Iko Uwais's Career Journey, from a Driver in a Telecommunications Company to an International Action Actor

Iko Uwais, born with the name Uwais Qorny on February 12, 1983, in Jakarta, is an actor, martial artist, and action choreographer whose fame skyrocketed due to his skills in pencak silat. From a young age, Iko showed an interest in martial arts, particularly silat, which later became the foundation of his career. Iko was trained by his uncle at a Betawi silat school and he succeeded in winning several silat competitions in Indonesia, making his name known among silat enthusiasts.

His career in the film industry began unexpectedly when he met director Gareth Evans in 2008. At that time, Gareth was making a documentary about silat, and Iko, who was working as a driver at a telecommunications company, was introduced to the director. Iko's martial arts skills caught Gareth's attention, who then offered him the lead role in the film MERANTAU (2009). The film marked Iko's debut on the big screen and introduced his dynamic and action-packed fighting style to the audience.

The success of MERANTAU led Iko to bigger projects, namely the film THE RAID (2011), which was also directed by Gareth Evans. In the film, Iko played the role of Rama, a special forces member trapped in a building controlled by a criminal gang. The film received widespread acclaim for its intense action scenes and stunning fight choreography, led by Iko himself. The Raid was successful in international markets and established Iko as a prominent action star.

The success of The Raid continued with its sequel, THE RAID 2: BERANDAL (2014). In this film, Iko showcases a deeper acting ability, accompanied by more brutal and complex action. The fight choreography in this film further highlights Iko's expertise in martial arts, with various techniques presented cinematically. This film solidifies Iko's position as one of the best action actors in the world and opens doors for his international career.

Iko then gained attention from Hollywood and began to venture into the international film scene. He appeared in the film MAN OF TAI CHI (2013) directed by Keanu Reeves, although his role was relatively small. He also appeared in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (2015), where he played one of the leaders of the Kanjiklub gang. Although his role in Star Wars was not large, his presence marked a significant step in his international career.

In addition to The Raid, Iko continues to be involved in international action film projects, such as MILE 22 (2018) alongside Mark Wahlberg and Stuber (2019), an action-comedy film where Iko once again showcases his amazing fighting skills. In MILE 22, Iko received praise for his intense and realistic action, although the film received mixed reviews. Nevertheless, Iko's martial arts skills and dedication continue to be recognized by critics and audiences alike.

In the Indonesian film industry, Iko is also involved in several projects again. He starred in the film HEADSHOT (2016) and THE NIGHT COMES FOR US (2018), which showcase the dark side of action with scenes of brutal violence. Both films affirm Iko's reputation as an action actor who not only relies on physicality but also possesses strong acting skills in portraying complex characters.

Overall, Iko Uwais's career journey from a martial arts athlete to an international action movie star is a testament to his dedication and hard work. With his unique martial arts skills and unwavering spirit, Iko has brought pencak silat to the global stage, establishing himself as one of the best action actors in the world.