Don't worry, Chat GPT or any artificial intelligence will not be replacing me any time soon. But I did wanna try it out and see how well it could produce a fight scenes list. Particularly one that I myself would likely never attempt because of the sheer depth and breadth of the choreographic catalog I would have to conjure up to convince myself I've done the list justice. Hence me only basing my lists off of specific categories. So I started out with the simple prompt, "Top 12 fight scenes of all time". Though it was honest enough to note that it's list was based on subjective preference it seemed to choose the most popularly ranked fight scenes according to conventional cinematic perspectives. The list it generated was a little off ranking "The Battle of Helm's Deep" from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers as a "fight scene". Not to mention iconic non-fights like Indiana Jones' gun vs. sword "fight" from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" which was more of Harrison Ford's personal duel with dysentery than anything. The list also had less than desirable diversity in the other fight sequences chosen namely picking scenes from The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded in addition to picking 2 Bruce Lee films; Enter the Dragon and Way of the Dragon. A little too much Matrix and a few too many dragons.
I then used the prompt "top 12 fight scenes excluding large-scale battles and only one movie per franchise" but it still added Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 as separate entries and still violated the first rule of ignoring battles by throwing in Braveheart. Not the smartest AI it seems but maybe because I'm using the free version and not clearly defining the parameters? Still not satisfied with the list, I next typed in the prompt "top 12 most well choreographed fight scenes of all time". The result was much more in line with what I and most fight scene aficionados would want. Once again it ranked The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded as individual entries. Chat GPT, or should I say the internet as a whole, really loves The Matrix. It also keeps going with the "lobby scene" from the original Matrix film which is traditionally considered a shootout but I let it slide for the previous lists so I'm not too bothered. But the funniest detail came in the form of plugging in "the dojo fight" from The Raid: Redemption. I didn't see any dojos in that movie. Did you? I'll just assume it meant the final fight because that's what most people go with. I also just only then noticed it wasn't really ranking the list even if based on mainstream internet opinion as Oldboy was #1, the fight between Jackie Chan and Benny Urquidez was in Wheels on Meals #12, and what is often placed at #1 was instead slapped squarely in the middle at #6, Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris from Way of the Dragon.
Having tested Chat GPT for fight scene related things on other occasions in the past in preparation for this article, I knew it wouldn't follow more complex prompts successfully so I first added the prompt, "replace The Matrix lobby scene with another fight scene from another movie". It included 11 alternatives including a couple already in the original list like The Raid and Wheels on Meals. It also mistakenly mentioned "Jackie Chan vs. Ken Lo in Police Story". Obviously it meant Drunken Master 2. To add more variety to the list, I needed to choose a fight scene that did not include any of the actors/martial artists already on the list. Originally I was going to include the duel between Jet Li and Donnie Yen in Hero but since Yen was already represented in the previously made list, I thought about the Daredevil hallway fight which would allow for the inclusion of a television series. But because of the very hallway fight that inspired Daredevil's updated version, Oldboy, was in the list anyway, I went with Hero.
I inserted Hero into the slot that The Matrix lobby scene once sat in, and then copied and pasted the rest of this slightly revised version of Chat GPT's list preceded by the prompt, "rank the following from best to worst with #10 being worst and #1 being best". For some reason it randomly ordered everything from #10 to #19. What does it take to make a decent list here? I simplified the prompt replacing the first command with "rank the following fight scenes". My personal biases were starting to show as #1 was Oldboy, #12 was Wheels on Meals and everything else was seemingly randomly tossed in. Getting a little annoyed but still intrigued by Chat GPT's strange limitations and/or tendencies, I tried again by taking out the numbers next to the fight scenes. It did the same thing again. Giving up on any further specificity, I realized I might as well just go with an unranked list in the most order it provided. Because Chat GPT is not advanced enough to enter more than 1 sentence per entry all at once, I had to give it the prompt "comment on the fight choreography behind the (blank) fight scene including information on the actors and fight choreographer" for each and every entry on its list. And the results were....well....this. So after 4 paragraphs of detailed logs of this weird but nevertheless entertaining endeavor, here are Chat GPT's top 12 fight scenes of all times in order of it's last generated list. Know that I have not rewritten or reformatted anything besides boldening the title texts and adding accompanying videos.
The Corridor Scene in "Oldboy" (2003)
The corridor fight scene in "Oldboy" is widely regarded as one of the most well-choreographed and memorable fight scenes in cinema history. The intense, unbroken shot of Oh Dae-su fighting his way through a hallway of attackers was a technical feat, but it's the fight choreography that makes the scene truly unforgettable.
The fight choreographer behind the scene was Yang Kil-young, a well-respected Korean martial arts expert and choreographer. Yang's choreography combines multiple styles of martial arts, including Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Kali. The result is a fast-paced and brutal fight that showcases the versatility and danger of each fighting style.
Choi Min-sik, who played the role of Oh Dae-su, did an exceptional job executing the fight choreography. His physicality, timing, and ability to portray both vulnerability and ferocity make the scene more than just a display of flashy moves. He made the audience feel the exhaustion and pain of each hit while still maintaining an impressive level of skill and coordination.
Overall, the fight choreography in the corridor scene of "Oldboy" is a testament to the value of using multiple martial arts styles in choreography, the skill of the actors, and the vision of the choreographer. The result is a visceral, intense, and unforgettable fight scene that remains a classic in cinema history.
Jet Li vs. Donnie Yen in "Hero" (2002)
The fight scene between Jet Li and Donnie Yen in "Hero" is a masterpiece of martial arts choreography, showcasing the talents of both actors and the skillful direction of choreographer Tony Ching Siu-Tung. Ching, who has worked on numerous Hong Kong action films, brought his expertise to "Hero" and crafted a fight scene that is both thrilling and visually stunning.
Jet Li, a well-known martial arts actor, plays the role of Nameless, a warrior who seeks to assassinate the King of Qin. Donnie Yen, another accomplished martial artist and actor, plays the role of Sky, a skilled swordsman and rival of Nameless.
The fight between the two is a breathtaking display of choreography, featuring fluid and graceful movements that are perfectly executed by both actors. The scene is notable for its use of color, as the characters move through different rooms, each with a different color scheme. This adds to the beauty of the scene and enhances the visual impact of the choreography.
Overall, the fight scene between Jet Li and Donnie Yen in "Hero" is a masterful example of martial arts choreography, featuring two talented actors and a skilled fight choreographer who brought their best to create an unforgettable scene.
The final fight in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000)
(the description mentions the "final fight" but Chat GPT also mentions Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi and not Chow Yun-Fat so I'll just pick the earlier fight between Yeoh and Zhang instead because I personally prefer it)
The final fight in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a breathtaking display of martial arts and fight choreography that captures the essence of wuxia cinema. The fight choreographer behind this stunning sequence was Yuen Wo-ping, a highly respected Hong Kong martial arts choreographer who has worked on many classic martial arts films.
The choreography in this fight sequence blends several different martial arts styles, including Wushu, Tai Chi, and Wing Chun, to create a unique and seamless fusion of movements. The choreography emphasizes grace, fluidity, and precision, and the result is a visually stunning and highly stylized fight scene.
The actors who performed in the scene, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, deserve significant credit for their performances. Both actresses underwent months of intense training to perfect the fight choreography and achieve the level of skill required for the scene. Their performances are characterized by incredible physicality, emotional depth, and a sense of intimacy and understanding between the characters.
Overall, the fight choreography in the final fight of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a masterclass in martial arts choreography. The choreographer, Yuen Wo-ping, expertly blends multiple martial arts styles to create a unique and beautiful fight sequence that complements the film's themes of love, honor, and sacrifice. The actors' performances add a layer of emotional depth and make the scene unforgettable.
The fight between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in "Way of the Dragon" (1972)
The fight scene between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in "Way of the Dragon" is one of the most iconic martial arts duels in cinema history. The fight choreography was expertly crafted by Bruce Lee himself, who not only starred in the film but also wrote and directed it.
The fight is set in the Colosseum in Rome, and the choreography perfectly blends elements of different martial arts styles, showcasing both Lee and Norris's incredible skills. The choreography is characterized by its smooth transitions, impeccable timing, and the intense back-and-forth between the two fighters. The fight builds to a thrilling climax as Lee and Norris engage in an intense and exhausting fight, with Lee ultimately emerging victorious.
Bruce Lee's portrayal of Tang Lung, combined with his incredible fight choreography, cemented his status as a martial arts legend. Similarly, Chuck Norris's performance and skills in the fight scene added to his reputation as one of the greatest martial artists of all time.
Overall, the fight scene between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in "Way of the Dragon" is a masterful display of martial arts choreography, featuring two of the most iconic figures in the genre. The fight choreography set the standard for future martial arts films and remains a classic to this day.
The stairwell fight in "Atomic Blonde" (2017)
The stairwell fight scene in "Atomic Blonde" is a stunning display of fight choreography that showcases the skill of the actors and the creativity of the fight choreographer. The scene is shot in a single take, which makes it all the more impressive.
The fight choreographer for "Atomic Blonde" was Jon Valera, who has worked on several action movies, including "John Wick: Chapter 2" and "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." Valera's work on the stairwell fight scene is particularly noteworthy for its use of practical stunts and intense close-quarters combat.
The scene features Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton and several attackers, all fighting their way down a narrow stairwell in a brutal and unrelenting battle. The choreography is both realistic and intense, with Theron using a combination of hand-to-hand combat and improvised weapons to take down her opponents.
Theron trained extensively for the fight scenes in "Atomic Blonde," and it shows in her performance. She performs many of her own stunts and executes complex fight sequences with precision and skill.
Overall, the stairwell fight scene in "Atomic Blonde" is a masterclass in fight choreography, featuring impressive stunts, intense combat, and a talented cast and crew.
The fight between Ip Man and ten black belts in "Ip Man" (2008)
The fight choreography in the Ip Man and ten black belts scene in the 2008 film "Ip Man" is a standout moment in the film's action sequences. The fight is fast-paced, visually stunning, and showcases the martial arts skills of both the protagonist and his opponents.
The scene was choreographed by Sammo Hung, a legendary martial arts choreographer and actor, who has worked on many notable films, including "Enter the Dragon" and "Kung Fu Hustle." Hung's expertise in martial arts choreography is evident in the way the fight scenes are shot and edited.
Donnie Yen, who plays Ip Man, is a highly skilled martial artist in real life and his training in Wing Chun is showcased in the choreography. The ten black belts were played by a group of martial artists, including Xing Yu, who is known for his roles in "Kung Fu Hustle" and "Shaolin Soccer."
The fight choreography in this scene emphasizes the speed and precision of Wing Chun, with Ip Man taking down his opponents in a series of quick, efficient moves. The use of slow-motion shots and close-ups adds to the intensity of the fight and highlights the skill of the actors and choreographer.
Overall, the fight choreography in the Ip Man and ten black belts scene is a standout moment in the film and a testament to the skill of the actors and Sammo Hung's expertise as a choreographer.
The bathroom fight in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" (2018)
The bathroom fight scene in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" is considered one of the most impressive fight sequences in recent action movies. The scene takes place in a tight, confined space and involves a physical altercation between Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) and an assassin named John Lark (played by Lorne Balfe).
The fight choreography in this scene was masterfully executed by Wade Eastwood, a renowned stunt coordinator and fight choreographer. Eastwood has worked on several high-profile action films, including "Fast & Furious 6," "World War Z," and "Captain America: The First Avenger."
One of the standout aspects of the choreography in this scene is the use of close-quarters combat techniques. The fighters utilize a variety of hand-to-hand combat moves, including punches, kicks, and grappling techniques, to gain the upper hand in the fight. Additionally, the choreography incorporates elements of the environment, such as sinks and toilet stalls, to create innovative fighting moves.
Both Tom Cruise and Lorne Balfe trained extensively for this scene to ensure that they could execute the fight choreography convincingly. Cruise, in particular, is known for performing many of his own stunts, and he reportedly spent months training for this scene.
Overall, the bathroom fight scene in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" is a stunning example of expertly crafted fight choreography. The combination of skilled actors, intricate choreography, and creative use of the environment creates a truly memorable action sequence.
The final fight in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003)
The final fight scene in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" is a masterclass in fight choreography, blending traditional martial arts with the stylized aesthetic of director Quentin Tarantino. The scene is notable for its intense, fast-paced action, intricate fight sequences, and visually stunning cinematography.
The fight scene is between the Bride, played by Uma Thurman, and O-Ren Ishii, played by Lucy Liu. Both actors underwent extensive training in martial arts to perform their roles convincingly. Uma Thurman, in particular, trained for months with renowned martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, who has also worked on other iconic films such as "The Matrix" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Lucy Liu also underwent rigorous training in martial arts, including sword fighting.
The fight choreography was also handled by Yuen Woo-ping, who is widely regarded as one of the best martial arts choreographers in the film industry. He worked closely with Tarantino to create a unique blend of traditional kung fu techniques and modern cinematic style. The fight sequences are meticulously choreographed, with each move carefully planned and executed to create a sense of fluidity and grace.
One of the most memorable moments in the scene is the showdown between the Bride and O-Ren Ishii in the snow-covered garden. The scene is shot in a stunning black and white aesthetic, which heightens the dramatic tension and showcases the skillful choreography of the actors. The use of slow-motion and close-up shots also adds to the cinematic impact of the fight.
Overall, the fight choreography in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" is a standout element of the film, showcasing the skillful performances of the actors and the visionary work of Yuen Woo-ping and Quentin Tarantino. It remains one of the most iconic fight scenes in modern cinema.
The fight between Neo and Agent Smith in "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003)
The fight between Neo and Agent Smith in "The Matrix Reloaded" is considered one of the most iconic and well-choreographed fight scenes in cinema history. The fight was choreographed by legendary martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, who had previously worked on movies like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Kill Bill."
The scene was shot over several months, and both Keanu Reeves, who played Neo, and Hugo Weaving, who played Agent Smith, underwent extensive martial arts training to prepare for their roles. Reeves trained in a style of martial arts called "wushu," which emphasizes acrobatics and fluid, graceful movements. Weaving, on the other hand, trained in a more aggressive and forceful style of martial arts, which was meant to contrast with Reeves' style.
The fight choreography itself was a blend of different martial arts styles, including wushu, kung fu, and judo. The scene features a mix of hand-to-hand combat, weapon-based combat, and wire work, which allows the actors to perform gravity-defying stunts.
What makes the fight scene so impressive is not just the technical skill of the actors and the choreography, but also the emotional weight behind the fight. The scene is a pivotal moment in the movie, as Neo is forced to confront the full power of the Matrix's agents. The tension and intensity of the fight are palpable, and the audience is left on the edge of their seat as the two characters battle it out.
Overall, the fight choreography behind the fight between Neo and Agent Smith in "The Matrix Reloaded" is a testament to the skill and creativity of Yuen Woo-ping and the dedication of Keanu Reeves and Hugo Weaving to their roles. The scene remains a classic example of cinematic fight choreography and continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
The fight between Tony Jaa and Lateef Crowder in "Tom-Yum-Goong" (2005)
(version w/ different soundtrack)
The fight between Tony Jaa and Lateef Crowder in "Tom-Yum-Goong" (also known as "The Protector" in some countries) is another iconic fight scene in martial arts cinema. The fight choreography was handled by Tony Jaa himself, along with Panna Rittikrai, who was also the director of the movie.
Tony Jaa, who plays the protagonist Kham, is a highly skilled martial artist and a practitioner of the ancient Thai martial art of Muay Boran. Lateef Crowder, who plays the villainous Capoeira fighter, is also a skilled martial artist and a practitioner of the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira.
The fight scene between Jaa and Crowder is a showcase of their respective fighting styles. Jaa's character uses a variety of Muay Boran techniques, including kicks, knees, elbows, and clinching, while Crowder's character utilizes his acrobatic Capoeira moves to avoid and counter Jaa's attacks.
One of the most impressive aspects of the fight choreography is the seamless integration of stunts and practical effects. The fight takes place on a multi-level construction site, and the two characters jump and climb between different levels, using their surroundings to their advantage.
The fight choreography also includes some impressive long takes, where the camera follows the action in a continuous shot, without any cuts. These long takes help to showcase the actors' martial arts skills and make the fight feel more visceral and intense.
Overall, the fight choreography in "Tom-Yum-Goong" is a testament to Tony Jaa and Panna Rittikrai's skill and creativity in crafting engaging and exciting fight scenes. The fight between Jaa and Crowder remains a classic example of martial arts cinema and continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
The final fight in "The Raid: Redemption" (2011)
The final fight in "The Raid: Redemption" is widely regarded as one of the most intense and brutal fight scenes in modern action cinema. The fight was choreographed by Iko Uwais, who also played the film's protagonist, Rama, and Yayan Ruhian, who played the film's main antagonist, Mad Dog.
Uwais and Ruhian are both skilled martial artists and members of the Indonesian martial arts group Pencak Silat. The final fight scene showcases their mastery of the art, as they engage in a prolonged and grueling battle inside a cramped and claustrophobic hallway.
The fight choreography is notable for its use of close-quarters combat, with the actors frequently grappling and wrestling with each other. The scene also features a variety of weapons, including knives and broken glass, which add to the tension and brutality of the fight.
What makes the final fight scene so effective is the raw physicality and realism of the choreography. The actors perform their own stunts and fight sequences, without the use of wires or CGI, which makes the fight feel more visceral and intense.
The scene is also expertly shot and edited, with the camera capturing every punch, kick, and impact in vivid detail. The editing is fast-paced and frenetic, adding to the sense of chaos and desperation in the fight.
Overall, the fight choreography in "The Raid: Redemption" is a masterclass in action filmmaking, showcasing the skill and creativity of Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, and the film's director, Gareth Evans. The final fight scene is a thrilling and intense conclusion to the film, and it remains a classic example of modern martial arts cinema.
The fight between Jackie Chan and Benny Urquidez in "Wheels on Meals" (1984)
(higher quality without iconic soundtrack)
(version with catchier soundtrack)
The fight between Jackie Chan and Benny Urquidez in "Wheels on Meals" is a legendary moment in martial arts cinema history. The fight was choreographed by Jackie Chan himself, who also starred in the film alongside Benny Urquidez.
Both Chan and Urquidez are highly skilled martial artists with backgrounds in different styles. Chan is known for his use of comedic and acrobatic fighting techniques, while Urquidez is a world-renowned kickboxer with a background in traditional martial arts.
The fight choreography is a showcase of their respective styles, with Chan's character utilizing his agility and resourcefulness to evade and counter Urquidez's powerful kicks and punches. The fight takes place in a small alleyway, which adds to the intensity and claustrophobia of the scene.
One of the standout moments of the fight is when Chan's character uses a ladder as a weapon, swinging it around and using it to block Urquidez's attacks. This moment has become iconic in martial arts cinema and is a testament to Chan's creativity and improvisational skills as a filmmaker and choreographer.
The fight choreography also includes some impressive stunts and practical effects, with both actors performing their own stunts and fight sequences without the use of wires or CGI.
Overall, the fight between Jackie Chan and Benny Urquidez in "Wheels on Meals" is a classic example of martial arts cinema at its finest. The fight choreography is a testament to Chan's creativity and skill as a filmmaker and choreographer, as well as the martial arts prowess of both Chan and Urquidez. The scene remains a fan-favorite and continues to inspire filmmakers and martial arts enthusiasts around the world.
So there you have it. Once again, not sure if it's the free version I'm using but there's some grammatical/vocabularic repetition that really reduces the overall eloquence of the writing. Asking it to include more puns and alliterations as is my personal style results in it sounding too corny at times. There are even some laughable inaccuracies like how it misidentified Henry Cavill and/or Liang Ying (it didn't seem to know there were 3 actors in the fight) as "Lorne Balfe" who is the film's musical composer LOL One among several strange bits of incorrect information that definitely makes all of this a more interesting read. It also refuses to "represent" someone's else's work, maybe to avoid copyright issues or other legal consequences, so I wasn't able to get it to recreate what it deemed to be my own writing methods from my website. And of course, as I mentioned before, I'm not advocating for a complete digital domination of all online writing by a computer-controlled counterpart. Chat GPT is neither a synthetic successor nor an algorithmic adversary. It's merely an assistant at this point and for my purposes merely for experimentation. Anyways, as I promised, disregarding this slight deviation from the schedule, the next article is still going to be about Iko Uwais. So subscribe to the website if you haven't so you'll get a nice little notification when it actually comes out.
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