So, its been another hectic week, but today will be jam-packed with posts so let’s get right to it. This week’s top 10 is something that I always have in the back in my mind when I’m watching a film – stunts. Since CGI started taking over every job in Hollywood, it has really bothered me that many stunts have been replaced with computer generated actors and objects. There used to be some amazing stunts in film and until very recently, they were disappearing very quickly. With the return of Stallone to film and the new Bond reboot, there is a new dawn in stunts – people crave the authenticity of real-life danger. In honor of that, this week’s top 10 is of the most reflixable stunt sequences.
10. Stagecoach
This is one of the earlier films on the list, however it stars John Wayne, one of the greatest actors ever. His stuntman, Yakima Canutt, performed one of the best stunts ever. In fact, it is probably something that would never be performed in this day and age – there are just too many risks and in such a litigious society, there is no way the studios would sign off on this now. Somehow, he jumps from a horse onto the front of the stagecoach horses, hangs in between them, then drops onto the ground and narrowly avoids the horses to slide UNDERNEATH the racing stagecoach. It’s incredible. And I know you’ll be watching it over and over again. It’s something about the danger involved and how close he comes to death that makes it just so rewatchable – like a car crash where no one gets hurt. See what I mean by watching the clip.
9. Ben-Hur
I know if you’ve ever seen this film, you already know the sequence I’m thinking about. Yakima Canutt is back as the charioteer who performs one of the most amazing racing scenes ever. The chariot race is well-known as the highlight of this film and the collisions that occur in this film are just incredible. Again, its the danger here that will keep you coming back – its just so incredible and daring that I can’t help but watch it again and again. Just amazing.
What’s to say about this film? It’s probably one of the best action films of all time and it has one of the best chase scenes ever. I’m sure if I do a top 10 of chase scenes, I’ll repeat this entry. But as for now, the motorcycle jump in this film is just ridiculous. Arnold jumps from the top of the ramp into the canal and then is chased by a mack truck which keeps ramming into the bike. It is one of many scenes in this film which is incredible and it has never been repeated since. Check it out.
This film brought the stunt sequence back to mainstream film. The opening chase scene, all parkour starring it’s inventor - Sebastien Foucan - is one of the best of all time. In the middle of the chase is a truly incredible feat – a jump from one crane to the next as they are moving. I was totally taken aback by this scene – the chase alone signalled a new Bond, but the jump really topped everything off. It is a breathtaking scene that shows the true mettle of the new Bond – he’s tough, strong and willing to go the extra length to capture the bad guy. It really encompasses everything about Daniel Craig‘s Bond.
I remember when this film came out - it was the herald announcing Jackie Chan‘s arrival to the American audience. Since I never saw any of Bruce Lee’s films in theatrical release, I didn’t know what I was getting into when I saw this film for the first time. ONe of the scenes that truly made this memorable and something I’ve watched time and time again is the stunt sequence at the beginning of the film in the parking garage. Jackie’s kung-fu is mind-numbing, but one of the best and most reflixable sequences is his jump from one building into the window of another. Taken from multiple angles, it is one of the true surprises in film – you never would have expected it. And when it happens, it is awe-inspiring. No strings, no cables, no pads - just pure Jackie Chan awesomeness.
5. District 13
I’m sure you’ve all seen this clip, but if you haven’t be prepared to be amazed. The sequence is another parkour chase, but it is a non-English film which is why it was so shocking to see how popular it has become. I saw the full film not too long ago, and its not that great, however the sequence is just as incredible each time you watch it. I think you’ll really enjoy it. A great sequence which has some of the most agile and quick movements ever.
4. Police Story
Again, Jackie Chan is the man. This film came out before Rumble in the Bronx, but it is one of his best sequences ever. One of the things that makes this mall sequence is that its raw, unadulterated action. But the best stunt here is Jackie Chan’s jump and slide down the string of lights. You don’t get the full picture as to how difficult this was until you watch the credit sequence when you see how hurt Chan was in the making of this stunt. It gives you a whole new perspective on how much he puts on the line when he makes his films and you’ll truly respect his expertise.
This is one of the more underrated Bond flicks. It was actually one of the more believable Bond films (to a point of course), it had a great villain (well acted by Jonathan Pryce) and a good couple of Bond girls (Michelle Yeoh, Teri Hatcher). It also has one of the best chase/stunt sequences ever put to film – the motorcycle chase. First off, it’s a BMW motorcycle – that alone is incredible. The bike is just gorgeous and its amazing to watch in motion. Second, it’s preceded by one of the best jumps ever – the jump from the building using the banner onto the balcony – truly incredible. Thirdly, Bond and Wai Lin are attached by handcuffs the whole time, which leads to some incredible kung-fu moves and stunts. Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the motorcycle jump OVER a hovering helicopter. I really don’t know how to explain this stunt, but it’s one of the best ever. Seriously. And when it’s this good, you know you’ll be watching it over and over again. I’m still in awe of this stunt. It is just amazing. I really respect the Bond films – they constantly have some incredible stunts and other sequences, but this is definitely one of the best.
Now, what would a stunt listing be without this film? Most people would think of the roll ball of rock at the beginning of the film, or the fight in the bar. But the best and most reflixable stunt sequence is the car chase sequence when Indy is trying to steal back the Ark. The best part is when he is being dragged behind the truck and manages to recover – obviously inspired by Stagecoach (see number 10) and it does that film justice. The whole sequence from start to finish is incredible to watch and I know you’ll enjoy seeing it over and over again.
1. GoldenEye
This was the first Bond film I ever saw in theatres and the opening sequence blew me away. I still remember the awe I felt when I watched the bungee jump at the beginning – it was something I had never seen before and still haven’t seen since. Anyone who even tries to replicate this stunt is just a pretender. The best part of it all is that nothing is revealed until you see Bond shooting the gun onto the roof of the building. But it doesn’t stop there – it follows with an incredible motorcycle sequence at the end of the opening when Bond chases after a pilotless plane over a cliff and dives head-first into oblivion, just hoping he is able to catch up with the plane. It’s the best stunt sequence in film ever. Sure, the sequence of him climbing in was green-screen, but the fact that a stuntman voluntarily jumped over a cliff on a bike is incredible. I don’t know that there is a better stunt sequence in film. The best ever. Check it out.
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