Wow… for whatever reason, just right about the time I completely give-up on H-wood… out comes something pretty excellent to watch. Last time that happened to me was ’93, & when out came “Tombstone” & “Carlito’s Way”… which I watched in a single afternoon, sneaking from theatre to theatre, & basically walked-out amazed.
This time, it’s:
- District B13
- Crank
- The Protector
- Fearless
…which, you must admit, only includes a single US film, but hey.
What makes a Great Action Film?
Fantastic action is an absolute must. Stuff flies around, main guy has a passion that is pure, & leaves no stone unruffled gettin’ to it.
Reason for action. Anyone can drive a car fast or knock someone silly; our guy has gotta be ruffling shit for a purpose. “You killed my father” is not-bad… but how about spending some time reflecting on ‘what it means to be’. Dare we say… ‘profound’?
-and-
The Take-Away. If you’re walking-out going “whoa, that rocked”, that’s good. If you’re walking-out going “whoa, that rocked”, but inside you’re quiet… & the next day you’re still ruminating… that’s great.
Truly Great Action Films:
- Apocalypse Now
- Blade Runner
- Runaway Train
- Heat
- King of New York
- Seven Samurai
- Hero
- City of God
- Bullet in the Head
- The Killer
- Terminator
- Alien
- For a Few Dollars More
Basically, it can be done, people. And why bother? Because faaar more ppl will watch City of God than ever watched Seventh Seal… & I’ll bet were profoundly moved by it more. B/c writing a densely-symbolic allegory is one thing… but to do the same, w/ real-life, living, breathing characters… that’s mastery.
Films aren’t just sausages, & ‘deep meaning’ doesn’t have to be imponderable & subtitled from the French. Jeesh– I dare you to read the subtitles in District B13… you won’t have time. 