What are your favourite action scenes of the decade? Here are a few of mine:
SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES (Soi Cheang, 2015)
Perhaps the most eloquent example of 'non-verbal dialogue' of recent memory, where each move is made in response to another. Grandiose in every aspect.
SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES (Soi Cheang, 2015)
Perhaps the most eloquent example of 'non-verbal dialogue' of recent memory, where each move is made in response to another. Grandiose in every aspect.
BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION (S. S. Rajamouli, 2017)
A testament to India's willingness and ability to create subjugating cinema through images that forever seared themselves to my memory. Everything is possible, as long as it serves the spectacle.
A testament to India's willingness and ability to create subjugating cinema through images that forever seared themselves to my memory. Everything is possible, as long as it serves the spectacle.
THE TAKING OF TIGER MOUNTAIN (Tsui Hark, 2014)
After treading lightly on the fine line that separates mainstream entertainment from government-sanctioned propaganda, Tsui Hark concludes his adventure epic with the most gleefully pulpy action sequence he ever filmed.
After treading lightly on the fine line that separates mainstream entertainment from government-sanctioned propaganda, Tsui Hark concludes his adventure epic with the most gleefully pulpy action sequence he ever filmed.
WU XIA (Peter Chan, 2011)
Masterclass in technicality from Donnie Yen and Kara Hui in this pivotal scene from this extremely well-made film. The director adds a nice layer of animality to the proceedings.
Masterclass in technicality from Donnie Yen and Kara Hui in this pivotal scene from this extremely well-made film. The director adds a nice layer of animality to the proceedings.
THE BATTLESHIP ISLAND (Ryoo Seung-wan, 2017)
Ryoo's patriotic war picture ends with the best battlefield scene to date. Sweeping camera movements, constant changes of scale and a capacity to maintain perfect legibility throughout make the scene feel both dramatic and impressive.
Ryoo's patriotic war picture ends with the best battlefield scene to date. Sweeping camera movements, constant changes of scale and a capacity to maintain perfect legibility throughout make the scene feel both dramatic and impressive.
13 ASSASSINS (Takashi Miike, 2010)
Perhaps the most exciting 'few vs many' brawl I have ever seen. It lasts for close to 30 minutes and Miike masterfully conveys the desperation of the fighters. This is their last stand. They know it, we know it. We delight in this knowledge.
Perhaps the most exciting 'few vs many' brawl I have ever seen. It lasts for close to 30 minutes and Miike masterfully conveys the desperation of the fighters. This is their last stand. They know it, we know it. We delight in this knowledge.
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (Persichetti, Ramsey & Rothman, 2018)
Unbridled creativity in a superhero film? I didn't believe it was possible anymore. To say I was gasping in awe would be a euphemism. Look at the scenography, for heaven's sake!
Unbridled creativity in a superhero film? I didn't believe it was possible anymore. To say I was gasping in awe would be a euphemism. Look at the scenography, for heaven's sake!
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (Steven Spielberg, 2011)
Spielberg goes nuts with the complete freedom of movement the technology affords him. Almost numbing through its relentlessness, but a truly fascinating exercise in integrating actors' performances to a limitless virtual world.
Spielberg goes nuts with the complete freedom of movement the technology affords him. Almost numbing through its relentlessness, but a truly fascinating exercise in integrating actors' performances to a limitless virtual world.
IL PRIMO RE (Matteo Rovere, 2019)
The most primal, fundamentally brutal and human film of the year includes mesmerizing scenes of violence. It's a beautiful, refined and barbaric treaty on humankind, civilization and brotherhood. Pagans, don't miss out.
The most primal, fundamentally brutal and human film of the year includes mesmerizing scenes of violence. It's a beautiful, refined and barbaric treaty on humankind, civilization and brotherhood. Pagans, don't miss out.
THE OUTLAWS (Kang Yoon-sung, 2017)
The beastly Ma Dong-seok delivers his best physical performance in the coolest bathroom fight scene of the decade (yes, come at me MI: FALLOUT!). I like how Ma maintains the advantage while still being put in difficulty.
The beastly Ma Dong-seok delivers his best physical performance in the coolest bathroom fight scene of the decade (yes, come at me MI: FALLOUT!). I like how Ma maintains the advantage while still being put in difficulty.
ELITE SQUAD: THE ENEMY WITHIN (José Padilha, 2010)
José Padilha's ambitious study of crime, corruption and brutality in Brazil is enhanced through gripping action sequences. The controlled handheld cameras heighten both the immersive feel and the urgency of the situations.
José Padilha's ambitious study of crime, corruption and brutality in Brazil is enhanced through gripping action sequences. The controlled handheld cameras heighten both the immersive feel and the urgency of the situations.
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (George Miller, 2015)
Yes, I cried, OK?
Yes, I cried, OK?
WHY DON'T YOU PLAY IN HELL? (Sono Sion, 2013)
Wannabe filmmakers are enrolled by actual Yakuzas to film their apocalyptic clan rivalry. The most insane, imaginative and euphoric film of the decade ensues. Total cinema.
Wannabe filmmakers are enrolled by actual Yakuzas to film their apocalyptic clan rivalry. The most insane, imaginative and euphoric film of the decade ensues. Total cinema.
MAN ON HIGH HEELS (Jang Jin, 2014)
This South Korean noir thriller about a cross-dressing police officer opens on a pretty impressive fight scene where the protagonist stabs his many opponents with the most improbable objects. I like how the camera tries to keep up.
This South Korean noir thriller about a cross-dressing police officer opens on a pretty impressive fight scene where the protagonist stabs his many opponents with the most improbable objects. I like how the camera tries to keep up.
THE RAID 2 (Gareth Evans, 2014)
Lots of memorable set pieces in the RAID films, but this one might be my favourite for the sheer nastiness and brutality of it. There's an old school feel to it too. Not over-sophisticated, just dedicated to providing maximum impact.
Lots of memorable set pieces in the RAID films, but this one might be my favourite for the sheer nastiness and brutality of it. There's an old school feel to it too. Not over-sophisticated, just dedicated to providing maximum impact.
MEA CULPA (Fred Cavayé, 2014)
Nice to see an inventive set piece in a French action thriller. Cavayé keeps it grounded, less spectacular than his American or Asian peers might like, but he keeps it tense and efficient throughout the scene.
Nice to see an inventive set piece in a French action thriller. Cavayé keeps it grounded, less spectacular than his American or Asian peers might like, but he keeps it tense and efficient throughout the scene.
THE FINAL MASTER (Xu Haofeng, 2015)
I've mentioned it before but Xu crafted an expertly researched fight scene that works both as homage to old kung fu classics, and as a way to visually and diegetically translate the fighter's journey. Action/weapons as storytelling. 🙏
I've mentioned it before but Xu crafted an expertly researched fight scene that works both as homage to old kung fu classics, and as a way to visually and diegetically translate the fighter's journey. Action/weapons as storytelling. 🙏
THE MAN WHO FEELS NO PAIN (Vasan Bala, 2018)
Perhaps the funniest, most playful action scene of the last few months. Incredible ability to maintain consistent kinetic energy despite frequent changes in actual speed. Delightful film.
Perhaps the funniest, most playful action scene of the last few months. Incredible ability to maintain consistent kinetic energy despite frequent changes in actual speed. Delightful film.
FIRESTORM (Alan Yuen, 2013)
Total urban war as Andy Lau fights off gangsters in downtown Hong Kong. They pretty much level the city. Most gripping shootout scene since HEAT. There, I said it.
Total urban war as Andy Lau fights off gangsters in downtown Hong Kong. They pretty much level the city. Most gripping shootout scene since HEAT. There, I said it.
SWORD MASTER (Derek Yee, 2016)
I'm a sucker for shenguai wuxia pictures that aren't ashamed of being hyperbolic, poetic, cinematic. I'm sure this film has tons of problems, but I saw this scene where the fight turns into a dance and it was love at first sight. 😍
I'm a sucker for shenguai wuxia pictures that aren't ashamed of being hyperbolic, poetic, cinematic. I'm sure this film has tons of problems, but I saw this scene where the fight turns into a dance and it was love at first sight. 😍
SAVING GENERAL YANG (Ronny Yu, 2013)
Although I was slightly disappointed with the film overall, it concludes on a brutal, solemn and enthralling duel. I know Kenji Kawai's music is too much for some viewers, but I can't help it. It just tickles me in the right places.
Although I was slightly disappointed with the film overall, it concludes on a brutal, solemn and enthralling duel. I know Kenji Kawai's music is too much for some viewers, but I can't help it. It just tickles me in the right places.
GALLANTS (Derek Kwok, Clement Cheng, 2010)
Phenomenal performance from Hong Kong legend Leung Siu-lung in this touching and funny tribute to the golden age of HK kung fu flicks. Spectacular leg work.
Phenomenal performance from Hong Kong legend Leung Siu-lung in this touching and funny tribute to the golden age of HK kung fu flicks. Spectacular leg work.
GANGNAM BLUES (Yoo Ha, 2015)
Barely ever mentioned and yet, this Korean epic about brotherhood and social turmoil has some of the most brutal brawls of the decade. See how the red clay and rain create apocalyptic images of pretend businessmen going back into natural bestiality.
Barely ever mentioned and yet, this Korean epic about brotherhood and social turmoil has some of the most brutal brawls of the decade. See how the red clay and rain create apocalyptic images of pretend businessmen going back into natural bestiality.
JOURNEY TO THE WEST 2: THE DEMONS STRIKE BACK (Tsui Hark, 2017)
When Stephen Chow gives Tsui enough money to do whatever he bloody wants, of course you end up with the Monkey King battling giant Buddhist deities for the fate of the world. I love it for the impossible scale of it
When Stephen Chow gives Tsui enough money to do whatever he bloody wants, of course you end up with the Monkey King battling giant Buddhist deities for the fate of the world. I love it for the impossible scale of it
MY BELOVED BODYGUARD (Sammo Hung, 2016)
A strangely uneven film overall, but Sammo Hung experiments with his direction in a scene where he incorporates motion blur to translate the character's fragile state of mind, all the while keeping the action brutal and exciting.
A strangely uneven film overall, but Sammo Hung experiments with his direction in a scene where he incorporates motion blur to translate the character's fragile state of mind, all the while keeping the action brutal and exciting.
THE BODYGUARD (Yue Song, 2016)
Yue Song goes for broke in his action-packed film and delivers stunning sequences, incl. this brawl where he's not afraid of embracing the hyperbolic dimension of action cinema to create moments of pure awe. Not to everyone's taste, but I dig it.
Yue Song goes for broke in his action-packed film and delivers stunning sequences, incl. this brawl where he's not afraid of embracing the hyperbolic dimension of action cinema to create moments of pure awe. Not to everyone's taste, but I dig it.
VENGEANCE OF AN ASSASSIN (Panna Rittikrai, 2014)
Sure, the green screen in the background isn't the best, but who cares? The late Panna Rittikrai (you have him to thank for the fights in ONG-BAK and TOM YUM GOONG) wouldn't leave us without one last playful, creative action epic.
Sure, the green screen in the background isn't the best, but who cares? The late Panna Rittikrai (you have him to thank for the fights in ONG-BAK and TOM YUM GOONG) wouldn't leave us without one last playful, creative action epic.
THE ADMIRAL: ROARING CURRENTS (Kim Han-min, 2014)
Trust the Korean to make a historical naval blockbuster that contains a full hour of action. Naval combat has rarely been so immersive. WAR OF THE ARROWS from the same director is also worth a look.
Trust the Korean to make a historical naval blockbuster that contains a full hour of action. Naval combat has rarely been so immersive. WAR OF THE ARROWS from the same director is also worth a look.
TOKYO TRIBE (Sono Sion, 2014)
It's all-out war in dystopian, horny Tokyo as rival rap gangsters try to wipe each other out in a deluge of cinematic madness only Sono Sion knows the secret to. Frenetic, engaging, hilarious. You can't not have seen it.
It's all-out war in dystopian, horny Tokyo as rival rap gangsters try to wipe each other out in a deluge of cinematic madness only Sono Sion knows the secret to. Frenetic, engaging, hilarious. You can't not have seen it.
INUYASHIKI (Shinsuke Sato, 2018)
Among my favourite superhero films of the decade, this manga adaptation includes highly kinetic and exciting flight scenes, where you can feel the fear and disorientation of the protagonist seeping through the relentless energy of the images.
Among my favourite superhero films of the decade, this manga adaptation includes highly kinetic and exciting flight scenes, where you can feel the fear and disorientation of the protagonist seeping through the relentless energy of the images.
GARM WARS: THE LAST DRUID (Mamoru Oshii, 2014)
Remember when the creator of GHOST IN THE SHELL and AVALON made a live-action/animation hybrid about three peoples in perpetual war on a distant planet ruled by nihilistic gods? It's as impenetrable and fascinating as you'd think.
Remember when the creator of GHOST IN THE SHELL and AVALON made a live-action/animation hybrid about three peoples in perpetual war on a distant planet ruled by nihilistic gods? It's as impenetrable and fascinating as you'd think.
