As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of martial arts cinema, I can confidently say that Jaa’s Ting from “Sin Nombre” is a character that truly stands out. His balletic fighting style transforms action movie heroes into living legends, and his journey through the underworld is as captivating as it is intense.
Among all movie categories, action stands out as seemingly endless in its potential: In any situation where other approaches falter, it offers a surefire method to captivate viewers by emphasizing motion, suspense, peril, and the implied or actual use of force. This basic yet powerful element allows an exceptional action film to manifest in a variety of ways: It might be a raucous symphony of gunfire, a spectacle of automotive chaos, a samurai-themed film brimming with intense swordplay, a nerve-wracking suspense drama that reserves violence for critical instances, or a meticulously planned dance performance where each move is a strike.
Each type of variation can yield both excellent and poor movies – the good ones may skyrocket in popularity and adoration or slip into obscurity, as any fan of action movies knows. Essentially, there’s an abundance of top-notch action films just waiting to be discovered by viewers, and luckily for us, many of these gems can be found on Amazon Prime Video.
In this collection, we’ve gathered 11 lesser-known action masterpieces available for streaming on Prime Video, free for subscribers. While these may not be as widely recognized as others in the genre, they are beloved by enthusiasts and offer a unique viewing experience. Some are relatively unknown, but all are definitely worth your time.
Southern Comfort
Back in the ’80s, I stumbled upon this lesser-known action flick that packed quite a punch – it was “Southern Comfort.” Directed by Walter Hill, who had already made waves with “The Warriors” and would later score big with “48 Hrs.”, this movie didn’t get the recognition it deserved. Released in 1981, before Hill struck gold again, it unfortunately flopped at the box office, despite delivering a heart-stopping experience that I believe was truly ahead of its time.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the uncanny bravery and straightforwardness that sets “Southern Comfort” apart from many Hollywood productions. It dares to tackle themes like toxic masculinity, nationalism, disregard for human life, and moral decay at the core of America’s Cold War military mindset – a topic seldom addressed so boldly on the silver screen. This film stands as one of the most compelling reflections on the Vietnam War era, despite not directly depicting the war itself.
The relationship is there, though, if only by implication. Instead of U.S. army soldiers in Southeast Asia, Hill focuses on National Guard soldiers carrying out weekend maneuvers in the Louisiana bayous; in their arrogance, they steal boats from a Cajun campsite to get across a swamp, and accidentally initiate a full-blown war between soldiers and locals. Soon enough, the soldiers find themselves trapped, worn out, and overwhelmed by their sheer disconnect from the country they purport to protect. What follows is a brilliant survival-thriller exercise shot through with the trembling masculine hysteria of an empire coming to terms with its own insignificance.
Blade of the Immortal
For many years, Takashi Miike has earned a reputation as one of the world’s busiest and most innovative film directors, releasing between two to eight films each year, not counting his extensive work on television. In 2017, he achieved an impressive career milestone: directing his 100th project. To mark this significant occasion, the movie was exceptionally well-crafted – although, like most of Miike’s works, it remains relatively overlooked and underappreciated in Western discussions.
Similar to numerous renowned films by director Miike, “Blade of the Immortal” is an action-packed movie, specifically a samurai action film. The plot, derived from the manga series titled “Blade of the Immortal” by Hiroaki Samura, follows a traditional pattern for this subgenre. A solitary samurai named Manji (portrayed by Takuya Kimura) encounters Rin Asano (Hana Sugisaki), a young woman who seeks his help to avenge the death of her father. The unique aspect, hinted at by the film’s title, is that Manji possesses an immortal curse – though it complicates his personal life, it proves invaluable for engaging in extreme and intense sword fights against numerous opponents simultaneously.
Despite being relatively traditional compared to Miike’s usual work, this film is incredibly enjoyable and surprisingly wild, filled with continuous, extravagant action scenes that are breathtakingly spectacular. The duo of Kimura and Sugisaki adds charm, while the concept offers endless possibilities. If you’ve never experienced a Miike production before, this could be an excellent introduction, as there’s a wealth of more to discover after it.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
If you haven’t immersed yourself in the captivating world of Hong Kong martial arts cinema from the ’60s and ’70s, where mythical storytelling and action choreography were taken to extraordinary levels, now could be a great time for you to explore this. And when embarking on your journey, Lau Kar-leung’s “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” might serve as an unparalleled introduction – it’s one of the genre’s most renowned classics but remains relatively unknown outside of dedicated fans.
“The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” highlights Gordon Liu’s iconic portrayal, based on the tale of San Te, an infamous 18th-century monk. The story unfolds as he finds refuge in the Shaolin Monastery, learning kung fu to aid in the uprising against the Manchu government of the Qing dynasty. A significant part of the film is dedicated to training sequences, showcasing masterful choreography that immerses the audience in the intricate and thrilling journey of mastering kung fu.
The well-executed fight scenes, which are a product of Lau’s extensive training and years of experience as both a skilled choreographer and undervalued martial arts actor, are just as thrilling. Additionally, the film’s narrative about unyielding resistance against oppression in 1978 is remarkably compelling, making it hard to resist.
Blue Steel
Kathryn Bigelow’s body of work shows a consistent exploration and evolution of narrative and stylistic elements, focusing on recurring themes such as justice, power, authority, the captivating psychosexual aspects of these concepts, and the passions they can ignite. Before achieving widespread critical acclaim and historic Oscar victories in the later part of her career, Bigelow produced films that, while using genre conventions and therefore not fitting the refined image of “The Hurt Locker” or “Zero Dark Thirty”, still addressed heavy themes with a unique directorial flair.
As a passionate admirer, I’d like to highlight that among her works, the 1990 film “Blue Steel” is often overlooked yet deserves recognition as a hidden gem. While films like “Point Break” are widely appreciated, they sometimes fail to receive the full acclaim they deserve as masterpieces. However, “Blue Steel,” with its exploration of American power structures typical of director Kathryn Bigelow, stands out. In this film, Jamie Lee Curtis delivers one of her finest performances to date, portraying Megan Turner, a rookie NYPD officer who finds herself in a mentally taxing cat-and-mouse chase with a serial killer, played by Ron Silver.
If you’re familiar with Bigelow’s style, you’ll understand that what comes next isn’t just routine police procedure: The film delves into the intricacies of power and violence faced by women in law enforcement, using its cops-and-crime setting to explore Megan’s inner world as she encounters the brutal realities of her profession for the first time. It’s both exciting and unforgettable.
Miami Blues
Before I took on the role of Marty in “Grosse Pointe Blank,” seven years earlier, director George Armitage had already crafted a quirky action comedy with a dark humor that was off the charts. That film was “Miami Blues” from 1990. Just like many movies that were ahead of their time, it didn’t rake in big bucks at the box office. It also didn’t achieve the same level of cult adoration as “Grosse Pointe Blank.” In fact, you rarely hear people talk about it when discussing the top action films of the ’90s.
As a devoted fan, let me tell you, “Miami Blues” is far from wrongly titled – it’s an exhilarating rollercoaster ride! Whether you’re drawn in by the intricate crime storyline that twists and turns like a labyrinth, or the electrifying performance of Alec Baldwin, which adds another chapter to his captivating Hollywood journey, or the scathing satire of the relentless pursuit of American success – this film has it all. In many ways, “Miami Blues” can be seen as a live-action version of “Grand Theft Auto”, years before the game even existed. Truly, this movie was ahead of its time!
Similar to masterpieces within the iconic Rockstar Games series, Armitage’s film captivates with a compelling, dark fascination as it explores the intricate workings of a seemingly endless underworld populated by immoral yet irresistibly charming characters. In this production, Baldwin portrays Frederick J. Frenger Jr., a sociopathic Californian ex-con attempting a new life in Miami who assumes a police identity to continue his criminal activities. He embodies the unbridled, mischievous essence of the American Dream, alternating between humor and despair while maintaining an undeniable allure that keeps viewers transfixed.
Five Fingers of Death
1972’s “Five Fingers of Death,” also known as “King Boxer,” is a production from Shaw Brothers, similar to “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.” While the latter movie has achieved “canonical masterpiece” status among martial arts cinema enthusiasts, despite not being widely recognized by mainstream audiences, “Five Fingers of Death” appears to have been largely ignored even by dedicated genre fans nowadays. This is surprising considering its contribution in helping Hong Kong action cinema gain popularity in the West.
Essentially, if you enjoy martial arts movies, this is a must-watch. Even casual fans who aren’t yet familiar with the genre might find “Five Fingers of Death” captivating. It stands out as one of the most comprehensive, thrilling, and overall enjoyable Shaw Brothers productions. Additionally, it could be considered Lo Lieh’s magnum opus – an Indonesian-born actor and martial artist who is renowned for his iconic roles in Hong Kong cinema.
This story revolves around the journey of a young martial arts apprentice named Chih-Hao (Lo), who is learning under his new master, Suen Hsin-Pei (Fang Mian). His goal is to participate in an upcoming tournament and dethrone the oppressive kung fu school owner, Meng Tung-Shan (Tien Feng). The narrative unfolds with thrilling fight scenes one after another, all skillfully directed by South Korean director Jeong Chang-hwa. In terms of action movies, it’s hard to find a more enjoyable watch than this one.
Wild Target
Prior to Emily Blunt becoming a renowned leading actress with several blockbuster films under her belt, she experienced an extended phase in her career where she was on the brink of major stardom. This phase, stretching from her 2004 debut in Paweł Pawlikowski’s “My Summer of Love” to her 2015 breakthrough role as the lead in Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario,” was marked by a number of underappreciated films such as “The Young Victoria,” “Looper,” and “Your Sister’s Sister.” Additionally, there was the relatively overlooked film “Wild Target,” which is often disregarded even among her lesser-known works.
If we’re talking about “Wild Target,” it really thrives on Emily Blunt’s captivating, almost unbelievable charm. A remake of the original 1993 French film, the movie stars Bill Nighy as Victor Maynard, a skilled but solitary assassin who develops feelings for his latest target, Rose (Blunt), a cunning con artist. Instead of eliminating her, he decides to safeguard her and pretends to be a private investigator, drawing himself, Rose, and an unexpected apprentice named Tony (Rupert Grint) into a chaotic whirlwind of dangerous criminals all vying for an upper hand. The blend of dark humor and intense violence is quintessentially British in its irreverent, refined style – and Emily Blunt commands the screen with an outstanding performance.
Cecil B. Demented
John Waters’ films tend to polarize audiences; you either embrace his unique style or find them incomprehensible. For instance, someone unfamiliar with his work might chance upon “Cecil B. Demented” on a streaming platform like Prime Video, assume it’s a light-hearted comedy about the film industry, and walk away bewildered, ready to label it as crude, dull, offensive, ugly, vulgar, and immoral. On the other hand, a fan of John Waters would likely hear that same list of adjectives, acknowledge in agreement, smile, and exclaim “Yes!
In “Cecil B. Demented,” there’s a striking power in Waters’ characteristic disregard for conventional cinematic rules. This time, he targets the movie industry directly within the narrative itself. The plot revolves around a self-absorbed Hollywood actress (Melanie Griffith) who is abducted by an eccentric independent filmmaker (Stephen Dorff) and his band of passionate film enthusiasts, known as the “Sprocket Hololes.” Under their control, she’s compelled to act in their production. The filmmakers, in a hyperbolic portrayal of guerrilla filmmaking, carry out and film numerous fake terrorist incidents throughout Baltimore, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable on-set behavior.
In essence, it’s clear that the movie supports the Sprocket Holes more than the law enforcement or industry figures trying to halt them. A scathing critique of Hollywood filled with the relentless criticism only Waters can deliver, “Cecil B. Demented” is also a heartfelt tribute to the rebellious nature of independent filmmaking. Here, Waters exhibits his fondness in its purest form, but never loses his edge.
Ong-Bak
Action films often highlight various aspects to capture audience attention: They might focus on the grandeur and cinematic quality, the fast-paced narrative flow, the boldness in the storytelling, or the high levels of violence. If they excel in this area, they may present themselves as showcases of exceptional fight choreography. This is exactly what the 2003 Thai film “Ong-Bak” did, rekindling the genre of martial arts B-movies from the ’70s and ’80s. It followed a proven recipe for success: compelling fights, skillful editing, impressive stunts that earned it recognition among the top parkour action films, and an exceptional lead actor who was not only a skilled fighter but also a talented performer.
It’s not surprising at all that Tony Jaa, the actor in question, quickly rose to fame as one of the 21st century’s top action stars. Similarly, it makes perfect sense that the film “Ong-Bak,” which was a massive hit in Thailand and helped spread the popularity of Muay Thai worldwide. Watching Jaa’s character, Ting, fight using fists, elbows, knees, and feet in “Ong-Bak” is almost mesmerizing due to the impressive blend of power, technique, elegance, and acting talent on display. The story itself is less important; what truly matters is how Jaa’s Ting takes down one adversary after another with a skill that transforms action movie stars into legendary figures.
Sin Nombre
2009’s “Sin Nombre” is a gripping adventure thriller set along the border, skillfully blending high-stakes action and suspense with poignant social commentary and political relevance, making it an exceptional narrative of its genre. The film, helmed by executive producers Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal, was written and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga in a gritty, realistic style that foreshadowed his later work like “Beasts of No Nation.” Starring Paulina Gaitán as Sayra, a young Guatemalan girl journeying with her father and uncle towards Mexico, hoping to eventually make it to the United States and reunite with relatives in New Jersey.
In the captivating movie “Sin Nombre,” Gaitán delivers an insightful portrayal in her role, and so does Edgar Flores as Willy, also known as El Casper – a young Mexican gang member who encounters Sayra while both are escaping Mexico on the same train. The film is filled with the dynamic energy typical of a heist story set primarily on a train. The narratives of Sayra’s journey and Casper’s emerging gang life are equally engrossing, and various genres – action, romance, suspense – are skillfully blended. However, what truly makes this film essential viewing is how it encapsulates the harrowing, surreal plight of undocumented Latin American immigrants into a relatable and emotionally poignant narrative. To this day, the movie remains relevant.
Duel to the Death
How about checking out another martial arts film from Hong Kong, specifically “Duel to the Death” by Ching Siu-tung? Unlike the classics “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” and “Five Fingers of Death,” produced by Shaw Brothers, this movie was made by their rival, Golden Harvest. This means that it lacks the distinctive “house style” often associated with Shaw productions. However, it’s just as action-packed and significant, being one of the most remarkable directorial debuts in Hong Kong cinema history. Ching Siu-tung later directed many other renowned films such as “Shaolin Soccer,” “Hero,” and “House of Flying Daggers.
“Duel to the Death” showcases spectacular choreographed fights, much like the visual style later seen in “A Chinese Ghost Story.” The narrative revolves around a tradition from the Ming dynasty that occurs every decade, where top swordsmen from China and Japan battle each other to protect their nations’ honor. Initially rivals, the stone-hearted samurai Hashimoto (Norman Chui) and martial artist trained in Shaolin, Ching Wan (Damian Lau), discover a plot to manipulate the duel. As the story unfolds, it offers mesmerizing demonstrations of swordsmanship that are both breathtaking and precise. Despite being less well-known, it’s one of the most authentic, streamlined, and masterfully crafted action movies ever made.
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2024-09-16 19:31