One of the things to realize about movies in the 80’s is that the country wanted a rest from most things war-related. Yes, there were films made about war but unlike the 50’s and 60’s they were few and far between. That doesn’t leave a large group to choose from when focusing on traditional war battle scenes.
This short list takes a little from wars of days gone by, battles that take place in outer space, and one where it is critical because it is only one of two in the movie. This is not your grandfather’s battle list. Each battle selected makes its own statement in a very different way, and they all have very recognizable stars and movie titles.
1. Glory — The Battle at Antietam
This scene is great because it shows the slow lead in to a battle. Usually we go from some strategic dialog to a short preparation scene, and then the contestants begin their battle. In this scene, you can say that every step leading up to the first shot was presented, showing how quickly a battle is won or lost. The battle strategies in the Civil War were hardly sophisticated, so no thinking is required by the viewer. One remembers the line, “And into the valley of death rode the 500.” Except here, they walked.
2. Star Trek 2 — Reliant versus Enterprise
Of all the 80’s battle scenes, this one beats them all despite its short duration. In fact, it is the reason we don’t need CGI. Everything from the music leading up to the battle to the serious and lighthearted combination of dialog makes this the number one choice for best battle scene of all time. Two old nemeses meet in what is not even their final battle, making the scenario that much better.
3. Hamburger Hill — The Final Battle
This battle made the list because if there is a “best” battle that teaches us not to go to war without a definitive plan and strategy because the effort will cost thousands of lives needlessly, this is the one from the 80’s. That is the lesson of Hamburger Hill, and its final battle scene gives viewers a sense of relief, it also serves to remind us battles and wars are fought to be won by keeping the ground gained. The terrain depicted in the movie was not as bad as the real life version, but even then it’s not hard to connect with the frustration and danger encountered by the Army’s 101st Airborne Division.
4. Return of the Jedi — Death of the Death Star
A combination of space combat, primitive warfare, and planet to space cooperation, this is one of the 80’s battles that made the Star Wars franchise what it is. Modern CGI is admittedly more spectacular, but for the 80’s this is far above average. The non-human nemesis from the beginning — the Death Star — is eliminated and opens up a new chapter in the Star Wars saga. Also, Billy Dee Williams seems happier in this battle than having to unceremoniously exit the franchise after being betrayed by the soon-to-be Darth Vader.
5. Born on the 4th of July — Bad Intel?
The fact this is the one of the few battle scenes in the entire movie requires it to be not only good, but relevant to the rest of the movie. And it is. Tom Cruise is especially good overall in the movie, but true to his history of doing his own stunts and being a physical actor he brings that extra shot to punctuate the problem of war. In effect, he loses it and relentlessly attacks against odds that are seriously against him. The question is, what else is there to do in this type of situation?
Of these 5, the obvious favorite if Star Trek 2, but mainly for the battle itself. Glory has the best acting, and Hamburger Hill is the most true to form of the actual battle scene. Some modern critics say the Star Wars scene is too hokey, but if you were watching it in the 80’s you would be giving it an above average grade. Born on the 4th of July is really an “after-battle” movie, but like Glory is noted here for its pre-battle perspective, this movie gets props for taking on the aftermath of a battle.
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