It's kind of a hard call on both the Matrix and other patently wire-fu-centered fight flix--or for that matter, the Darth-Luke Empire fight with the flying whatnot in the air. The supernatural prowess in and of itself shouldn't disqualify them, I think: mere defying of physics isn't a cardinal sin in action movies. But when you introduce things like telekinesis, it takes away from the scene somehow. Or does it?
At any rate, here's my list in no particular order:
The Bride and Elle Driver, Kill Bill 2--Claustrophobia incarnate. Extra points for the ick factor at the end
The Burning Mill, The Three Musketeers (1970s)--sleazy sword fighting at its best
Final Duel, Rob Roy--my hand still hurts thinking about it
Fistfight, The Quiet Man--some of Wayne's best acting here
Robin and the Sheriff, Robin and Marian--you can tell the mail Robert Shaw wears is real from how he grunts when he gets up
Ripley vs the Alien Queen--Did I say no monsters? Monsters are OK.
Bruce Lee vs Everyone, Enter the Dragon--no wires, just a Fistful of Yen
John Cusack (no, really) vs. the guy at the reunion, Grosse Pointe Blank--hey, comedies have fights too
I'm stopping there until I see Viggo in the steam room in Eastern Promises, and a couple of others I hear are good.
