I got the idea to make this post after watching a video from a movie/anime reviewer named Tony (AKA The Black Critic Guy) where he described why he thought the Star Vs The Forces Of Evil episode Lava Lake Beach was amazing and how it had a perfect ending. In the video, he also showed he considers films like Whiplash, Unforgivin, Up, and A Few Good Men to have perfect scenes. And that got me thinking "What scenes do I consider perfect/flawless?"
So I decided to make my own list of scenes from movies that I think are masterfully done. Keep in mind that this list is just my opinion and I'm just listing the movies that immediately come to mind. Maybe I'm missing a few other picks.
And of course, spoiler warning.
The Shawshank Redemption- It's hard to pick just one scene from Shawshank since the whole film is flawless (My favorite film of all time), but if I to just pick one part of the film it would probably be the ending where Red violates parole and travels across the border to finally reunite with Andy. The entire film masterfully develops Andy and Red as best friends and so seeing them finally reunite on that beautiful beach after all this time moved me in a way that no other film has ever done. Add in the gorgous cinematography from Roger Dekins and Thomaas Newmann's amazing score, you have the most emotionally satisfying ending of all time IMO. I know that originally Frank Darabont wanted to end the film and not show Red cross the border since hope is the main theme of the film. And while that would've been a very powerful ending too, I'm glad we got to see the 2 reunite and be happy (And Darabont also knew that the scene shouldn't go on too long at the risk of getting overly sappy).
Whiplash- I honestly think this film should've won Best Picture over Birdman (Which I also love). This film is pretty flawless in every way (Acting, character development, directing, story, editing, score, etc). And my god this film's climax with Andrew performing the drums live to impress Mr Fletcher is one of the most intense scenes I've ever seen. Just as intense as a great action scene.
Goodfellas- This might sound like a bit of a cliche, but it's the whole "You think I'm funny" moment where Joe Pesci asks the guy who said he was funny what that really means. Tommy Devito is a very darkly funny guy throughout the entire film, but this scene also tells us to not say the wrong thing to him. And I'm shocked by how great and tight this scene feels considering it was improvised, not scripted.
Gladiator- I just saw this film for the first time a few months ago and absolutely loved it (Are You Not Entertained?!). But even though I already knew what the ending was, I still found it to be emotionally moving. Maximus's death was handled beautifully and Juba promising to Maximus again one day=the man feels.
American Psycho- Sometimes narration in films can feel forced and/or lazy and come across as the director and writers giving us a big exposition dump. But some films like the aforementioned Shawshank Redemption and American Psycho use narration perfectly. Considering how insane and weird Patrick Bateman is, it makes total sense for us to hear what he's saying in his head. And that opening scene of him getting up and showering while giving us his monologue. Dark comedy gold. Now, if you excuse me I have to return some Hughy Lewis In The News videotapes.
Seven- What's in the box!? Seven has one of the greatest climax's I've ever seen. When the detectives finally catch the killer John Doe, he helps them find the final 2 victims. It turns out that one of them was Brad Pitt's wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) and her head is now decapitated in a box. This angers Pitt so much that despite Morgan Freeman's warning, shoots Doe in the head and he becomes the last victim (Wraith). Pitt is then arrested for the murder. The reason this ending floured me so much isn't just because of how intense it is, it's because we have a movie where the bad guy actually won. Sure he gets killed, but that was all part of his plan. Thank god New Line Cinema didn't change this ending.
Jaws- Obviously you have to talk about the opening scene of Jaws where the shark first attacks that drunk woman. Even though you don't see the shark (Mainly because they where having problems with the prop), that's great because the things you don't see terrify you more than the tings you do see. And of course John Williams's score is still a classic on it's own. Makes you scared of swimming at a beach. Also, the entire scene where Quint tells Brody and Hooper about the whole U.S.S Indianapolis incident after they were just drinking and having fun. I honestly hope they make a stand alone film about this story.
Up- Obviously you know I'm talking about the first 10 minutes of this film where you see Carl a meet Ellie as a little boy and they become best friends because of their shared love for adventure. We then see them get married and live a happy life together for many many years. But unfortunately when they finally have enough money to go to Paradise Falls, Ellie becomes ill and dies in the hospital with Carl by her side. I remember hearing about how sad the opening scenes were and I didn't believe it until I saw it and started weeping.
Toy Story 3- That moment finally came. Andy has grown up and gave his toys to a new kid (Bonnie). One thing I love about this scene that nobody I know really mentions is that even though Andy is ready to give up his toys to Bonnie now and introduces them to her, when she finds Woody in the box, Andy is originally reluctant to give him away. But he takes a good look at him and Bonnie and realizes that Woody could impact her the same way he impacted him, so he finally parts way with him and the other toys after he plays with them one last time with Bonnie. And Woody saying "So long partner" is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark- The truck chase scene is probably my favorite action scene of all time. Indiana Jones keeps getting pounded and pounded until finally knocks that dude out of the truck. And it's so great to see an action scene that uses long wide takes, practical effects, and no stupid shaky cam.
Man Of Steel- I know Man Of Steel is a very divisive film, but I consider it to be one of the best comic book films ever made. And the scene where Kal-El tries to fly after getting his suit is not only visually stunning with a brilliant score by Hans Zimmer, it's truly great. And love that smile Henry Cavill gives that truly sells "Oh my god, I can actually fly!".
The Dark Knight- I've always loved the relationship between Batman and Joker and the interrogation scene shows why. Batman and Joker are really two sides of the same coin and are both really kind of insane, but the big difference is that Batman fights for very different reasons than Joker. Brilliant scene with great performances from Bale and Ledger.
The King's Speech- That scene where Colin Firth and Geffory Rush are talking to each other during the first session scene. It's just a beautifully shot scene of 2 characters talking to each other for about 6 or 7 minutes and it's incredibly riveting.
Spider-Man 3- Spider-Man 3 is far from a perfect movie, but the Birth of Sandman scene is so brilliant. It's one of the best scenes I've seen in a comic book film actually. It's very powerful scene with no dialougue that shows us how powerful Flint Marko has become as Sandman and how it helps motivate him to continue and try to save his dying daughter. It also has a great score from Christopher Young (Which should be released) and great looking CGi (Especially back in 2007).
E.T.- E.T. Go Home. Such a great happy/sad ending with Elliot finally having to say goodbye to his best friend (Ouch). I wonder if they ever saw each other again?
Drive- The first 5 minutes showing us The Driver's life captures a night time city perfectly. And I love that Ticking Of The Clock music.
The Lion King- The circle Of Life opening features gorgeous animation, brilliant music (I can see why Zimmer won the Oscar), and was a great way to introduce us to our future king, Simba.
The Battle For Mewni- I know this isn't a theatrical film, but I still want to mention Star and Marco's reunion. First of all, it has the most adorable Star and Marco hug in the series and like pretty much all of their other interactions, it feels like genuine best friends. And they could've easily make it awkward because of Star's confession in Starcrushed, but that can wait. All that mattered to them was seeing each other again.
Predator- That moment after an injured Dutch screams "Get to the choppa!" and the score kicks in and Dutch is horrified when he escapes and realizes that he's the only guy left and has to stop The Predator on his own.
The Empire Strikes Back- My favorite light saber fight in all the Star Wars movies is the Luke Vs Vader fight at the Empire because of how beautifully shot and choreographed it is (And of course John Williams's score is fantastic). Sure maybe The Phantom Menace Darth Maul fight looks better, but Empire actually has the emotion.
Oh and of course, the scene and Samurai Cop where the fat guy gets shot multiple times and dies. Cinematic perfection right there. XD
What movie scenes do you consider perfect? Comment and let me know. And thanks for reading. :0)
Link to the BCG's video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFg599WWfgg&t=1s