Movies

Every Mission: Impossible 1996 Action Scene & Tom Cruise Stunt, Ranked

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Impossible” film may not boast as many thrilling stunts or action scenes as its successors, but it still offers memorable instances that keep viewers gripped. The plot revolves around an international spy named Ethan Hunt, who is wrongfully accused of collaborating with a treacherous European criminal and must clear his name while evading the CIA. This movie marks the beginning of this renowned action series and remains one of the finest “Mission: Impossible” productions to date.

I may not be part of the original “Mission: Impossible” filmmaking team, but even as a viewer, I can appreciate the distinct approach it took compared to its sequels. Instead of relying heavily on death-defying stunts, De Palma’s movie chose a more character-centric narrative, skillfully setting up the personal risks and fostering emotional connections with the characters. However, despite the passage of time, there remain several scenes that still leave me on the edge of my seat, proving that they have retained their power to thrill for over three decades.

5. Flying A Helicopter Through The Channel Tunnel

The Film’s Most Absurd Stunt Was Saved For Last

In the final act of Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt and Jon Voight’s villain Jim Phelps compete to gain possession of a crucial list containing the identities of every IMF agent stationed in Europe. Meanwhile, one of Phelps’ associates pursues them relentlessly through the Chunnel in a helicopter.

In a somewhat peculiar fashion, this action sequence in the franchise stands out due to director De Palma’s unwavering dedication to the concept. Though not intentionally humorous, the movie acknowledges the absurdity of the idea, amplifying its quirky nature. The reason it’s often criticized as the film’s weakest action scene is primarily because the visual effects have not held up particularly well over time.

4. Ethan & Jim Ride The Roof Of The Train

The Emotional Climax Of Mission: Impossible Is High-Stakes

Just prior to the helicopter sequence, Ethan and Jim engage in a perilous chase across the top of a swift-moving train, vying for possession of the NOC list. This scene marks the emotional peak of the movie, occurring not long after an intense confrontation between Ethan and Jim during which the latter inadvertently reveals his wrongdoings.

The majority of the movie “Mission: Impossible” revolves around tension instead of traditional action sequences, as it guides viewers through a succession of perilous scenarios that Ethan Hunt navigates with remarkable composure and efficiency. Interestingly, this is the first time Hunt’s life hangs precariously in the balance, and director Brian De Palma skillfully amplifies the tension by employing expansive cinematography and intricate fight scenes. The concluding action scene in “Mission: Impossible” is undeniably extravagant, yet it provides an exhilarating climax to the film.

3. The Opening Prague Set-Up

The Film Opens With An Unforgettable Bang

The initial sequence of the movie “Mission: Impossible” is among its most gripping and startling storytelling, as Ethan along with his team are about to halt a heist in Prague, yet they are swiftly eliminated by an enigmatic figure lurking in the background. This is a daring method to kick off the film, but it’s effective because viewers weren’t anticipating these characters to meet their end so early on.

In this action-packed sequence, we see cars exploding, individuals plummeting from bridges, and a shocking sight of a hacker being flattened by an elevator ceiling. It’s a swiftly moving scene that swiftly hooks viewers into Ethan’s tale, providing them with a captivating introduction without burdening them with excessive backstory.

2. Destroying The Aquarium

The Film’s Riskiest Stunt Paid Massive Dividends

In 1996’s Mission: Impossible, the sequence where Ethan Hunt resorts to destroying an aquarium for an escape plan amidst the ensuing turmoil is infamous as one of the riskiest stunts. With so many things that could potentially go awry, Tom Cruise himself expressed hesitance about shooting this scene (as reported by Cinema Blend)).

Nevertheless, this daring feat is among Mission: Impossible’s finest achievements, significantly raising the story’s tension. It underscores Hunt as a character who isn’t afraid to bend rules and operate independently when the situation demands it. De Palma’s slow-motion depiction of the scene has also become a memorable symbol within the franchise.

1. The Langley Heist

The Entire Film Revolves Around This Perfect Set Piece

Among all the scenes from the 1996 movie “Mission: Impossible,” none has stuck with me quite like the thrilling raid at Langley. It stands as an outstanding illustration of how to masterfully escalate tension and keep viewers gripped to their seats. The extended sequence unfolds with Ethan Hunt, along with his fresh allies, infiltrating the very heart of the CIA, aiming to snatch a duplicate of the NOC list. Later on, they would use this list to ensnare Jim Phelps in a well-laid trap.

The Langley heist’s effectiveness lies in De Palma skillfully orchestrating a series of events where everything seemingly goes awry, yet maintaining a grip on his characters’ actions. From the rat in the vents to Rolf Saxon’s character William Donloe’s untimely arrival, and even a knife accidentally landing on the table, there’s always an element that keeps viewers on edge, momentarily questioning whether Ethan Hunt will ultimately succeed.

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2025-04-29 22:40

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