300 (2007)

This hyperstylized adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel matches his artwork panel for panel. (Thank goodness they put bikini briefs on the spartans though ...) Awesome visual effects elevate the relatively basic fight choreography into pure eye candy!

The Protector (2005)

Tony Jaa is always exciting to watch, but in this scene I think Lateef Crowder, the capoeirista, steals the show!

Hero (2002)

Nameless (Jet Li) fights Sky (Donnie Yen) in a weiqi courtyard in this scene from one of my favorite movies.

Director Zhang Yimou's cinematography is gorgeous, of course. In this scene, the dark palette and rain are complemented by Tan Dun's sparse score. The instrument being played is an ancient Chinese zither, or qin.