In a world where movie budgets seem to continue to grow and action scenes become large fluffy beasts full of audacious special effects and fantastic pyrotechnics. It seems that every summer the summer blockbusters are getting bigger, noisier and more suited for those with short attention spans (hurray). So, here at 5hop5.ie what films do we place among our top 5 actions scenes of all time in association with Sky Ireland?

The Matrix Reloaded

Smith, now a virus in the Matrix, now has the ability to copy and clone himself. He does so in the abandoned courtyard hundreds of times to confront Nero – an eye popping scene. The Matrix Trilogy created by the Wachowski Brothers used some CGI to bring this scene to life and the use of a weaving Keanu Reeves is now at the forefront of all our cinematic loving minds. The film is part of a trilogy that often shows on Sky in HD – which is worth every pixel as far as we are concerned.

Kill Bill

Tarantino’s attempt at a spaghetti western/ Ninja movie takes on the Crazy 88s and Oren Ishiiin the hope of avenging her child’s and husband-to-be’s murder. In something akin to the Matrix scene above, Uma Thurman must fight numerous members of the gang with some amazingly swift sword moves and quick feet. The original scene was said to be too gory and Tarantino filmed it in black and white to combat this. This is one of our favourites of the last decade. This is often shown on Sky Ireland and works amazingly well in HD.

Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

Though Star Wars is littered with numerous wonderful scenes, this is one of the best in our opinion. With the Death Star near completion the Rebel Alliance attacks the Galactic Empire in a no holds barred attack of desperation unknown the Death Star is already working and ready for their arrival. This one will rouse the underdog charm and its forever engaging and suspenseful scenes. This film ends with Luke having to face dear old dad in the minor battle of good versus evil.

ToraTora

After the huge fail that was Pearl Harbour, we are delighted the original film about 1941 attacks up to and surpasses the later day film though being made in 1970. Tora Tora is an oldie but a goodie, and even won an Oscar for the best visual effects in a film. This is a furious scene with planes swirling back and over the structure and it captures the panic better than anything we’ve witnessed in a long time.  Full scale replicas of the scene were used and the lack of music leads to a hugely tension filled scene. The most dramatic moment is the bomb dropping on the soldiers who have run to the window to see what is happening.

Apocalypse Now

The Colonels wish to surf the area and send his new favourite men surfing is as bizarre as it is tragic and completely captures the lunacy of war. The big budget theatrics and the way the scene looks like a piece of a documentary, combine to amazing effect. The scene culminates with the surfers riding the waves and a huge explosion leading Col Kilgore to stat’ I love the smell of napalm in the morning’ – epic.

There are undoubtedly numerous scenes we have left out. Think Lord of the Rings Two Towers scene or the Saving Private Ryan beach scene – we know. However, these aforementioned scenes are ones that amaze and mesmerise on Sky Movies every time, especially in their HD remade forms.

_____________________________________________________________

Let us know what you think is the greatest action scene ever @5hop5ie