You forgot the Snyderverse.
Only if we're counting epic failures...
You forgot the Snyderverse.
Nice list, I'd add the original Planet of the Apes sagaEpic Film & Television:
- Star Wars OT
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Aliens
- Braveheart
- Gladiator
- LOTR
- The Infinity Saga
- Game of Thrones
That's what I can think of right off the top of my head that fits my conception of 'epic'. I think the Mandalorian is very good, not epic. Interestingly, in the list above you could argue that 3 out of 8 failed to stick the landing, whether it was impossible expectations or a relatively weak ending.
*Edited to add Raiders after Wor-Gar reminded me.
Stumbled upon this fan-made video, man, it's so good.
Well yes like most things in the OT they need to be changed.Have to change both Luke v Vader scenes then too.
My favorite lightsaber duel is the Empire one. Vader was testing Luke the whole time until Luke hit his shoulder and then Vader had enough and ended it. Your right about Vader being calculated. The duel in a new hope was not exciting but since the swords were so delicate I understand why. The phantom Menace duel was really well done also. Epic music in it as well helped to elevate it. The reimaging to me looks cool at first but doesn't fit. Especially after the Rogue One Vader scene. He was a monster in it and used the Force and Lightsaber in tandem very quickly to wipe out the rebel soldiers. Makes the Obi Wan duel redo more ridiculous in that Vader is not as calculated.I really don't understand how anyone over the age of 12 can watch the ROTS duel between Obi and Anakin and not think its fairly ridiculous. From the balancing acts all the way to the "high ground" it is just nonsense and worse, not very exciting -- there is no moment of threat, danger or genuine suspense.
Granted, the duel between Ben and Vader in ANH was never that great. It was the idea. Lucas nailed a perfect saber duel in ESB. The duel in TPM was also quite well done (minus the superman leaps which were simply planted throughout to justify the necessary "jump" for Obi-Wan to flip over Maul).
Good stuff.My favorite lightsaber duel is the Empire one. Vader was testing Luke the whole time until Luke hit his shoulder and then Vader had enough and ended it. Your right about Vader being calculated. The duel in a new hope was not exciting but since the swords were so delicate I understand why. The phantom Menace duel was really well done also. Epic music in it as well helped to elevate it. The reimaging to me looks cool at first but doesn't fit. Especially after the Rogue One Vader scene. He was a monster in it and used the Force and Lightsaber in tandem very quickly to wipe out the rebel soldiers. Makes the Obi Wan duel redo more ridiculous in that Vader is not as calculated.
The OT duels definitely need a lot more spinning because that's a good trick.
The OT duels definitely need a lot more spinning because that's a good trick.
Yep I agree with all of that. Very important Duel to see so much in it. Great cinematography and the build up of William"s score helped to build the overall tension and the pace.Good stuff.
As far as I'm concerned, the ESB duel will never be matched, much less surpassed. And it has everything to do with storytelling (much more so than even the great visuals). It was basically a three-act story set inside the third act of a larger story.
Act One: A supremely confident Vader toys with Luke, wielding his red saber with only one hand, testing the kid and methodically leading the fight to the center of the freezing chamber until he deposits the Jedi student into the pit. It ends with Vader's declaration that this was "all too easy."
Act Two: Luke isn't just a Jedi student, he's Anakin's son. Vader is impressed (*most* impressed). Now it's not just about luring Luke into carbonite, it's about respect being gained and taking a better measure of his abilities. Both hands on the saber now. In retrospect, you can easily picture the wheels turning in Vader's mind.
Act Three: Vader unleashed. No more toying. Vader ends the duel, but not the story. The kid might have what it takes; a team-up could yield a seat on the throne. The crescendo is "I am your father." Luke has a choice to make. And the man-turned-monster who is Vader has connected once again with his human side for the first time in 20 years. Internal conflict set in, and he's got a lot to think about. Same for Luke. One headed toward the light, the other toward the dark.
******* awesome! Can't be beaten. Although the ROTJ duel is vastly underrated. But these things eventually turned into little more than circus acts set to great music. There's no going back. It just makes me appreciate the storytelling of those OT duels all the more! Even the question of who ignites his saber first is part of each story. It ends up being a critical point with respect to Luke. Ah, the good ol' days.
Those words sum up exactly how i feel when watching both the PT and ST
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