While most martial arts films allow for breaks in between the action sequences, Iko Uwais’ HeadsH๏τ goes in a completely different direction. Uwais has become known for his sensational action sequences, utilizing the teachings of Pencak Silat to elevate his performances. In recent years, Uwais has had roles in films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Expendables 4, most notably playing a villain in the latter. However, his role in HeadsH๏τ allows him to showcase his full abilities, making it one of Iko Uwais’ best movies to date.

The movie follows a man struck with amnesia who is being nursed back to health. As he gets better, pieces of his past come back to him, sucking him into the criminal conflicts of the underworld. The movie was a hit with critics, garnering a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes. It failed to strike the same chord with audiences, receiving a 58% rating from fans. Despite the negative reception, HeadsH๏τ deserves another look due to its impeccable action sequences and darker narrative.

HeadsH๏τ Is A Perfect Example Of A Martial Arts Movie With Action From Start To Finish

The Characters Barely Get A Chance To Breathe

Within the first three minutes, a man is stabbed in the neck, kicking off the movie with a bang. As the story unfolds, the action rarely takes a break, showcasing the brutality Uwais’ Ishmael can unleash. By keeping their foot on the gas, HeadsH๏τ is able to show a lot of violence and increase the action sequences. In one of the most brutal scenes, a man pushes a bullet through another man’s eye, showcasing how far they were willing to take the gore. In one scene, a man has his arm broken, and his bone can be seen breaking through the skin. While it’s a brutal visual, it also goes to show how violent their fights were.

All of the choreographed fights felt realistic, with Uwais utilizing his background in Pencak Silat to full effect. His fluid movements made the scenes pop, which helped make the fight scenes all the more compelling. The action was non-stop, constantly changing and never letting up on the intensity. The story made all this possible, as its narrative sees Ishmael plow through waves of gangsters again and again.

How HeadsH๏τ Compares Against Other Iko Uwais Martial Arts Movies

HeadsH๏τ Is Far From His First Martial Arts Film

Uwais has done several martial arts films before HeadsH๏τ, most notably breaking out in Merantau. The action and fight sequences in HeadsH๏τ put it above almost all of his other movies, but his Raid movies stand out as his best. The Raid: Redemption has had a long-lasting impact on the genre, with shows such as Warrior gathering influence from it. The Raid 2 arguably improved on the original, increasing the action and producing better results. While HeadsH๏τ had excellent action as well, it doesn’t compare to either of these.

That said, its approach to action and thrills allow HeadsH๏τ to fit comfortably in the same category as films like Merantau, The Raid, and The Raid: Redemption, even if it doesn’t necessarily match their quality. After all, his best movies have reputations for their fast-paced, action-oriented stories, and HeadsH๏τ is aligned closely with that formula.