As a movie enthusiast with a deep appreciation for action films, I find myself utterly captivated by the tales of individuals who push the boundaries of physical prowess and resilience, much like Hitoshi Ozawa in “Bad City.” The way he seamlessly blends the artistry of ballet with raw, visceral combat is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s as if we’re watching a production of “Swan Lake” one moment, then a high-octane action flick the next – a testament to Ozawa’s remarkable talent and dedication.
Action films in Hollywood always seem to remain popular. From the thrilling adventure films of the 1920s filled with daring stunts, to the modern-day blockbusters filled with explosions and high-octane action sequences, action movies have almost been a constant since the beginning of cinema itself. While they’re arguably best experienced in a movie theater, there’s something quite appealing about cozying up at home to watch an exciting action film on your television. If you’re a Peacock subscriber, you’ll find plenty of fantastic action movies to pick from.
Because Peacock boasts a variety of films from Universal Studios, it’s common to find brands associated with that label, including the “Fast and Furious” series. These titles usually lead the list in the “Action” category, but if you delve a bit deeper, you’ll discover lesser-known action movies that are absolutely worth your viewing time. Much like other streaming services, Peacock periodically updates its content, so the specific action films may change over time. However, if you’re seeking immediate entertainment, take a look at these underrated action masterpieces that are currently available on Peacock.
Polite Society (2023)
2023’s highly praised British film “Polite Society” stands out not only for its hilarious moments but also for its remarkable action sequences – some of the finest in recent cinematic history. Unlike typical films that rely on apocalyptic scenarios and death-defying feats, “Polite Society” maintains a realistic tone by focusing on Ria Khan (played by Priya Kansara), an aspiring stunt performer. With her sister Lena (Ritu Arya) as her partner in crime, they create their own martial arts movies. However, when Lena gets engaged, she becomes unavailable to assist. At first, Ria yearns for her sister’s return, but she later discovers that the family Lena is set to wed into harbors a dark secret.
The intense fight sequences in “Polite Society” carry an impact (without intending a joke) as they are driven by deeper emotions. Moreover, the employment of practical effects makes everything seem more authentic. Notably, Kansara is often the one engaged in these raw fight scenes. During an interview with the Golden Globes website, Kansara shared that her stunt team urged her to push herself. As she stated, “Much of what you see on screen represents me, about 90%. I said, ‘Move over Tom Cruise, it’s my turn!’
The movie titled “Polite Society” blends the charm of Bollywood, British comedies, and social commentaries into a distinct creation. However, it is heavily influenced by writer-director Nida Manzoor’s passion for action films, as she yearned to find characters in these genres that reflected her identity. As she expressed to Entertainment Weekly, “In the world of movies, we seldom come across Muslim women who engage in music and comedy, let alone lead action films, especially South Asian teenage girls.
Baby Assassins (2021)
2021’s Japanese film “Baby Assassins,” an action-comedy, offers many laughs and thrills that American movie enthusiasts might enjoy. One such example is this production about two teen assassins, Mahiro (played by Saori Izawa) and Chisato (Akari Takaishi), who are tasked with assimilating into everyday life, leading them to share an apartment and seek normal jobs. The ensuing hilarity stems from their struggles to cohabit peacefully. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when they run into a Yakuza boss, at which point the action becomes intense and exciting.
Despite fewer action sequences than some other films on this list, when they occur, they truly stand out and leave a significant impression. Critics generally praised the movie, with The Skinny commenting that “the lead pair are so charismatic that the film could work as a laidback comedy like ‘Office Space’ if all they did was lounge in their apartment together. However, whenever they venture beyond the couch, the story transforms into an electrifying action movie.
If you find yourself captivated by “Baby Assassins” on Peacock, here’s some exciting news: A follow-up was released shortly after the initial movie, and it garnered exceptional praise! Unfortunately, it’s currently not accessible on Peacock. However, if you’re eager to see what mischief Mahiro and Chisato will get into next, you can rent or purchase the sequel from Amazon Prime Video or a similar streaming platform.
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
Tony Jaa is well-known for being one of the most thrilling martial arts actors globally. Starting out in numerous films in Thailand, Jaa moved on to Western productions, marking his Hollywood debut in “Furious 7”. While he’s widely recognized today, it’s largely due to his standout performance in what many consider one of the top action movies of the 21st century – “Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior.
Ja plays the role of Ting, an accomplished Muay Thai martial artist, renowned for his powerful punches, kicks, and devastating elbow and knee attacks. Following the theft of a sacred Buddha statue from his secluded village in Thailand’s scenic northern region, Ting swears to retrieve it. His path takes him south to Bangkok, where he immerses himself in the city’s dark underbelly. Engaging in numerous intense battles while tracking down the statue thieves, Ting’s encounters may make you flinch – if you found “Mortal Kombat” a graphic action movie, you haven’t seen anything close to this yet.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that “Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior” created quite a stir globally. Critics soon compared the lead actor Jaa to martial arts legends like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, showering the film with praise for its intense action sequences. The Hollywood Reporter described it as an “effective martial arts film that will leave you in awe,” while The New York Times called it a “symphony of flying limbs, breaking bones, and intricately planned chases and confrontations” that action movie fans would appreciate immensely.
Monkey Man (2024)
Initially planned for a direct release on Netflix, Jordan Peele recognized a unique quality in “Monkey Man” and opted to distribute the movie under his Monkeypaw Productions through Universal instead. Prior to streaming, the film had a successful theatrical run, which was fitting given its intense fight sequences looked even more spectacular on a large screen. Now, with the theaters behind us, you can now unwind and appreciate it on Peacock.
In “Monkey Man,” Dev Patel assumes the roles of both director and producer, as well as playing the character Kid, who seeks vengeance against the man responsible for his mother’s murder when he was just a child. The action-packed tale of Kid navigating through India’s elite is engaging, but “Monkey Man” delves deeper by exploring themes of power imbalance and oppression, particularly relevant to Kid given his personal history. Moreover, the story offers a compassionate portrayal of Kid’s desire to aid those in need, such as the members of a hijra (transgender) community, who he endeavors to protect in the present day.
The movie titled “Monkey Man” offers more depth than just fist fights, yet it doesn’t skimp on the action. As the Chicago Sun-Times puts it, it’s a “powerfully entertaining and raw-knuckled revenge tale,” while The Atlantic describes it as a “chic thriller that serves as both a captivating showcase for Patel as an actor and storyteller.” Remarkably, the main character performs many of his own stunts. However, this dedication came with a price – during filming, Patel sustained an injury so severe that his hand resembled an elephant’s foot.
The Protégé (2021)
Maggie Q has been making a significant impact in the entertainment world for more than two decades now. She’s starred in films like “Mission: Impossible III” and “Live Free or Die Hard,” as well as taking on the lead role in The CW’s “Nikita.” Her latest role, in 2021’s “The Protégé,” sees her portray Anna Dutton, a hitman who was recruited as a child. After suffering a personal loss, Anna sets out for revenge, leading her to confront the mysterious Michael Rembrandt (played by Michael Keaton).
The film “The Protégé” didn’t create a significant impact, earning approximately $8 million globally. One reason for this could be its release in the fall of 2021, as movie theaters had reopened following COVID-19 closures. It’s reasonable to assume that people were still cautious about attending new movies frequently. Additionally, Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was released a few weeks later, which might have caused some viewers to postpone watching “The Protégé.
Viewers who watched “The Protégé” generally appreciated it, as the movie has garnered a 63% rating from critics and an 82% score from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Notably, The Washington Post praised the film, stating that it is well-made and entertaining, with a surprising twist in the third act that adds depth to the storyline previously presented. If you’re seeking a thrilling action movie centered around assassination plots, consider watching “The Protégé” on Peacock.
The Stunt Man (1980)
2024’s “The Fall Guy” flopped at the box office, but it did highlight the incredible work of stunt performers. If you’re interested in seeing these talented individuals receiving more screen time (even if it’s with a touch of psychological tension instead of comedy), consider watching “The Stunt Man” from 1980 on Peacock. This gritty action movie follows Cameron (played by Steve Railsback) as he evades murder charges and lands a job as a stuntman in a war film directed by Eli Cross (Peter O’Toole). As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly challenging for Cameron to distinguish reality from illusion.
The movie titled “The Stunt Man” was highly praised when it first released, garnering three nominations for the Academy Awards, including one for Peter O’Toole in the Best Actor category and another for Richard Rush as Best Director. Critics from The Associated Press hailed it as a remarkable cinematic illusion, crafting a world where nothing is as it appears. This film offers an array of action sequences but also appeals to various tastes by combining elements of dramas, satires, and thrillers. Despite the passage of time, its impact remains strong, making now an ideal moment to watch it on Peacock.
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
1976’s “Assault on Precinct 13” is one of the initial films directed by John Carpenter and continues to be a notable entry in his body of work. This siege-thriller revolves around Lt. Ethan Bishop (Austin Stoker), who is tasked with maintaining an abandoned LAPD station with only a few staff members and temporary detainees. As the story unfolds, a gang seeking retribution for police killings earlier in the film overruns the precinct, leading to a tense and brutal confrontation.
Carpenter is well-known for his contributions to both horror and action, with some of his films becoming outright classics, including “Halloween,” “The Thing,” and “They Live.” Anyone who considers themselves a fan of Carpenter absolutely has to give “Assault on Precinct 13” a shot, because it sees him really honing in on the things that would become hallmarks in his later work. For example, “Assault on Precinct 13” focuses on crumbling infrastructure and the breakdown of societal norms, which would be showcased on a much larger scale in 1981’s “Escape From New York.”
Despite being almost half a century old, “Assault on Precinct 13” remains strikingly impactful. The issues John Carpenter tackles in this film are as pertinent today as they were during the 70s. In a highly favorable review, Slant Magazine noted: “The contemporary racial and sexual politics embedded within the starkly western aspects of Carpenter’s lean, powerful, genre-bending masterpiece can hardly be overlooked.
Raging Fire (2021)
It takes some serious skill to upstage John Wick (Keanu Reeves) in his own movie, but one could argue that’s precisely what Donnie Yen did as Caine in “John Wick: Chapter 4.” In fact, Lionsgate has announced a Caine spinoff movie set in that universe, such was his impact. While fans wait to see that film come to fruition, they can tide themselves over with 2021’s “Raging Fire,” a Hong Kong action thriller that shows how no one else is quite doing it like Yen right now.
In this rendition, Yen takes on the role of Cheung Sung-bong, a relentless detective assigned to apprehend his former protege, Yau Kong-ngo (portrayed by Nicholas Tse), who has fallen into a life of illegality. The narrative unfolds as an exhilarating cat-and-mouse chase, with Cheung navigating through the underworld in search of Yau. Despite their physical separation for most of the film, the palpable tension and Yen’s extraordinary martial arts skills maintain viewer engagement throughout.
During an exclusive chat with Looper, Donnie Yen shared insights about “Raging Fire”, explaining how he maintained the action’s intensity during combat scenes, including one where he fought multiple adversaries at once. As for that specific scene involving a dozen thugs, he mentioned using various methods such as employing a prop here and there, wielding a mace, tumbling down, and pursuing his co-star, Ben Lim, through the sewers. He added that by creating hurdles, he was constantly taking blows.
Bad City (2022)
Following his role as the action director on “Baby Assassins,” Kensuke Sonomura transitioned into the director’s seat for “Bad City.” This film, unlike what one might expect, offers a multi-layered narrative involving a cat-and-mouse game between the police and criminals. Makoto Torada (portrayed by Hitoshi Ozawa), once a police captain who served time for murder, is discreetly released from prison to head a special task force. Their mission: to take down Gojō Wataru (played by Lily Franky), a shrewd businessman with corrupt intentions, who aims to expand his influence by running for mayor.
As a diehard movie enthusiast, I wouldn’t recommend “Bad City” for its intricate dialogue; it’s more about the heart-pounding action that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat. Just as The Guardian pointed out in their review, the subtlety lies in the elegance of the fight scenes, as captivating as a ballet performance of ‘Swan Lake’. A significant reason why these action sequences pack such a punch is due to Ozawa, the legendary Japanese filmmaker who performed many of his own stunts during filming, despite being well into his sixties.
Ozawa, who has been in the industry for quite some time, recently spoke to Nippon about how action movies have evolved through the decades. “Back then,” he explained, “the choreographer would arrange the fight sequences, while the director or cameraman took care of camera placement.” Nowadays, he noted, an action movie director is responsible for everything.
Stander (2003)
Typically, when people envision a Thomas Jane action movie, they might initially picture “The Punisher” from 2004. But, interestingly, a year prior to that film’s release, Jane played the leading role in an action-filled biopic titled “Stander.” This film centered around André Stander, who was on his way up in the South African police force before experiencing a faith crisis following the shooting of an anti-apartheid protester. Subsequently, Stander embarked on a series of bank robberies, often clashing with colleagues and even investigating crime scenes that involved him at one point.
The tale seems bigger than what we’d normally expect, yet reality can sometimes surpass imagination. Director Bronwen Hughes shared with SFGate her conversations with a member of Stander’s gang about ensuring the details were accurate: “He mentioned that they aimed to remain unseen. Enter. Exit. At times, even the bank guards would be holding the door open for them, as if to say, ‘Thank you kindly, gentlemen. Enjoy your day.’
“Stander” was more grounded in reality than many contemporary action films, which is what captivated critics when it was released. The New York Times described it as an intense examination of a man who compulsively challenged authority, while the Los Angeles Times deemed it both an exhilarating, swift-moving mafia tale and a shrewd critique of apartheid.
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2024-09-16 14:30