Wonder Woman – Defending The Beach
Like all of the films on this list, Wonder Woman is filled with fantastic moments. The first sweeping shot over Themyscira, the first sweeping shot through the Amazon training ground, the Amazon history montage – these are all breathtaking points in the first act of a phenomenal movie. But the first truly great moment comes when the Amazons defend the beach against the Nazis.
Diana is, at this point, a grown woman, but an inexperienced fighter. She’s just getting to grips with her Amazonian abilities with the help of the mighty Amazon Army, and under the instruction of the formidable General Antiope (Robin Wright) – who is also her Aunt. When she spots a light aircraft crash into the ocean, Diana rescues the pilot – Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) – but the German Army is in hot pursuit, and is soon invading the beach of Themyscira.
As the Germans approach the island, the Amazon Army – led by Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen), and General Antiope (Robin Wright) – appear on horseback atop the cliff. The Queen orders her archers to light their arrows, and fire upon the invading armada, which is about to breach the shore. Simultaneously, a small number of Amazonians fire strung arrows into the cliff-face and swing down onto the beach – and Diana watches in horror as one of them is shot with a rifle.
As the full weight of this slaying sinks in, the thunderous sound of hooves gradually builds to deafening roar – and the Amazon Army arrives in full-on battle mode. General Antiope leads the way, wearing the wry smile of a woman about to engage at the height of her power and ability. We’re then thrust into the heart of the battle, as the camera swoops through the Amazons with the same energy as the warriors in combat. They leap and twist through the air – using every element of their unique fighting style – and take down the Germans, a few at a time. Swinging hefty swords, lifting impenetrable shields, and firing arrows with laser-like accuracy – the Amazons suffer losses, but soon have the upper hand against the aggressors.
The tide of this epic battle is truly turned in favour of the Amazons when General Antiope realizes that a group of three snipers is hiding behind a rock formation, and picking Amazon warriors off, one by one. She fights her way down the beach toward their position and – without once breaking her stride – yells “SHIELD!” to the Amazons in front of her. They drop to their knees, bring their shields together, and form a launchpad for their leader. She leaps, and stamps on it hard – jumping and twisting high into the air, and neutralizing the three snipers by firing three arrows at once.
Her triumph is short-lived though, as when she spots a dying sniper taking aim at Diana, she leaps in front of her to take the bullet. She dies in Diana’s arms – but not before urging her to go forth and fulfill her destiny.
