion effects, and the deliberate romanticisation of violence all add up to create a visually appealing (albeit bloody) spectacle.

While it's true that Headshot is heavy on intense action, it remains grounded by adding a level of humanity to its characters. This isn't a film purely about a fighter; it's also about a man seeking to rediscover himself, find his place in the world and defend those he loves.

In conclusion, Headshot is a film that offers more than just raw action - it's also a story of love, survival and self-discovery. The movie's winning formula is undoubtedly its intense fight sequences that will make any action fan sit at the edge of their seat, combined with a story that brings depth to its main character. For fans of action, and in particular, fans of Iko Uwais, Headshot is an essential entry in the list of must-watch action films.