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Legend action directors like Ang Lee, John Woo, Robert Clouse, and Zhang Yimou (still going strong) have given way to newer arrivals like Gareth Evans, Chad Stahelski, and Christopher Nolan. The only thing that’s changed are the names and faces.
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While there are obvious developments in VFX technology, which have allowed for larger set pieces and more realistic thrills, much of what makes a great acton film a great action film hasn’t changed: painstaking choreography, fearless stunt performers/actors, and clear cinematography (and not that Taken fence jumping bullshit.) If anything, we are now experiencing another golden age of ass-kicking cinema. They are the heroes and the future directors, choreographers, and performers who bring these imaginations to life.Īnd to the incredulity of your father (who insists no movie will ever top First Blood) the action genre hasn’t slipped on it’s roundhouse kick.
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They all want to punch, draw swords, and run toward the danger. Why? Because no young girl or boy grows up pretending to be a damsel in distress or a sidekick. As long as there are movies, there will be action movies.
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