There's something uniquely thrilling about a bar setting in an action film. It's where characters can unwind, confront their enemies, or hatch their next big plan. This collection of films not only showcases intense action sequences but also captures the essence of bar life, making each film a must-watch for those who love a good mix of adrenaline and atmosphere.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Description: This British gangster film features a pivotal scene in a pub where Harold Shand, played by Bob Hoskins, confronts his enemies. The tension in the bar is palpable, making it a perfect fit for our list.
Fact: The film was initially banned from television due to its strong language and violence. It was also one of the first British films to receive an X certificate for its content.
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Road House (1989)
Description: Patrick Swayze stars as a bouncer with a PhD in philosophy, hired to clean up a rowdy bar in Missouri. The film is renowned for its bar fight scenes, making it an iconic entry in action cinema.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a Western but was updated to a modern setting. Also, the famous line "Pain don't hurt" was improvised by Swayze.
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From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Description: This film starts as a crime thriller but transforms into a horror-action extravaganza when the Gecko brothers enter a bar that turns out to be a vampire den. The bar setting is central to the film's plot twist.
Fact: The screenplay was written by Quentin Tarantino, who also stars in the film. The film was initially planned to be a direct-to-video release.
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The Boondock Saints (1999)
Description: While not primarily set in bars, there are significant scenes where the vigilante brothers meet and discuss their next moves, showcasing the gritty bar environment.
Fact: The film was a box office bomb but later gained a cult following through DVD sales and TV airings.
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Snatch (2000)
Description: Guy Ritchie's film features numerous scenes in pubs and bars where characters from the underworld meet, plan, and sometimes fight. The bar scenes are integral to the film's narrative.
Fact: Brad Pitt learned to speak in a Pikey accent for his role, which was so convincing that many thought he was actually from that background.
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The Departed (2006)
Description: While not exclusively set in bars, key scenes involving undercover operations and confrontations occur in Boston's pubs, adding to the film's gritty atmosphere.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. It's a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."
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The Equalizer (2014)
Description: Denzel Washington's character often frequents a diner, but key confrontations and action scenes occur in bars, highlighting the film's theme of vigilante justice.
Fact: The film is based on the 1980s TV series of the same name, but the character's backstory and setting were significantly altered for the movie.
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The Town (2010)
Description: Set in Boston, this film includes scenes in local bars where the characters plan their heists and confrontations occur, adding to the film's intense atmosphere.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which influenced the film's authentic portrayal of Boston.
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The World's End (2013)
Description: This sci-fi comedy involves a group of friends attempting to complete a pub crawl, only to discover an alien invasion. The bar settings are crucial to the film's humor and action.
Fact: The film is the final installment in Edgar Wright's "Three Flavours Cornetto" trilogy.
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Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Description: Another Guy Ritchie classic, this film has several memorable bar scenes where the characters' schemes unfold, making it a quintessential British action-comedy.
Fact: The film was made on a budget of just £960,000 and went on to make over £20 million worldwide.
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