Movie moments you need to see before you die
1. D-Day Landing - Saving Private Ryan
On June 6, 1944, the Allies performed the largest seaborne invasion in history with the goal of breaking the German stronghold of France. The Normandy coast was heavily fortified by the enemy and massive casualties were expected. In stunning fashion, Steven Spielberg was able to recreate this momentous event and capture all of the crucial elements of war. The scene begins with the soldiers' trepidation prior to storming Omaha beach, but this calm is quickly shattered as bullets rain down upon the troops before they can even evacuate their boat. With all hope seemingly lost within seconds, the shaky camera follows the movements of Captain Miller and what is left of his men as they act with incredible bravery to capture the beach. Overall, the camerawork, sounds of explosions and gunfire, amazing performances, and horrific injuries result in the greatest movie scene of all time.
[So real that the video is blocked by the website]
2. Opening Scene - The Dark Knight
As in any other art form, the hook of a story is one of its most crucial aspects. The opening scene of The Dark Knight certainly grabs the attention of the viewer as it displays an ingenious bank robbery. We get this sustained, high-pitch violin note while we watch the crew kill off each member as soon as their task is completed. Then, we reach the end when only one masked perpetrator remains. In one of the best character reveals in film history, the score drops a few octaves as the Joker takes off his mask and displays that frightening smile.
3. Opening Scene - Inglourious Basterds
Speaking of opening scenes, that of Inglourious Basterds doesn't lag too far behind the Joker's bank robbery. In this ultra-intense encounter, Hans Landa investigates a dairy farmer suspected of harboring Jews during the Third Reich's reign in France. Tension builds and builds until Landa finally gets a confession, and the German soldiers open fire on the floorboards of the cottage. And as the lone survivor runs off into the distance, "The Jew Hunter" is confident they will meet again.
4. Courtroom Scene - A Few Good Men
One of the most satisfying moments in film history is when Colonel Jessup finally admits to the obscene practices in Guantanamo Day. The iconic "you can't handle the truth" is shouted by the insufferable witness just moments before this admission of guilt and this line only adds to an already brilliant exchange. The beauty of the scene lies in the fact that the colonel makes excellent points regarding the necessary practices within a hostile military zone. Fortunately, Lt. Daniel Kaffee is up to the challenge against this esteemed military man as he gets Jessup to crack under oath.
5. Parade Scene - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
In this scene, Ferris Bueller takes over a parade and brings seemingly the entire city of Chicago together in song. The sheer amount of energy felt at this moment not only makes the sequence timeless, but it also makes every viewer want to leap out of their seat to twist and shout.
6. Bat Scene - The Shining
The most thrilling scene in The Shining has to be Wendy's frightful exchange with Jack while clutching a bat for protection. Jack Nicholson's remarkable, psychotic performance at this moment paired with his wife's devastating responses play out for an epic confrontation.
7. Coin Toss Scene - No Country for Old Men
The coin toss scene in No Country for Old Men is a random, yet chilling moment that has nothing to do with the plot of the movie. The antagonist has already proven his murderous intentions through two ruthless kills earlier in the film. As a result, we all expect the worst when he asks a confused gas station clerk to call a coin flip.
8. Processing Scene - The Master
While I wouldn't recommend this movie in full, the processing scene in The Master lives up to all the critical acclaim the film receives. Here we see a mentally broken man asked a series of questions that are congruent with those used in the real world of Scientology. While answering, Joaquin Phoenix has to keep his eyes open for several minutes at a time and the agony he feels is truly evident. As a viewer, you may also test how long you can keep your own eyes open, and, as Phoenix surely surpasses that attempt, it is easy to imagine his immense pain.
9. Final Scene - Captain Phillips
After a grueling standoff between Somalian pirates and the US Navy, Captain Phillips is finally freed from his captors and taken to a medical facility on the ship. This scene simply shouldn't be so good. It takes place after the climax of the hostage crisis and serves as a little epilogue to the story. Tom Hanks, however, decided to put on one of the greatest acting displays I've ever witnessed. His fear, disorientation, pain, and eventual gratitude absolutely shoot off the screen in the incredible final scene.
10. Apartment Scene - Pulp Fiction
This hilarious, badass scene is brought to you by Samuel L. Jackson in the form of Jules Winnfield. Jules has himself some scared rookie criminals and he decides to have some fun with the poor fellas before pumping a clip into their skulls.
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