Elements of a great fight scene

John Kreng in his book titled "Fight Choreography: The art of non-verbal dialogue" suggests that a great fight scene should include the following elements.

• The fight scene advances and heightens the story and does not stall during action sequences.
• The fight starts and ends with different emotions by furthering the dilemma or resolving it.
• The fight is justified and fits seamlessly into the story and character arcs.
• The fight scene keeps the emotions of the scene and enhances them.
• A gradual progression. The scene is better, more difficult and more exciting than the previous fight scene.
• The fight scenes do not recycle the same techniques continuously throughout the film.
• There are changes in emotion, timing, pace, and rhythm during the fight.
• The scene tells a non-verbal story.
• There are close-ups and inserts when necessary to let the audience know what the characters are feeling.
• The character's fighting skills are justified in the story.
• The scene uses the correct techniques for the current emotions and personalities of each character.
• The audience forgets they are seeing a movie and are emotionally drawn into the fight scene, rooting for a particular combatant.
• The audience is able to see and understand what is happening on screen.
• The audience cannot predict the final outcome.
• The film stands the test of time. A great action film is still remembered and appreciated after repeated viewings and over the course of time, just like any classic film.