George Miller's action films you need to rewatch
What's the story
George Miller is a legendary filmmaker with a distinct take on action films. His work usually merges high-octane action with an engaging story, making them unforgettable in the genre. Over the years, Miller has directed a number of iconic action films that have made a lasting impact on cinema. Here, we take a look at some of them and their significance in action cinema.
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'Mad Max' - The beginning of a saga
1979's Mad Max initiated the legendary film franchise. It is set in a dystopian future and tells the tale of Max Rockatansky, a cop who wants revenge from a violent motorcycle gang. The film's gritty depiction of a collapsing society and nail-biting chase scenes redefined action movies back then. Made on a shoestring budget, it eventually became one of Australia's highest-grossing films.
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'The Road Warrior' - A sequel that surpassed expectations
Released in 1981, The Road Warrior, aka Mad Max 2, is often credited with taking the franchise to the global stage. The film continues Max's journey through a post-apocalyptic wasteland where he helps survivors fend off marauders. Its innovative stunts and explosive car chases left audiences around the world spellbound. The movie's success cemented Miller's reputation as an exceptional director capable of crafting thrilling cinematic experiences.
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'Beyond Thunderdome' - Expanding the universe
In 1985, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome took the franchise even further, introducing characters of complexity and a world of its own. Bartertown, ruled by Aunty Entity (Tina Turner), added depth to the narrative. Despite mixed reviews and box office results, it continues to remain a crucial part of the series, showing Miller's ability to evolve the action genre while sticking to its core.
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'Fury Road' - A modern masterpiece
Nearly three decades since his last outing as director for any Mad Max project, Miller delivered another masterpiece titled Fury Road in 2015. This fourth installment received widespread acclaim from critics. Much of the praise came from how it redefined modern-day blockbuster filmmaking. The film delivered breathtaking visuals, seamlessly combined with practical, effects-driven stunts. These stunts were executed flawlessly in every scene. Impressively, all of this was achieved without sacrificing narrative coherence or character development..
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Other notable works: Exploring different genres
While he is best known for contributions within the realm of a particular franchise, other notable works deserve a mention. One such film is Babe (1995), which showcased versatility beyond the usual fare expected. This was a far cry from the past successes in an entirely different genre.