Movies Like Monkey Man With Fantastic Fight Scenes
Monkey Man stunned audiences as one of the best action films of 2024. It tells the gripping story of Kid (Dev Patel), who desperately seeks vengeance for his mother’s murder. As Patel makes his directorial debut, he showcases Kid's journey through an underground fight club where he dons a gorilla mask. This journey facilitates Kid’s infiltration into the elite, allowing him to exact revenge on those who took everything from him.
The film masterfully balances powerful, character-driven narratives of vengeance with stunning fight choreography. Many movies have explored the human urge for revenge. Some of these films stand out for delivering incredible fight scenes alongside compelling stories about righteousness and justice.
5. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds presents visceral violence, making it a suitable comparison to Monkey Man. At the heart of this tale is revenge told through multiple perspectives. Shoshanna (Mélanie Laurent), a Jewish French woman, seeks revenge for her family’s murder at the hands of Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz). She plots to trap Nazi high command in her cinema, undoubtedly delivering a significant blow to their ranks.
Alongside her story are the Basterds, a group of Jewish American soldiers who wage guerrilla warfare on Nazis. The film converges these paths in a brutal climax, depicting the demise of countless Nazis, including Hitler. This over-the-top violence, combined with the compelling quest for retribution, echoes Kid’s traumatic journey in Monkey Man, making Inglourious Basterds a fitting parallel.
4. John Wick (2014)
John Wick stands as one of cinema’s most recognizable modern revenge narratives. The 2014 film follows John Wick (Keanu Reeves) as he embarks on a quest for vengeance after hoodlums break in and murder his dog. Similar to Monkey Man, Wick’s internal drive for revenge stems from profound loss. John’s trauma over his wife’s death fuels his need to right the wrongs he endures.
The film showcases numerous impeccably executed fight scenes, particularly the nightclub showdown. Here, Wick employs his signature brand of "gun-fu," methodically eliminating adversaries. Although John Wick focuses more heavily on gunfights than Monkey Man, its hand-to-hand clashes render it worthy of comparison in the action genre.
3. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Tarantino's Kill Bill: Volume 1 perfectly encapsulates his hallmark style of revenge and over-the-top violence. The movie narrates The Bride's (Uma Thurman) journey, who survives a massacre staged by a group of skilled assassins. Left for dead, she launches an unforgettable quest for vengeance. The deep emotional scars and obstacles she encounters resonate with Kid’s struggles in Monkey Man.
The iconic showdown between The Bride and the Crazy 88 gang in the House of Blue Leaves features chaotic but beautifully choreographed scenes. This sequence showcases a fantastic display of action, further aligning it with Monkey Man despite being less gritty. Both films provide relentless thrills while exploring their characters’ emotional depths.
2. Hot Fuzz (2007)
Although primarily a comedy, Edgar Wright's Hot Fuzz delivers a compelling narrative of character-driven violence. The story follows Nicholas (Simon Pegg), an officer moving to a quiet English village. As inconspicuous accidents transpire, Nicholas begins unearthing a dark mystery beneath the town’s facade.
Similar to Monkey Man, Nicholas harbors buried trauma, culminating in a dramatic climax. His transformation from by-the-book cop to a skilled sharpshooter is entertaining and thought-provoking. Despite Hot Fuzz's comedic tone, parallels exist between Nicholas and Kid as they both resort to violence to seek justice for themselves and others. The action sequences shine with a unique blend of humor and intensity.
1. Oldboy (2003)
Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, is often regarded as one of the finest revenge thrillers ever made. The film revolves around Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), who spends 15 years imprisoned and tortured. Upon his release, he seeks vengeance and uncovers the truth behind his imprisonment. The intricate plots and lies that Dae-su navigates parallel Kid's tumultuous pursuit of justice in Monkey Man.
The film’s legendary hallway fight scene astounds viewers with its unbroken shot, wherein Dae-su faces numerous foes effortlessly. The determination exhibited in this brutal choreography, coupled with Oldboy’s psychological undertones, mirrors the themes present in Monkey Man. This superb revenge thriller not only captivates with action but also delivers a shocking twist that enhances its narrative depth.
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