Baskın (2015) Ending Explained
tl;dr: The ending of Baskın (also known as The Raid or The Raid: Redemption in some regions) is a brutal, climactic showdown between the protagonist Rama (Iko Uwais) and the crime lord Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy), culminating in Rama's survival and escape from the high-rise apartment building that served as the film's primary battleground. The final act reinforces the film's themes of survival, moral ambiguity, and the cost of violence, leaving some questions unanswered about the broader criminal underworld and Rama's future. The movie's conclusion is both satisfying and open-ended, setting the stage for its sequel, The Raid 2.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Baskın is a relentless, high-stakes finale that sees Rama, a rookie SWAT team member, fighting his way through waves of criminals to escape the apartment complex controlled by Tama Riyadi. After surviving countless brutal encounters-including a memorable fight with Mad Dog (Yayan Ruhian), Tama's enforcer - Rama finally confronts Tama himself. In a tense standoff, Tama attempts to manipulate Rama by revealing that his brother, Andi (Donny Alamsyah), is actually a high-ranking member of Tama's organization. This revelation adds emotional weight to the climax, as Rama must reconcile his brother's betrayal with his own moral code. The final confrontation ends with Rama killing Tama and escaping the building with Andi, though their relationship is irreparably damaged.
Themes and Symbolism
The ending underscores the film's central themes of survival and moral compromise. Rama enters the mission as an idealistic cop but is forced to abandon his principles to stay alive. The apartment building serves as a metaphorical hell, with each floor representing a deeper descent into violence and moral decay. Rama's survival comes at a cost-his trust in his brother is shattered, and he is left physically and emotionally scarred. The film doesn't offer a clean resolution; instead, it leaves Rama in a morally ambiguous space, hinting that his journey is far from over. This ambiguity is intentional, setting up the sequel's exploration of corruption and vengeance.
Unresolved Questions
- What happens to Andi after the events of the film?
- He likely continues his life in the criminal underworld, as seen in The Raid 2.
- Rama may attempt to reconcile with him, but their relationship remains fractured.
- Does Rama face consequences for the mission's failure?
- Given the high death toll, it's possible he's reprimanded or goes rogue.
- The sequel suggests he becomes embroiled in deeper corruption.
- What was the true purpose of the raid?
- Was it a legitimate operation, or was the team set up to fail?
- The film hints at political machinations behind the mission.
Personal Opinion
Baskın is a masterclass in action filmmaking, and its ending is both visceral and thought-provoking. The final fight scenes are choreographed with breathtaking precision, and the emotional stakes elevate the violence beyond mere spectacle. However, the abrupt ending may leave some viewers wanting more closure, particularly regarding Rama's psychological state. The film's strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, forcing the audience to sit with the brutality and moral complexity of Rama's journey. While the sequel expands on these themes, Baskın stands alone as a near-perfect action thriller with a finale that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Legacy and Impact
The ending of Baskın not only sets up its sequel but also cements the film's place in action cinema history. Its influence can be seen in countless martial arts and crime films that followed, thanks to its unrelenting pace and innovative fight sequences. The film's refusal to shy away from brutal consequences makes its ending particularly impactful - Rama doesn't emerge as a clear-cut hero but as a survivor shaped by trauma. This realism, combined with the film's technical brilliance, ensures that Baskın remains a benchmark for the genre, with an ending that's as emotionally resonant as it is physically exhilarating.