FIVE SCENES TO SEE
Director Ed Kirk picks his favourite film moments
Ed Kirk is a UK-based writer and director, who has directed a series of short films, as well as the feature-length sci-fi film Future Soldier, which is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.
He recently completed the folk horror short, Black Dog, which premiered at the Spirit of Independence Film Festival in Sheffield.
Blood Rave - Blade (1998)
Maybe the best opening to a Marvel movie. The vampire club, blood rave and Blade's (Wesley Snipes) introduction is a fantastic opening, blending horror and action. Some wink at the camera moments and an amazing techno soundtrack.
Hand Jive Dance Competition - Grease (1978)
Lots of standouts from Grease for me but I think my favourite is a specific moment during the prolonged dance competition sequence. Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) enter as the music rises as they begin their routine. I have a lot of love for Grease and this specific moment. An honourable mention is the scene where the T-Birds brandish weapons at a rival gang, weapons including a switchblade and a water pistol.
Kitchen Fight - Raid 2 (2014)
Just an absolutely incredible final fight. Brutal, amazingly put together. It's built throughout most of the second half of the film, and it's such an edge-of-your-seat sequence. It's also really intricate and showcases just how amazing and beautiful choreography can be.
Final Duel - For A Few Dollars More (1965)
The final duel from the second Dollars film, between Lee Van Cleet and Gian Maria Volonté, is set to a building watch chimes and a grand score. I love this sequence, especially as the dynamic shifts throughout when Clint Eastwood resets the watch in a surprising twist.
Tears in the Rain - Blade Runner (1982), The Final Cut (2007)
Roy Batty's (Rutger Hauer) final monologue is such a bittersweet, moving end to a fantastic, complex villain (?). It's such a stunning film and what it means to be human, and the setting, the score, the performance - it's all beautiful.
Honourable Mentions
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - Leap of Faith
Star Trek (2009) - Any scene in the third act does a good job of giving me chills, probably thanks to Michael Giacchino's incredible score.
Sicario (2015) - Border crossing/traffic jam
Halo 2 (2004)Â - Giving the Covenant back their bomb (any number of gaming cinematics could have counted, but this one is a stand out)