Written by Robert Hardy
Deeply rooted in the adventure films, Action is one of the most popular genres in the film industry. Despite of people’s cries at the violence portrayed in the movies, the plot where an unlikely hero goes through a series of challenges, to avert a life threatening situation is a highly revered subject in cinema. Technological advancements like VFX and CGI and the development of stunt choreography has pushed the boundaries even further, allowing the creators to present an unmatched action packed spectacles on screen. While it is certainly a tough task to make a short list from the huge number of movies, here are some of the Action Movies that are a must watch for the fans.
- Universal Soldier
Released in 1992, Universal Soldier was a continuation of the sci-fi themed trend that started with the Terminator in the 80’s. The movie stars Belgian American actor Jean Claude Van Damme along with Ally Walker and Dolph Lundgren. Directed by Ronald Emmerich, the movie tells the story of an American soldier named Luc Deveraux, who is presumably killed during the Vietnam alongside his insane Sergeant Andrew Scott (Lundgren). Their bodies are bagged and iced by the US Special Forces Squad and their deaths are covered up. Both Luc and Sergeant Scott are revived later by the scientists and they are enlisted in the Universal Soldier Program, where they will be genetically augmented to become Super Soldiers with no memories of their past. This was until Luc starts getting flashback of his past life and he escapes the facility with a TV reporter Veronica Roberts (Walker). The movie was praised for its action and performance by the actors and became an iconic action movie of the 90s.
- Cliffhanger
While the younger audiences might mistake it as a suspense movie, Cliffhanger is one of the most ambitious action movies ever made. It tells the story of a Mountain Rescue ranger Gabe Walker (played by Sylvester Stallone), who gets engulfed between a gang of thieves and is forced to guide them to their missing suitcases of uncirculated cash from the US treasury. The movie was released in 1993 and soon became one of the most successful action movies of that year. While most of the critics panned the film for its unrealistic portrayal of rock climbing, it is still considered as a classic by the audiences. The movie was directed by Renny Harlin and grossed with more than USD 250 Million across the globe. The movies screenplay and its slow-motion styled portrayal of several onscreen deaths helped it gain instant notoriety, but its catchy plot and performances by Stallone and John Lithgow are certainly memorable.
- Die Hard
The 80s was an era where Hollywood action heroes came into prominence. Die Hard was released in 1988 and was directed by John McTiernan. The movie tells the story of a regular New York City cop who becomes involved in a highly organized Hijack plan, while visiting his wife in Los Angeles. The movie was based off a novel by Roderick Thorpe, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’. While most action movies of that era were aimed at portraying an invincible hero, Die Hard was made famous by actor Bruce Willis’ performance as the New York City cop John McLane. John McLane’s role was offered to Frank Sinatra and Arnold Schwarzenegger but since both of them declined the offer, the role landed in the lap of Bruce Willis, who was known to be a comedy actor. Contrary to every one’s expectations, not only Bruce’s style made John McLane memorable but the movie’s success made it one of the most successful action movies till date.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Written, Directed and Produced by James Cameron, Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released in 1991. The movie is a direct sequel to the 1984, Sci-Fi blockbuster the Terminator and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger who reprises his role as the futuristic cyborg. While the first movie portrays Arnold in a negative role, he is sent back to save Sarah Connor (played by Linda Hamilton) and her son John Connor (Edward Furlong) from a more advanced cyborg the T-1000 (Robert Patrick). Not only the movie made the franchise a success but also helped push the use of Visual effects in Hollywood and motion capture technology. Terminator 2: Judgment Day is considered one of the most influential sci-fi action movies till date. In case you have some old film reels of your favorite action movies, you can protect them by converting or 8 mm to dvd.
- Once Upon a Time in China II
While the Hollywood cinema focused on more gun slinging and fast paced action based on futuristic stories, the Chinese cinema took stunt choreography to a whole new level in the 90s. Directed by Tsui Hark, Once Upon a Time in China II is set in 19th century China, during the political unrest of the Qing Dynasty and follows the events in the life of real life Chinese hero Wong Fei Hung. Jet Li reprises his role as the famed hero alongside notable actors like Donnie Yen and Rosamund Kwan. The movie shows the heavy political and cultural unrest during the declining reign of the Qing Dynasty and the events before their eventual overthrow in 1911. The movie not only sparkles with its death defying and over the top action sequences, but also shows the growing cultural instability in China due to the intervention of Global powers.
- Armor of God
By the late 80’s Jackie Chan established himself as the face of Chinese Cinema and was loved by audiences worldwide for his unique mix of martial arts and comedy. Highly inspired by Indiana Jones, Armor of God follows the story of Asian Hawk who is a former musician turned bounty hunter. As a treasure hunter for hire, Jackie goes through various dangers to find priceless treasure for his clients. Chaos ensues when he is paid by a wealthy client to retrieve the titular Armor of God. As the armor is in the possession of an Evil cult based in Europe, Jackie’s girlfriend is kidnapped by the cult and he must travel to the deepest crypts of Eastern Europe to find his missing girlfriend and the Treasure. The movie not only presents some of the most death defying action stunts by Jackie Chan, but its comedic yet action packed plot ensures that the viewers are always on the edge of their seats.
Like mentioned earlier, making a short list of 10 movies is a tough task. Nevertheless, the above movies are iconic and helped pushed the boundaries of action cinema to its modern renditions.
Photo sources: imdb.com
