5 Best Fighting Scenes from Hiroyuki Sanada: Opposite Joe Taslim, Jackie Chan to Tom Cruise!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Lily Ariani

The name Hiroyuki Sanada is certainly familiar in the film world. Starting his career at the age of five, Sanada has starred in dozens of films. He is also one of the most popular Japanese actors.

Hiroyuki Sanada began his career in the Japanese film industry. Thanks to his consistency and hard work, he was able to break into the American market. Sanada was even crowned as the most successful Japanese actor in Hollywood.

Sanada has been sought after by directors, especially for action films. Throughout his career, he has acted opposite top stars like Jackie Chan and Tom Cruise, showcasing fighting scenes. Here are the 5 best fighting scenes from Hiroyuki Sanada.

1. Hiroyuki Sanada vs Jeremy Renner (AVENGERS: ENDGAME)

Marvel Studios

Thanks to the success of AVENGERS: ENDGAME, Akihiko became one of Sanada's most famous roles. Akihiko is a yakuza boss who survived the Snap event. He later becomes a target of Clint Barton or Hawkeye.

Although his role as Akihiko is considered small, Sanada delivers an extraordinary performance. There is a scene that shows Akihiko engaging in a fierce fight with Hawkeye. In this scene, they showcase their sword-fighting skills.

2. Hiroyuki Sanada vs Jackie Chan (RUSH HOUR 3)

Netflix

Hiroyaki Sanada also appears in the film RUSH HOUR 3. He portrays the character Kenji, a criminal and the main antagonist in the story. In this film, Hiroyuki Sanada acts alongside Jackie Chan.

The final scene of RUSH HOUR 3 features an intense fight between Kenji (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Lee (Jackie Chan). Once again, Sanada showcases his sword skills. It seems that Sanada is truly iconic as a sword expert. The fight scene between Lee and Kenji is also among Sanada's most memorable action scenes.

3. Hiroyuki Sanada vs Joe Taslim (MORTAL KOMBAT)

Warner Bros

In the movie MORTAL KOMBAT, Sanada portrays the character Scorpion alias Hanzo Hasashi. It is told that the Hasashi family was killed by Bihan (Joe Taslim) and his group. However, it is mentioned that Hasashi's blood can unite the new generation of Earthrealm.

Scorpion is a very iconic ninja in the MORTAL KOMBAT series. Sanada successfully portrays the ninja character very well, especially in the fight scene between Scorpion and Bihan. His performance with Joe Taslim even received praise from the director.

4. Hiroyuki Sanada vs Tom Cruise (THE LAST SAMURAI)

Warner Bros

Talking about Hiroyuki Sanada's best fight scenes, this one should not be missed. THE LAST SAMURAI is a film that became Sanada's breakthrough in the Hollywood film industry. His role as a samurai named Ujio left a strong impression on the audience.

One of the scenes in THE LAST SAMURAI is the fight between Nathan (Tom Cruise) and Ujio. They fight in the pouring rain. Nathan, who initially sparred with a child, ends up being defeated by Ujio.

5. Hiroyuki Sanada vs Donnie Yen (JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4)

Lionsgate

Finally, there is a fight scene between Hiroyuki Sanada and Donnie Yen in JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4. Before the release of this film, director Chad Stahelski leaked an epic action scene performed by Sanada and Donnie Yen. Chad said that both actors utilized their martial arts skills and brought a unique mindset.

The director initially had ideas for the movements. However, after seeing Sanada and Yen in action, Chad ended up entrusting the choreography to each actor. The result? When the film was released, fans cheered happily watching the fight between Caine (Donnie Yen) and Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada).

(kpl/lly)