It is unlikely that two people will come up with the same five examples for this category. We have all found ourselves rooted to the spot and unable to look away from a really epic fight scene in a movie – but which movies would make your list? Here’s my suggestion:
1. The Raid
This scene is absolutely manic. The first fight on my list features Rama’s incredibly brutal brawl against a swathe of baddies in a cramped hallway. This movie follows a young S.W.A.T. team member called Rama, played by Iko Uwais, stylishly kicking and slashing his way through an army of mobsters in a tower block building. He works his way up, floor by floor, to the drug lord boss. This is very much reminiscent of a 1990’s video game. A great watch, check it out.
2. 300
Spartans! You cannot go wrong when watching the ruthless 300 Spartan warriors and King Leonidas, played by Gerard Butler, go up against the odds. If the term underdog brings to mind a feeble competitor with little chance of winning, Leonidas and his 300 men add a new meaning to it; think vicious, rabid and dangerous… During their battle against Xerxes and his impossibly large Persian army, every fight brings out the beast within. A film that’s as stylish as it is entertaining.
3. Matrix
Gunfighting in Hollywood has always been a prominent section of the action genre. The Matrix franchise was able to revolutionise this with never-before-seen camera techniques brought to us by directing duo, The Brothers Wachowski. We thought we had seen it all, the movie had building hope, amazing martial arts enhanced by the use of “wire-fu” (a method of staging action by sticking its actors on the end of a stunt rope), but what this film will always be remembered for is the jaw-dropping moment main character Neo dodges a bullet in slow motion. Don’t lie, we’ve all tried it before… and no I don’t mean dodge bullets, I mean the slo’ mo’ limbo performed by Neo. Take my advice and watch this again. It never gets old.
4. Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
With the recent release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, many new fans have found a new home in the vast Star Wars’ universe. I would like to reminisce with my fellow Jedi and also implore the Padawan (new fans) to bask in the epicness of Star Wars: Episode V (the second release in the series). Luke Skywalker comes face to face with the dark Lord Vader and is forced into a duel. This scene will have you on the edge of your seat, whimpering and praying for some sort of escape for the young Skywalker. The beautiful use of shadows and swordplay during this lightsaber combat is the cherry on the top of this scene. After a painfully one-sided fight, Darth Vader utters words that leaves poor Luke in a state of shock, that oft misquoted and most famous of Star Wars lines.
5. Bruce Lee: Enter The Dragon
We now reach the pinnacle of our list with an originator, and true legend of cinematic fighting… the one and only Bruce Lee. Although Bruce Lee’s career did not last long (due to his early death), his impact and influence on Hollywood and the way it now conducts its action films is undeniable. There are many scenes I could choose from to exhibit the late, great Bruce Lee’s unrivalled talent. Alas, I must leave you with one. Revenge is best served cold and Bruce serves his with a slice of ice. Faced with the man responsible for his sister’s death, Bruce shows no mercy in this tense duel. After beating his opponent, Bruce ends the fight with relentless force, while releasing an almighty cry. This must be one of the most passionate ends to a fight in Hollywood history.
Disagree? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Author – Jesse, Support office
