Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) - Holmes vs. Moriarty Scene (9/10) | Movieclips

[@jaredknight8838]

What I love about this scene is that he exploited Moriarty's biggest weakness: Someone so selfish, so narcissistic, would have never factored in the possibility that his opponent would willingly sacrifice his own life to save someone else.

[@davidholaday2817]

And that is also why Thanos lost too.

[@nationalsocialism3504]

Except that Sherlock had an airtank & a plan which involved kicking off Moriarty to gain distance from the cliff face... Moriarty just failed to see how far that Sherlock was going to take it (which makes sense cause he didn't know that his fortune had been stolen before the Cheaa game started.)

[@gwquinn8398]

And Holmes never factored in that with Watson walking through the door, it would've been 2 on 1.

[@nationalsocialism3504]

@@gwquinn8398 it's irrelevant since Sherlock plan always was to murder Moriarty... the introduction of Watson doesn't change that plan. Sherlock prepared the murder and then to fake his death to escape any consequences for it

[@asheradensein]

@@gwquinn8398 Good point. After all these years that never clicked with me, lol.

[@N2Deep00]

In an alternative scene, Holmes and Moriarty are stuck in a continuous mental battle of constantly countering each other. Watson walks in on them just staring at each other. He then just handcuffed Moriarty

[@OdLuisMarcano]

😅😅😅😅

[@rudhra5957]

Wake up to reality

[@julioalmoite8668]

Snap back to reality!!

[@AdityaPant29]

It would look like a battle between Sasuke and Itachi - one genjutsu after another.

[@rudhra5957]

@@AdityaPant29 Itachi would be just sitting enjoying dumplings "You are already under my genjutsu"

[@MoltenUprisingMK]

"Feral but experienced." "Competent but predictable." They pretty much compliment each other.

[@NightBlaze911]

That's why they were they're greatest rivals

[@yiledute]

that is how love-hate relationships work. They despise each other and want to see their lives endedm but can't help and take a moment to admire eachother's greatness

[@NightBlaze911]

I believe Holmes said this to him when they first met: i am afraid you may lose this game" they are pretty much mirrors of each other they know one has to lose but at the same time they both know they will never have such a worthy rival to face again

[@landonletterman831]

I love how neither one of their predictions factors in that Watson walks in 2 seconds after the fight begins, and wouldn't have just stood by to watch

[@40preethammothikar55]

@@NightBlaze911 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's version of Flash and Reverse Flash

[@swagpotato720]

I love how abrupt the fall is. The solution is so simple and quick, it's over in a moment. All that mental dueling, and then the end is so straightforward.

[@woodrobin]

It's a bit like the line from War Games, in the Sherlock realized "the only winning move is not to play." He realized that the only way to defeat Moriarty was not to fight him at all.

[@sebastianemond5313]

🤖:"How about a nice game of chess?" 🤨: "Um, we already played our game."

[@FragmentOfInfinity]

​@@woodrobin"You think You're the only one who knows how to play this game?" Holmes: "lol" -flips the chessboard onto the floor-

[@fairnut6418]

Very human-like, overthink things, yet the outcome is often unexpected.

[@kxmode]

Both men arrive at their conclusions through abductive reasoning, and we get to witness it unfold. The entire process, from start to finish, occurs within seconds, showcasing the remarkable quick-wittedness of both Sherlock and Moriarty.

[@testedhawk]

I love how despite both of them thinking through the situation, neither of them expected Watson to barge in, as shown by Holmes' face when he sees Watson right as he's about to jump off. If Holmes had actually begun his defense, Watson would have been there before Holmes had completely lost. Goes to show that despite both of their intelligence, neither of them had thought of an outside influence such as Watson.

[@omarholder9036]

It would be illogical to hope on an outside interruption saving you from a battle you know you lose.

[@slis3578]

I think he didn’t factor it in because it wouldn’t have helped? And once he saw Watson he didn’t want to take the risk, he may have calculated that Moriarty would have wiped the floor with both of them and they both would have died.

[@akionlizard]

I think moriarty had a plan in case that happened, so sherlock saw, thought it through, and still jumped

[@owenleal]

​@@slis3578 Moriarty is a boxing champion and Jared Harris is 6ft to Jude Law's 5"10, so that is a height advantage in terms of the characters. On the other hand its two against one, Watson is still a competent fighter and decorated war veteran and he is armed, Holmes is a skilled martial artist and bareknuckle boxer. I would say under those circumstances, Moriarty is not gonna come out of that having "wiped the floor with both of them".

[@PuppetierMaster]

Laws of celestial mechanics

[@farhanniazi94]

"Conclusion inevitable... Unless: discombobulate"

[@MrCageCat]

🤣

[@lukeskywalker8543]

Oh snap

[@kunstkt]

Ability to become nuclear engineer investigating Chernobyl: neutralized.

[@viralverma5066]

@@kunstkt 😂

[@texanplayer7651]

Discombobulate with an injured arm? I don't think so

[@Thovid13]

i remember in theater just how all of us were surprised when we heard Moriarty thoughts after the silence. It was a magic moment

[@RizkyMaulanaNugraha]

I don't know about others, but that exactly what happens to me. One of the special cinematics of these two movies are that we always get shown Sherlock predicts the outcome in slow motion, then the real fights happens exactly the same, just in real time. It is a trait special to sherlock only, kind of like unique abilities. Then, when M whispers, "Come now, you really think you're the only one who can play "this" game?". It was a surprising moment as you say... Then of course we expect that the fight will happen in realtime, but we are taken by surprise again... As surprised as Watson...

[@thegreatclayton]

It was truly a stunning moment of excellent cinematography

[@Vejitatheouji]

It's how you know those two are truly equals.

[@Veggiematic]

When you have Sherlock vision, but your opponent has Moriarty vision

[@zarzanator1991]

Sherlocks narrative really makes you feel like Moriarty was the true champion

[@kevinbernardini1293]

“Come now, you think you’re the only one who can play this game” The moment when the whole audience said “Daaaaaaamn!!!!!!”

[@Kaito57]

The moment where Moriarty reminded everybody WHY he's Holmes Equal.

[@ryanjackson1143]

"Ahh there we find the boxing champion of Cambridge"

[@Sonichero151]

*p a n I k*

[@atom786]

Like in the justice league movie, when Superman's eye moves to track the flash in super speed

[@darsedsun29op25]

Moriarty is scary man

[@Xen0gears515]

I love how after Holmes DECIDES to sacrifice himself to kill Moriarty, he hesitates because he didn't imagine seeing Watson opening the door, which probably gave Holmes other ways of subduing Moriarty. But at the same time, looking at Watson he's reminded of what Moriarty just said before the "mind fight" (threatening his friend) so in the end he still decides to sacrifice himself to save his best friend. What a bro.

[@wittylibrarian]

Holmes played this game out way earlier: He stole Mycroft's oxygen inhaler before all this. He was TEN steps ahead of Moriarty. This was how Sherlock could make certain he ended his nemesis' game.

[@Rqblt]

But like it wouldnt have mattered if they teamed up

[@heretic_prince]

I believe Holmes decided to still make the sacrifice play because he didnt want to risk Watson. Yeah he and the doctor together may have overpowered Moriarty, but it wasnt worth the risk to him. I get it. Watson is his brother. He would rather risk death than risk his brother.

[@korayanil1]

"Come now, you think you are the only one who can play this game" one of the best quotes in cinema history. It was so impactful and unexpected in that moment.

[@noblejennette2101]

Best in cinema history??? Have you only watched this and the Fast and the Furious franchise?

[@dragon55855]

@@noblejennette2101 be kind. its all opinion. be noble. 😂

[@end8615]

@@noblejennette2101 "one of the", not all of them.

[@tyronegriffith473]

Yh seeing it the 1st time was wtf is this

[@rizvaldo7209]

It makes me laugh how this comment has 1.1k at my time of commenting. This is why the rich are rich - the sheep will follow and buy.

[@chaihill1837]

I love the implied fact that they understand each other so well, that they can basically read eachother's mind.

[@fleeplayTV]

How is it implied? It literally showed you in slow motion and everything

[@gb7586]

That wasn't telepathy ?

[@cheezeebutter452]

@@fleeplayTV well the idea is firstly they both have this superpower of understanding people and making the *BEST* damn educated guess of fighting strategy. Plus this is exactly what chess players do though without the theatrics. Guessing what the other player is thinking they’re thinking the other player is thinking and so on.

[@mrmystery-jz2ev]

This is directly referenced to the best line of Sherlock Holmes and Professor James Moriarty in Final Problem which is: Professor James Moriarty said: "All that I have to say already crossed your mind." Sherlock Holmes replied: "Then possibly my answers has crossed yours."

[@Zarene.]

The manga/anime moriarty the patriot showed a more friendly relationship between sherlock and moriarty sherlock is like the light of moriarty and same case for sherlock

[@taiken9534]

Moriarity never expected a sacrifice from holmes, because he himself as a psychopath and sociopaths wouldve never done it himself , which is why he did not see it as a possible move

[@luigiwoo4469]

that's actually really well put

[@shrishtisinha6692]

That's very, very well observed. People can't imagine motives they don't sympathize with or understand.

[@imrankh68]

Well said

[@chips493]

Watch the TV series with Benedict Cumberbatch. Its Moriarty's end could surprise you!

[@luigiwoo4469]

@@chips493 yeah I've seen that!

[@millakilla199]

0:46 The first time I saw when Moriarty began his theoretical rebuttal against Holmes, I audibly gasped in the theater. What an excellent way to show that both he and Holmes were intelligent titans clashing against each other, and a great way to play with a story device used so well in both movies.

[@toddkes5890]

Figure also Moriarty used this method in his boxing matches. He would study his opponent, and have a plan worked out

[@danjones9754]

There is also the metaphor of the chess match that is happening. When they first meet they have a chess board in front of them and are discussing their rivalry like a chess match. Then Holmes tells him that if he could be sure to end Moriarty's life by giving his own, he would do it. When they come to this balcony scene the floor is a black and white pattern (chess board), and then they go through the possible moves and countermoves like two chess players, in their heads. When they fall off the edge the chess board is there to make it more obvious. It's cool.

[@z-mkgaming7464]

@@danjones9754 Also, another parallel is the queen sacrifice. Moriarty doesn't expect the queen sacrifice or the suicide because he thinks Sherlock will fight him, as we saw in the fights playing out in their minds scene and so he doesn't take steps to defend against either.

[@Ares99999]

You AUDIBLY gasped? You're easily rattled.

[@ststes]

Same, I wasn't expecting it but at the same time the moment Moriarty started doing the same thing I thought it made sense. Shows how much of an equal he is in intelligence

[@bigbadseed7665]

Don't lie. You got goosebumps when Moriarty started reading Holmes' mind.

[@apoorvanand9627]

Hey man. The villain is often loved more. Holmes was amazing and thats why he needed someone even more amazing to be his nemesis.

[@scottchaison1001]

@@apoorvanand9627 Nah, I still prefer Holmes.

[@michaellas6083]

​@@scottchaison1001especially when you read the books

[@heavenhammer1]

Check out "Filmento"'s take on "Fast X",there he talks about what makes this scene in "Sherlock Holmes 2" so great. You're going to laugh :D :).

[@thedog5k]

@@heavenhammer1 thanks for the heads up on this

[@BloodyFlowerFilms]

“Come now, you really think you’re the only one who can play this game?” Oh my god that was awesome witnessing for the first time in theaters. Totally wasn’t expecting that.

[@BeruBeruIce]

I can totally agree on that, at the end of the day they portrayed Holmes and Moriarty so well, that as a matter of fact people tend to forget they're both genius, thanks to adding mystery to Moriarty himself

[@Bad_At_Parties]

I just love that long, slow shot of Holmes and Moriarty falling, with the latter in sheer terror screaming for his life and the former in utter peace at what he's done. Beautifully filmed and acted.

[@RockLegend2A]

I would hardly say that's terror on Moriarty's face. It's rage. He's been beaten, and he's not accepting it lightly.

[@Bad_At_Parties]

@@RockLegend2A He looks pretty terrified to me. I don't think he has the time to display rage, as he's currently in the middle of falling to certain death, and as is realistic, the human fear kicks in and overrides any other feeling he has. When you're falling like that, you're not going to be thinking about what battle you were just fighting, but instead grapple with the reality of the end that's coming to you. This makes the film even more in touch with the original story, as Holmes is quite defiant towards Moriarty and proclaims that he'd happily go to his death if it meant putting an end to him, which is why this Holmes is so serene and at peace with it. He's made up his mind about the risks he was willing to take long ago, even if it meant his death, whereas Moriarty is always acting with self preservation in mind. It's not just that he's been beaten by Holmes, but Holmes has effectively killed him and taken his precious life from him.

[@kevinwilson8674]

To me it also shows that in the face of pure logic and intelligence, the only thing you can do to beat the other person in this case Moriarty is to be unpredictable through being completely spontaneous.

[@Bad_At_Parties]

@Alex MasonThat didn't immediately come to mind, but that makes a lot of sense, too. Being calm and prepared certainly helped Sherlock survive the fall and the watery depths. Great observation and thought.

[@RockLegend2A]

@@Bad_At_Parties Sorry, but I don’t buy it at all. A terrified person would be freaking out. He’d be searching for a way out and panicking. Moriarty isn’t doing that. He’s staring daggers at Holmes, his mouth is agape in a roar of anger, and his fists are still clenched on Holmes’ coat. Moriarty doesn’t want to die, but he isn’t nearly as scared as he is outraged that Holmes could still manage to beat him after all of the machinations Moriarty set in place. He had just swept Renee off the board, declared himself the victor, and knew Holmes couldn’t beat him in a straight fight. He was so sure he’d won, even when Holmes hadn’t factored in Watson appearing at the last second. Moriarty came so close, and Holmes still beat him. He doesn’t have time to be afraid. The only thing in his eyes is fury.

[@franklesher4459]

The greatest fight that never happened in real life. Only as a mental strategy.

[@jayrivers8478]

kinda like that Twilight bullshit lol

[@T10S25Y96]

You should see Jet Li vs Donnie Yen in Hero. Well worth a watch for greatest fight that never happened!! :)

[@oscarrzga4615]

@@jayrivers8478 but this isn't what the movie relays on

[@iloveporkandchicken4718]

Real life?? 🤔🤔🤔

[@franklesher4459]

@@iloveporkandchicken4718 it happened in both minds.

[@PlanetDismount]

Why does Moriarty look like Connor Mcgregor in 20 years?

[@quentinjones6877]

Lol

[@adventure_lewis3354]

True

[@robertgerrard]

Sound like his father Richard Harris in this movie just watched Harris in Gladiator recently and he was a great actor and his son AKA PROFESSOR MORIARTY ain't bad either.💯🙏🇮🇪

[@KoTamashii001001]

Why is Connor McGregor fighting Iron Man?

[@Carium1]

Because he is

[@MedicineMan55]

Jared Harris was perfectly menacing in this movie. He is quite an actor. You wouldn't recognize him as the same person from his work in Mad Men.

[@cliffarthur6549]

He was a great bad guy on fringe too.

[@aravintharyan1516]

Add chernobyl series too

[@schleichface]

Not to mention Gen. Grant in "Lincoln"

[@duckyfishes9445]

Don’t forget he is so fantastic as Captain Francis Crozier in The Terror

[@nigelft]

@@schleichface Wait ... _He_ played Grant in 'Lincoln' ... bloody hell ... ... aside from loving that film, he really slipped into that role so well, I forgot who played him ...

[@calebhenderson6507]

This is actually one of the coolest mechanics in movies. I liked how they expanded it in this movies to where there is another user of it that can match his.

[@deebs12]

I agree. It feels unique, and surreal, but not unwelcome.

[@allanrune]

I like how he closed his eyes so the face of his best friend would be the last thing he would see.

[@nehh_aksat]

You're so very right!

[@g.z.gaming1746]

I think he was also preparing for the fall... while moriarty was screaming (very rigid and in panic, so no breathing correctly) Sherlock was calm and focus his breathing maximising his possibility to survive the fall. I think both of them knew how to maximise their possibilities to survive but moriarty looking at his death made him panic while Sherlock closing his eyes and focusing on his bro was able to stay calm and act

[@mayalenedesury1082]

@Proxima he is not dead lol didn't u watch the whole movie?

[@kake2978]

@@mayalenedesury1082 ikr

[@thedog5k]

wow...

[@racafritz]

The Sherlock Holmes movies need more appreciation.

[@OmegaForceOperative]

Get ready for a 3rd!

[@racafritz]

Michael Rackham I heard about that. Very excited!

[@identityvskywalker8379]

it does not need appreciation, it needs a sequel

[@OmegaForceOperative]

@@identityvskywalker8379 Best I can do is both of those chief.

[@happzy]

They got plenty. Both movies made a like a billion dollars combined gross.

[@aryandairshad]

Watson : "Suicide is not part of his repertoire, he's far too fond of himself for that. " Holmes always proving Watson wrong in any way he can

[@jayrivers8478]

But Watson wasn't wrong, and this wasn't suicide.. Holmes is indeed far too fond of himself to commit suicide, far too smart to just die from this too. lol

[@Haunter_Who88]

Also an oversight on Moriarty’s part. He is too fond of himself going out that route unless it being a last resort but even then Holmes has a way to find the alternative.

[@thewanderingone679]

Exactly what Jay Rivers said, Watson wasn’t wrong here. At the end of the film, Holmes sent a parcel of a breathing apparatus. Meaning this tactical approach was planned all along. To further reinforce this, the fact that Holmes carried on despite Watson showing up to alter his odds in the fight, further implies he had had always planned it and wanted to carry on with it anyway.

[@TheMonkeygoneape]

@@thewanderingone679 and doesn't he sneak into his house and rewrite the ending of his book too

[@jonataspereira1691]

Holmes didnt die, watch the movie ending.

[@teesel5944]

What's even more impressive about this scene is that Holmes and Moriarty aren't just predicting each other's moves and coming up with a simple counterattack. They consider every factors too, and those counterattacks with every factor considered are THE best possible moves to use. So whenever they are predicting each other's attacks, they're not only taking into account factors like psychology, wounds, angles, and whatnot. They know that the other will consider every factor and choose the best move, and so, they themselves will come up with the best counterattack, considering every factor too. So when the outcome of Holmes dying was shown, it wasn't just an outcome where he could've win by changing some of his moves. The thing is he can't. Because if he in the slightest deviated from using the best possible moves, he will lose, as he knows that Moriarty will take advantage of it. That one outcome is basically the only outcome where both used the best possible moves, and even with the best possible moves, Holmes still loses. They both know this, and it just goes to show the insane genius both of them have. The one crucial difference between them is Holmes is benevolent, and is willing to make a sacrifice because he at least has more emotional capabilities than Moriarty. And Moriarty, lacking these traits, fails to consider this, which is why he was caught off guard with Holmes' suicide that involves dragging him. It's really fascinating and underrated.

[@joshuaellison6356]

Often great chess players know when they can’t possibly win for the exact reasons you just stated. Continuing the metaphor, what Holmes did here was effectively flip the board, ending the game so neither could win but making sure it was the last game Moriarty would ever play and securing a victory that transcended the game itself.

[@connorsim8199]

Of course that entire duel in their head would have gone differently since waston would have arrived in the middle of it

[@jacobautawitz2151]

Idk man, are you sure they’re using the best possible moves? I feel like there could’ve been better moves, like moved ahead of moves, the best possible moves no one would expect that would lead to even most best possible moves and I think Holmes could’ve defeated him with those best moves, but Moriarty does also have moves, like to me his moves were his best possible moves too, they both had the best possible moves but were they really the best possible moves? I’m not sure if they were the best possible moves because the best possible moves was the one shown where he discombobulated Moriarty and sacrificed himself, so there were clearly better possible moves for him to do. But then again that fight scene was where they were both using their best possible moves in their arsenal, and even with Holmes best possible moves, Moriarty decked him with his best possible moves, until he did the unexpected

[@Animality420]

@@connorsim8199 I dont think it would matter if Watson arrived or not. The point of this duel is that this should be the last game Moriarity should play. I think Holmes knows Moriarity still has the upper hand even for a 1v2 duel considering Holmes already injured. And even if Moriarity goes to jail he still has wealth and power he would'nt even need to get out to jail to do the work of making both them and Watson's wife suffer in the future. Holmes ended the game itself there.

[@Animality420]

@@jacobautawitz2151 They play it like a chess game. And Holmes has a disadvantage on the spot he was injured, thats like playing chess without a queen at the start of the game. If they both had exactly the same brilliant mind then they would know of course the one that already lost the queen loses the game. The moves they used in their heads were the best possible moves they could do. Thats why Holmes said at the end "outcome, Inevitable"

[@ezpzgz]

"Come now, do you really think you're the only one who can play this game?" *Goosebumps*

[@Sephy723]

If I remember correctly (since it's been a long time since I've watched the movie), the reason Holmes would rather face Moriarty by himself instead of waiting for Watson is that, in the eyes of the law, Moriarty was clean, meaning there was no evidence against him that he was involved in any major crime. Had both of them attacked Moriarty, in the international summit no less where Moriarty has powerful connections with some of the diplomats, both Holmes & Watson would've been arrested, leaving Moriarty free to do as he please with no one to stop him whatsoever. And even if they did manage to escape, an opportunity like this would never present itself ever again. There's also the fact that, for as long as Moriarty lives, Watson & his new family would be in mortal peril, & so Holmes would protect their lives at all costs, even if it costs him his own. At least, that's how I see this part, given the things I can recall....

[@theeatherlash69]

Marvelous analysis.

[@Furkanozkan]

I was about to ask about that why he didnt wait watson for him to help, was thinking maybe scene shoud be watson opens door as they were on edge of falling when its to late. But your comment is far better deeper

[@abobobilly]

Chillout dude. It's just a movie.

[@binbiboy]

@@abobobilly Its sherlock holmes movies dude

[@Stormwern]

Also a callback to when they first met. "If you try to bring destruction down upon me, I shall do the same to you" "If I could guarantee the former I would gladly accept the latter"

[@myquestionablesanity]

Watson’s face when he sees his best friend sacrifice himself for him and his wife will always make me sad especially how he treats Holmes through out the movie too.

[@PaperbackWizard]

They did have a dance together before he went over the edge; a rather touching dance scene, too.

[@sonii-k5j]

holmes doesn't die at the end lol

[@Jk-zv6tz]

@@sonii-k5j We are all aware. Take this Whoosh. It's yours now.

[@Noname-u6j8s]

Probably puzzled as to why he did it, because both of them could have taken moriarty down

[@emilyelizabethbuchanan998]

Moriarty had enough friends and enough contacts that even if arrested he could have arranged somehow to kill the doctor and his wife. Holmes was making absolutely sure that would never happen

[@Proloyable]

This is actually what scientists think like when they disprove each other's theorems.

[@Gabriel-oq8gs]

Damn you. Now I can't get the image of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking kicking people's asses out of my head.

[@aashiv93]

Plenty of cliffs in Sweden to throw each other off of when they gather for Nobel ceremony.

[@sevendyd7695]

@@aashiv93 lol dark humour

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

More politicians and Generals but yes Scientists too wish to just beat each other because of theories we call that the Nerd wars. Any way fun fact, despite being rivals Richard the Lionheart and Saladin never actually meet.

[@rubix4195]

@@Gabriel-oq8gs It's pretty tame but Stephen Hawking lost a bet with another scientist Kip Thorne regarding black hole information and Kip Thorne won a Playboy subscription.

[@MrSkullkid60]

When they both fall, you can see their true personality finally coming out. Sherlock Holmes, who disguises himself as a psychopath, not having much emotions and obsessed with his investigations, having almost no social relation, has accepted death, because that is the right thing to do for the people he cares, and for the world. Moriarty, who frames himself as a distinguished gentleman, an educated and highly intelligent man, is screaming in rage and fear because he is actually a sociopath. He thinks better than anyone, but because he is insane, he couldn’t have imagined that someone like Holmes would sacrifice himself for the greater good. And thus, on his face, you can see how ugly and evil he was

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

His mask of sanity slips

[@georgimihailov9944]

"In their last moments, people show you who they really are" - Joker

[@D3nchanter]

@@alessiodelcastillo1613 "My grasp on sanity remains... absolute" ~Dr. Robotnick

[@SuperFitzieZX]

I’d argue Moritary is a psychopath rather than a sociopath due to the fact he isn’t impulsive and doesn’t make mistakes. Other than that, this is an extremely solid analysis

[@PyatPree88]

Neither terms are medically accurate anymore

[@jameretief8327]

During the fall it looks like Holmes is at peace and Heaven bound, while Moriarty is terrified and Hell bound.

[@Mysteriosf2ptwink]

Hence Holmes is facing up while Moriarty is looking downwards.

[@babafo6788]

Holmes seems concentrated counting seconds and choosing the perfect time when let the body of Moriarty off, in order to have the boost he needs to fall in water and not on the rocks...

[@lauragraves4342]

@@babafo6788 like he might have planned it as a possible move all along or just had the idea. Awesome! I didn't realize that but you're so right.

[@user-oq4yk1xd7d]

"Discombobulated"

[@susieq360]

Didn't look like terror at all. Looked like sheer rage. Probably why Holmes said "My advantage: his rage."

[@anyhow8174]

"Conclusion: inevitable. Unless..." *pulls out pistol*

[@husker3345]

Indiana Jones approves

[@polop2897]

this comment is so underrated

[@mischifer1]

I actually just laughed 😂

[@mikepastor.k6233]

That would be so ungentlemanly

[@techwizpc4484]

Parry this you filthy casual!

[@peterfrank3365]

" _Conclusion: Inevitable. Unless..._ " Sounds familiar.

[@teofanostevanrusli9258]

Captain America: I understood that reference

[@hadiakhtar1990]

Yeah it perfectly fits on that

[@pavelstreletsky1964]

I didn't get that reference. Enlighten me

[@chaihill1837]

Underrated

[@meris8486]

"I am Iron Man"

[@zhengwenyu1587]

Stark: "Conclusion, inevitable." Thanos: *smirks* Stark: "Unless..."

[@connorkonen5770]

Underrated comment lol

[@ayomibefolarin6770]

Facts. Truly underrated.

[@OneofInfinity.]

*Snap*

[@RoweMan2000]

Omg that is so true He did the same thing He sacrificed himself

[@williamb.j.blaskowicz.5664]

TRULY,TRULY ALL ABSOLUTELY BEYOND UNIMAGINABLY UNIMAGINABLE TRANSCENDENT TRANSCENDENTAL TRANSCENDING BOUNDLESSNESS LEVELS OF AMAZINGLY AMAZING AMAZINGNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NICE, VERY NICE.NICE,VERY NICE.NICE,VERY NICE.NICE,VERY NICE.NICE,VERY NICE.NICE,VERY NICE.NICE,VERY NICE.NICE,VERY NICE.

[@rosePetrichor]

The moment of silence after Sherlock's analysis is *just* long enough for you to realise that Moriarty is about to play Sherlock at his own game before he begins speaking. Absolutely beautiful cinematography

[@ayazabdulla1144]

I like this scene because it definitely proves that even highly-intelligent people solve thier relationship-related problems by violence.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

to be fair it proves nothing because it is fiction. however just by looking at history, you will find your proof anyway. no civilization survives without a justice system that metes out physical punishment, and that necessitates violence of force.

[@NPC1921]

"Is that what he calls it?"

[@DaveDexterMusic]

highly-intelligent sociopathic murderers, yes

[@sam-ht6qv]

​@@DaveDexterMusicNope, just highly intelligent people. Don't try to change it just because you can't handle that fact of life😂

[@mark9294]

Yes. Definitely.

[@woozzification]

Moriarty: "Cambridge boxing champion" Also Moriarty: "I'm going to throw wild haymakers from weird angles with my chin up in the air"

[@SiouxTube]

Yeah, odd given Haymakers are the punches of the laymen and the inexperienced even in those days. Though, he might have been doing it due to Holmes injuries, maybe? I don't know. It's definitely not the style of a boxing champion who'd crowd space and look for the cross combination or upper cut/hook variations for being that close.

[@filipvadas7602]

@@SiouxTube Holmes says it himself, Moriarty is a sociopath. And tipically when a sociopath becomes enraged they throw caution to the wind

[@joehudson7007]

I am in belief it is to force Holmes to keep his back to the balcony. A jab or an uppercut can be dodged by circling the opponent. The only possibility I can think of. Holmes isnt between Moriarty and the balcony only during a grapple. Quite possibly he is also taking advantage that Holmes cannot back up to avoid, with only one arm to defend himself Holmes is forced to defend himself if Moriarty throws these in quick succession and should any of them not be blocked the fight should end with moriarity the victor.

[@bmac9090]

Maybe Cambridge didn't have a very good boxing team 🤔

[@joehudson7007]

@@bmac9090 always a possibility.

[@akj7]

I really like how the vilain isn't some trivial bad guy with a deep voice, muscular arms and inverted smile rather someone you would meet and aspire to become.

[@machdude3366]

And above all else, normal. The thing about Moriarty, he wasn't some deformed misunderstood genius. He was for all intents and purposes just a mundane professor.

[@toddkes5890]

@@machdude3366 Moriarty was a genius, he was effectively Sherlock's equal and opposite. Even Mycroft (someone who was an advisor to various British politicians) commented that Moriarty had positioned himself well with the diplomats at the conference

[@machdude3366]

@@toddkes5890 The thing about this protrayal was that it didn't go out of its way to may Moriarty distinct. He was a regular, perhaps even drab old professor that you would not give a second glance to in the streets. And there is the rub. He looks just like everyone else. A demon in the guise of a man is far more dangerous than the devil in plain sight.

[@rogueascendant6611]

@@machdude3366 DC and Marvel should take notes.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Robert Downey Jr just seems to be the type of guy to sacrifice himself for the good of the world

[@amitabharaj3379]

I swear to god your everywhere

[@yuukemia1473]

ok first of all

[@mr.optimal4609]

iconic how you post this 17 hours ago and have 22 like

[@RoweMan2000]

He's not dead

[@impulsejoker3668]

Here since 89 likes

[@amartyaroy3754]

I like how they showed Moriarty's intelligence by incorporating the same thinking process of Sherlock's.

[@ironcladnomad5639]

Jude Law is severely underappreciated in these movies. The look on his face after Holmes and Moriarty tumble off the balcony is magnificent.

[@nats4377]

Yes

[@santos8468]

He's the MVP of these movies.

[@user-hx3vp6vt2b]

I like that he didn't scream or yell or cry. Just quiet devastation. Brilliant acting.

[@SacredDaturaa]

He has incredible chemistry with Downey. The movies wouldn't work half as good if we didn't believe that Holmes and Watson were best friends.

[@FRISHR]

If Sherlock’s shoulder wasn’t injured, he would have discombobulate Moriarty and easily won.

[@username-yc3bd]

Not even the boxing champion of Cambridge can survive being discombobulated

[@SpruceCampbell]

Combobulate injured shoulder, commence discombobulate.

[@inflatablemattress2]

Discombobulating is almost as powerful as having the high ground

[@endefisto123]

Would be close still, but i don't know man I am 50/50 if both were at 100%.

[@MichaelHanleyAuctioneer]

Moriarty would not have fought him there if Holmes were not injured.

[@EnterpriseXI]

2:57. Homes, "I timed it perfectly." That's how he survived the fall. Kicked Moriarty towards the base of the falls and Homes towards calm waters

[@chingu_billy5144]

Actually you have a better chance surviving a waterfall than still water, the waterfall breaks the tension of the water so you don’t fall on essentially concrete

[@mustardman1008]

@@chingu_billy5144 I think that he kicked him towards the rocks so that Holmes could land in the base of the water fall

[@boxtank5288]

@@mustardman1008 and Holmes is ENTIRELY relaxed while Moriarty is tensed up in a panic.

[@cebuninja8008]

Sherlock probably landed on snow instead, any fall from that height straight into the water would make the water more like concrete

[@БожидарКолев-ы2ц]

What if Moriarty also survived

[@Mogu003]

Moriarty screaming as they fell really sealed in his defeat. He wasn't ready to die, let alone be bested.

[@vicissitudes6066]

This scene was actually used as a teaching resource in my game theory class. The crux of it, and what makes this scene so brilliant, is that after two magnificent strategic players who have battled with each other through rational calculations the entire time, Holmes won with an emotional/irrational move - suicide. Rationally, each of them has correctly anticipated the other's moves, mentally played out the scenario and hence foreseen the final outcome. In the end, it was a touch of emotion that turned the table. Brilliant movie, funny, compact, exciting, with excellent dialogues, characters and story line. Since my first encounter with it at the cinema, I've re-watched it many times over the years. I can still pick up some bits of brilliance here and there, as I'm growing older and learning more in life. Love the movie.

[@owenleal]

Thats very interesting. I dont know anything about Game Theory, but as a layman it does seem to me that logicbrained people do tend to underestimate the role of empathy and emotion in calculating a winning strategy.

[@scottmatheson3346]

How is the suicide irrational or emotional?

[@Centauri902]

Nothing about this is irrational or emotional. Your teacher taught you poorly. The options were either die, and let Watson die, or die, and take Moriarity with him. He chose rationally and Moriarity calculated incorrectly because he assumed that Watsons life would not be a significant factor in Holmes's value function once his own life was at risk.

[@itsgonnabeokay9341]

Yeah, his decision was made based purely on his emotions towards Watson, and therefore it was irrational. Had he chose rationally he would fight Moriarity with Watson.@@Centauri902

[@TheWPhilosopher]

​@@Centauri902This. It wasn't irrational at all! (I'm agreeing with you not arguing except with OP). Rationally doing things like in the run though Holmes does anyway and then Mary and Watson are at huge risk. So if his life is forfeit, rationally taking Moriarty with him is the only way he can win. Remove a dangerous criminal mastermind who will terrorise Europe AND save his friend and his wife. Rationally then Holmes DID make the right move according to game theory and it wasn't emotional at all, cold hard logic.

[@zacharyroach2067]

If you watch closely when they are falling, Holmes pushes off from Moriarty and that causes Moriarty to hit the rocky cliff and presumably die and the momentum of the push causes Sherlock to fall into the center of the falls and hit the water. This combined with his breathing device is how he won and survived.

[@MrTStat]

People say John could've helped, you're missing the point Moriarty was untouchable leagally The fight would've been broken and then Moriarty would have all the time to exact his revenge He had to take him out

[@lordlossize]

you also gotta figure that moriarty in the fight scene was the one to start it, meaning that he was the one who was intending to kill holmes. if holmes had run to get watson then moriarty would either A, escape, or B, strike him while his back is turned and either kill him or toss him over the edge. similarly, holmes probably wouldnt have been able to hold moriarty in that grapple long enough for watson to get into the room and start doing anything. this also doesnt take into account that moriarty would probably have knocked watson around like a plaything given hes as calculating as holmes is in a fight. inevitably, this was the only outcome both practically due to what i just said, as well as long term what you described.

[@audianmaula]

Moriarty: "I am inevitable" Sherlock: "but I am Sherlock Holmes"

[@nirvana213xxxz]

“Snap!” Lol

[@Luke-vf6qc]

Just business

[@thexavier666]

Sherlock: **yoink**

[@CognizantCheddar]

I like the touch at the end, having Moriarity screaming as he falls, in such stark contrast to Holmes, who's zen about it. Similar intellect, similar genius, but one is a psychopathic narcissist who can't cope with -- or probably even understand -- how his foe was willing to defeat him in this manner. So he's the only one screaming, unable to accept his fate.

[@nikhilsathyan]

Stark contrast hehe

[@zoe-janesutherland4359]

@@nikhilsathyan I can only marvel at your word play prowess....

[@EL-ISS]

God I LOVE how Moriarty's voice comes in: "Come now, you really think you're the only one who can play this game?" The first time I watched this it was shaking, after subsequent views its still just phenomenal.

[@thebirdhasbeencharged]

CHOP ARM

[@RoDiggityDangit79]

In the books he was supposed to die this way, but the fans were so outraged the author had to find a way to bring him back

[@jackmclean4120]

Didn't Conan Doyle kill him off cause he hated writing the books?

[@b.o.j.1442]

@@jackmclean4120 nope he thought Holmes had gotten stale and wanted to give him a proper ending.

[@lukeskywalker8543]

In the books, does he ever say how Sherlock survived

[@obsidianobserver]

It's been a while since I last read it, but if I recall correctly, instead of Holmes grabbing Moriaty and throwing themselves off the fall, he actually threw Moriaty off and then went to hide inside a cave or behind some big boulders for a while, leading Watson and Moriaty's henchmen to believe they are both dead. He spent the next 2 years in hiding, while also taking down the rest of Moriaty's empire, knowing they would come for Watson and his wife. After all was done, he revealed himself to Watson, instead of already hinting at his survival after, like, 1 week after his funeral. For the readers, they had to wait for 10 years to successfully bully Arthur Conan Doyle to retcon Holmes' death and continue the series

[@geomease]

their entire final battle was entirely theoretical

[@sumgai848]

I'm remembering someone writing "Bar none: The greatest fight that never happened." Edit: Tho now as I read further down, I'm seeing similar comments. Wellp!

[@moltanicalegend9377]

​@@sumgai848 YES! I remember seeing that too! Haha.

[@devilpupbear09]

Actually it was, Elementary my dear

[@cornflakes3071]

Its seeing the future

[@SunGawdRa]

Puts that stupid last Twilight battle to shame. And it has actual consequences and results.

[@stark1987]

when it went to moriartys mind was a spectacular moment in movie history, that holmes' brilliance IS matched, and the whole chess metaphor as blatant as it was was just beautiful

[@landonletterman831]

The slow motion fall of these two characters is amazing. The screaming rage of a man who can't believe the other would be so stupid as to chuck them both into the screaming abyss, and the quiet resignation of a man who knows this is the only way to punish the man for his crimes (even the assassination attempt, no guarantee that Moriarty couldn't fight that in court, and win)

[@b.o.j.1442]

What a spectacular way to translate the final battle between Moriarty and Holmes. I wish we got more of this type of sherlock holmes. A boots to the ground detective who is not afraid to fight. Actually kind of like how he is in the books.

[@Xen0gears515]

I love this scene. In our minds, the action hasn't occurred in real life yet, this is just the planning/strategy phase but in reality that planning/strategy phase is the "action" scene. Such a trippy film technique

[@connorchristiansen1023]

The irony being that John could have helped him win the fight if he waited another 10 seconds.

[@skeletonofwisdom2922]

No. Cause Moriarty would've thrown him off the ledge by then.

[@majorsnafu4771]

@@skeletonofwisdom2922 Lmao what? He walked in as Holmes grabbed him around the neck. That was a 45 second fight. He had plenty of time.

[@skeletonofwisdom2922]

@@majorsnafu4771 You have the photo of my waifu as your profile pic. That's nice. It was actually a 2 seconds fight. Rest was them calculating the hell out of it.

[@nicolaszan1845]

@@skeletonofwisdom2922 True, but had Holmes actually waited before throwing himself, Watson would have helped him subdue Moriarty. Then again, it's unlikely that's what he wanted. Holmes was probably much more ready to actually kill the guy, and knowing how he survived, it ended well anyway.

[@LiemV94]

Think that's what made it a bit sad. Sherlock didn't account for John. Probably because he a backup plan already but during his final confrontation, he forgot he didn't have to do it alone, since John is always there for him.

[@dirty7444]

Holmes should have kissed Moriarty on the lips. That’d have thrown him off his game

[@adityabhalekar3506]

lol sherlock reference

[@sheeplastname430]

@@adityabhalekar3506 I was gonna say

[@andrewvillatoro4605]

Get Smart reference???

[@fulcrum7493]

strategy!!! >:)

[@prasadnayak855]

🤣

[@stressedumbra4944]

"How much ridiculous smart you want Sherlock to be in this movie?" Director: Yes.

[@G0W2]

Prognosis: He was stupid to jump after Dr arrived. That would have shifted the fight in Sherlock's favour.

[@josephwilliam7352]

@@G0W2 I disagree. By the time Watson opened the door, Holmes had caught Moriarty completely off guard and had him held. To give Moriarty any chance to fight back would be foolish decision. Even if the fight was two versus one, Moriarty could still have likely taken them given Holmes' injury. Once Holmes is out of the fight, Watson would be left alone against a man as dangerous as Moriarty. Furthermore, it probably wouldn't look good for Watson to have helped assist in the killing of Moriarty (or anyone), given his profession as a doctor. On top of that. Moriarty was too dangerous to let live. Had he simply been arrested, there is no complete guarantee that he wouldn't be free in due time to cause more trouble. So Holmes had the choice: Get his friend involved, only maybe put Moriarty away and cause who knows how many other incidents. or Let his friend go on with his life and put Moriarty down. As was shown in the ending scene of the movie, Holmes is alive and he planned for the eventuality of having to jump off in order to get rid of Moriarty. If the end goal was to get rid of Moriarty permanently, then Sherlock planned for and made the better choice.

[@G0W2]

@@josephwilliam7352 I differ in 2 3 points but I love the fact that how thoroughly you have described the situation so not going to argue. The only thing that should be mentioned is that how awesome this movie is and we both love this movie. Have a nice day.

[@justsome500yearoldwithsmug2]

@@G0W2 I love a little wholesome conversation like this

[@josephwilliam7352]

@@G0W2 Indeed. I loved this movie, and the first one. Have a good day/night.

[@dylanfoster7138]

This scene made me fully realize how capable Moriarty was. Up until this point, I had only seen Sherlock use the planing out fight sequence, but when Moriarty said “two can play this game” and joined in the play by play, that changed my view on him

[@LegitBacKd00rNiNJa69]

shows how stupid you are

[@keenanalexander3003]

Right? He appears as the intellectual type that would be inexperienced in a fight. But no, he is quite dangerous both mentally and physically.

[@kevinmclaughlin225]

How to defeat a dangerous psychopath, play on the fact that they don't care about anyone besides themselves.

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

When Moriarty said : Come now..... I got chills. And wonder what Watson felt when he came in and discover Sherlock jumping over the edge with the professor.

[@SeanPalpatine]

Billionaire playboy philanthropist fights with russian Chernobyl specialist, circa 1890, colorized

[@Shooshawali]

Alternatively: Dr. Doolittle fights the king of England

[@2KOOLURATOOLGaming]

Alternatively: Kirk Lazarus, Actor Extraordinaire (Tropic Thunder) fights Anderson Dawes, Belter-rights activist (The Expanse)

[@Howlinglider]

Alternatively: Diplomatic Security Service agent fights Lieutenant general Ulysses S. Grant.

[@TimeCircleBlue]

@@Howlinglider oh god you’re right

[@couragedy89]

Correction, Charlie Chaplin fights Captain Francis Crozier of HMS Terror

[@kingjaffa618]

One of the few times a good person had more at their disposal than a bad one. Moriarty was always willing to go much further to achieve his goals but self-sacrifice would have been an alien concept for him

[@davecrupel2817]

1:11 "arsenal running dry...adjust...strategy..." The tireness and frailty in his words is rather unnerving...

[@TrippyTrey10]

I like how Holmes closed his eyes and kept them closed while he was falling so that the last image he saw before he landed was of Watson

[@GmodAdict]

My favorite moment in the film. You see Watson walk out and see Holmes expression go to “Huh...I didn’t expect that,” and you just see that he knows Watson has learned well. His student has become his peer

[@mariami7847]

2:05 His smile is just... Everything

[@fitrianhidayat]

The thing is, despite everything Holmes did, ultimately Moriarty was right, the war *is* inevitable, he was just trying to leverage it to his advantage..

[@josephlopez4871]

You are absolutely right...Holmes won the battle but Moriarty in death won the war. Welcome to war profiteering

[@Resi1ience]

@@josephlopez4871 If Moriarty's goal was to gain an advantage from the war, then he didn't win anything.

[@grilledleeks6514]

Still one of my favorite scenes in cinema. Just a great couple movies tbh... I would love to see these guys fill the roles again someday

[@bryanalexander7571]

Its such a good character insight that Moriarty could predict any move Holmes would make other than self-sacrifice.

[@phantomstranger8959]

I like how the last thing Sherlock saw was his best friend, he shut his eyes robbing Moriarty of the satisfaction of hearing him scream.

[@nightlock826]

I do like that holmes ”sacrificed” himself for Watson as it shows just how much he values him despite the fact all the crap they give each other.

[@NormalHatter]

Watson is the only best friend Holmes have after all. Let's not forget the fact that he loses Irene, the only love interest he had at the hands of Moriarty himself. Had he not chose to go down with Moriarty, everything he holds dear would have perished.

[@arunkumargupta4564]

@@NormalHatter You know, Irene was never meant to be Sherlock's love interest. In the books, she is manages to outsmart him and he respects her for that. And she is married. Unrelated to the movie, I know, but just wanted to state that Irene isn't a mere love interest for Sherlock as modern versions show her.

[@NormalHatter]

@@arunkumargupta4564 i did read the book. And while the movie signified a deeper relationship, it does not differ greatly from the source. As seen in the movie, Holmes have an interest with her. But, just like in the book, he still respect her as his adversary. If he weren't, he would've asked for her hand in marriage already.

[@arunkumargupta4564]

@@NormalHatter I'll say Irene was more of a client's suspect in the books. In fact, it does differ a lot from the books, Irene was an opera singer, not some kind of street criminal and she was not working for Moriarty. She doesn't die, but marries Godfrey Norton and shifts somewhere. (I really don't like what modern adaptations do to her. Granada version still had the best Irene Adler.) And yes, I agree, if Sherlock was really in love with Irene he would have asked for her hand. He doesn't, but he really respects her. (And thank you for such a nice and polite reply. It's not something that happens when you are on KZbin).

[@kfw9257]

Although it would've denied us a great ending, I think Sherlock and Watson could have taken Moriarty. But I'm guessing Sherlock knew Moriarty was too dangerous to be allowed to live and wasn't sure Watson would agree to taking him out.

[@waqasali8281]

cx

[@fakename2926]

The likelihood that Moriarty would’ve successfully taken either Holmes or Watson hostage was too high. One misstep, and they both would’ve paid the price.

[@nicolaszan1845]

Watson absolutely wouldn't have agreed. That's why Holmes threw himself into the abyss, so Watson helping him out and handing Moriarty to the authorities is not a winning scenario.

[@HanithSVK]

@@nicolaszan1845 I think, that part of Holmes didn't want to drag him into this any more than he already was... Think about it, Moriarty attacked him and his wife and would've killed them if not for Holmes. Also, he killed Addler without any remorse or anything... Holmes really cares about Watson, so he chose to sacrifice himself for Watson(and, at least in some way, for his wife). But its true, that even if both of them attacked Moriarty, there is no guarantee, that they would've defeat him without some injuries, or in worst scenario, Watson would die. But nonetheless it was awesome movie.

[@syahrezadifachri5121]

Well in the novel holmes did sacrificed himself to stop moriarty in the reichenbach fall. So i don't think people would like this movie to deviate too far from source materia.l

[@squeezinglemons.cbt.1989]

One of my favorite scenes by far in this movie. I feel like what people over looked (granted it’s hard to see lol ) is that yes Holmes is risking the possibility of sacrificing himself for the ones he loves and it’s the one move Moriarty can’t/ doesn’t predict Holmes to do. BUT it’s the fact that Holmes actually has every detail that takes place already planned out (besides Watson). From the moment Moriatry comes out onto the balcony Holmes is standing at the edge looking over planning the fall. @ 2:57 you can see Holmes kick Moriatry off of him, uses his legs momentum to flip himself up right and pencils into the water while also ensuring that he kicks Moriatry on the lower section of his body forcing him to let go, rotate his body so that his back is facing the water and shoots off to the side closest to the shore/rocks guaranteed to kill him. Holmes plans where he has to be standing to throw them off, how they’re positioned, how far down he has to wait to kick himself out of Moriatry grip. If Moriatry had truly seen every outcome, the sacrifice wouldn’t have taken him by surprise but more so as unfortunate but knowing his Opponent and that he is always multiple steps ahead would have known Holmes had a plan and either ensured they both died by not letting go or letting go prior to the kick and following Holmes every move and copying it. Not mention he honestly planned everything when they were at his brothers home and took the breathing apparatus and was simply going over small details while standing at the edge of the balcony looking down into the waterfall. All this truly shows that Holmes is truly the best and cannot be out done.

[@hyicrotai9801]

1:19 Holmes face as he reaches for a desperate grab. With the super confident line " WOUND TAKING ITS TOLL". Is always satisfying as a Villan fan. What a great 🎥 film.

[@PowerCrunchVideos]

This scene becomes darkly hilarious if you look at it like Moriarty really was conceding peacefully to Holmes and the virtual conflict was just him being paranoid. XD

[@Nonaggress]

Just before Sherlock grabbed him, he was moments away from saying, "Nahhhhhh bro lol jk gg"

[@afrocurt6088]

I mean he did straight up threaten the lives of Watson and his wife

[@scottmatheson3346]

@@afrocurt6088 "i was just joking about that too, bro"

[@hainkostok6823]

Jared harris is the most underrated actor ever. Love him

[@stephenb3104]

Watsons reaction is my favorite part in this whole scene. Just how quick he moves right to accepting the end

[@Jebesniper]

I really love the vibe this movie created. Sad we still dont have sherlock holmes 3

[@moonsets-on_you]

0:29 I love how "My advantage: his rage" is so effective that Sherlock engages in mental fisticuffs bc that's exactly what Moriarty wanted. Sherlock used M's boxing experience against him bc he wanted a fair fight. Even before this, Moriarty responds to Sherlock's special rule during their chess game. Sherlock grappling and dipping off the edge was the most unfair, dangerous, and most importantly unpredictable option with zero punches being thrown at all. Which is quite fitting bc like Sherlock here, Irene didn't stand a chance against Moriarty and died with no way out. Bonus points for letting us see Sherlock & Moriarty try to pummel each other bc they knew we wanted to see that, and couldve easily cut that out for more dialogue between them. Or more disguise hunting with Watson and Madame Simz

[@Backwoodcentral]

Yall know damn well you started tearing up when he said "prognosis.. increasingly negative."

[@arcanecontent]

Not my comment. Saw it somewhere else, but here ya go: "Ah, there we find the boxing champion of Cambridge." Too bad he wasn't the diving champion of Cambridge.

[@bostongalden1171]

🤣😂😅

[@martmandred9182]

But Sherlock is.

[@deepdoltanimation9382]

"Conclusion: Inevitable. Unless..." "Arresto momentum!"

[@bananaking2782]

What I love about these movies is how brilliantly Jude Law and RDJ compliment each other throughout both. And how Moriarty was depicted. Devious and contemptuous of everyone. Sherlock had him completely pegged in their first face to face. I realize that it's a movie and that's how it should be. But even more so just brilliantly done. And at the end Watson realizes just how much Sherlock cares.

[@richardgrosskopf1681]

I like how frightened fake Sherlock was before falling off the balcony on Moriarty's analysis. He is like 🤯

[@strattuner]

the look on watson's face,he knew if holmes went over the edge it was for imment reasons,him and holmes were buds to the end,love is when you die for someone in their stead

[@4137Swords]

1:50 this scene always stuck with me years later. Seeing Sherlock's face just scream in absolute terror when he's starting to fall into free air is such a realistic portrayal of how anyone would feel knowing they're slipping and definitely are about to fall to their death.

[@fredocarroll]

If you want to know what that's actually like from the victim's perspective -- and trust me, you don't -- you can find the accounts of survivors of Golden Gate Bridge suicide attempts, who describe what it was like once they leapt. Chilling. Just chilling.

[@toddkes5890]

And knowing that Moriarty will take out his revenge on Watson and Mary. "Something creative"

[@deskbop]

Comparing that to his peaceful face when he purposefully pulls him and Moriarty over the edge truly shows how amazing of a man he really is.

[@vysakhsuresh4025]

Actually he wasn't afraid of death. He was screaming because he knew that Moriarty would go after Watson and his wife next. When Holmes does pull Moriarty along with him just look at how peaceful he is. He knows he has saved his friend even if he was likely to die himself..

[@TheReal4th]

When the two smartest students in your class have different answers

[@maribethshuman6334]

2:50 The face of a man who knows he has won because he chose to sacrifice himself, and is therefore at complete peace. Stunning.

[@JarvisBaileyVA]

This is one thing I loved about this movie. For all their intelligence, foresight, and psychic mind battles, neither Holmes nor Moriarty considered the possibility of an outside influence. Holmes even had that very problem at the beginning of the movie when Sim interrupted his "omelette" making process. Had Holmes continued normally, Watson would have been in to save him long before his death but that also speaks to the fact that Holmes already told Moriarty at the beginning of the film that if they both had to go down to stop Moriarty, Holmes would happily take that option.

[@matthewtaylor74]

Two geniuses and neither thought to hit the other in the balls

[@taahaashirgar4731]

Professionals have standards

[@scorpion40k]

@@taahaashirgar4731 Be polite

[@boxtank5288]

@@taahaashirgar4731 Also Adrenaline is one hell of a drug, the strike wouldn't have completely incapacitated the victim and would dull further pain.

[@mayalenedesury1082]

2 gentlemen...

[@crofoegbu6535]

They *are* still gentlemen after all

[@k.m.nowshad-ud-dowllah5071]

I have to say, out of the whole movie this is the best scene.

[@darlight2630]

Also, the fight in the woods is insane it's so satisfying

[@scottchaison1001]

This movie is great!

[@EliSkylander]

And to think, just over a decade ago, writing like this was commonplace. The theatres were packed, fan enthusiasm was shared across today's 'insurmountable' boundaries. Look at us now. Viva la renaissance!

[@overlex]

“.... Come now... you really think you’re the only one who can play this game?” Audience: 👁👄👁 Absolutely LOVED Jared Harris’ Moriarty! ❤️ He looks like Fyodor Dostoyevsky 🤩

[@d.matthews287]

"Allow me to reply" that hand block followed by the shoulder punch and grab, shew!

[@ollracksheboj5892]

"Conlusion, inevitable" "Unless, I am ironman"

[@muzgash]

The score during this scene is just so hauntingly beautiful.

[@osbaldocruz4735]

Interesting how Watson stays there like he's running the same simulation in his head and came to the same conclusion

[@skystarlink]

An AMAZING fight scene this was. Don't mind if I do a complete Analysis. Analysis:- -Holmes thinks to himself that Moriarty has the advantage of Holmes's injury and that Holmes's has the advantage of Moriarty's rage which isn't really an advantage to be honest. Mental Battle: -Moriarty pushes Sherlock's arm to the side to prevent him from smoking. (No smoking during a fight) -He continues to attack his left arm since his right arm's shoulder is wounded. -Sherlock reverses his attack. -Sherlock punches Moriarty with his left. -Moriarty punches Holmes with his left first, then his right. -Holmes blocks Moriarty's right punch using his left arm, then pushes it away. -He then (with his left arm) pushes Moriarty's left arm aimed to punch him. -He repeats with Moriarty's right arm aimed to punch him. -Sherlock punches his stomach with his left arm. -Sherlock punches his face with his left arm. -Moriarty grabs Sherlock's left arm with his left arm. -He then uses his right arm to grab Sherlocks right arm's injured shoulder. -He then spins and pushes Holmes to a Stone pillar. -Moriarty attempts to punch Holmes but he gets deflected by Holmes left arm. -This repeats 2 more times. -Holmes then punches Moriarty in the stomach while avoiding his left punch. -He then grabs Moriarty's arm mid-swing and punches his face with his right hand. -Holmes attempts to punch Moriarty from above but Moriarty blocks it wit his right arm and traps it. -Holmes winds up a punch with his right arm but Moriarty blocks it at the very start. -Moriarty proceeds to punch his wounded right shoulder. -He then grabs his wounded shoulder. -Holmes attempts to kick Moriarty's left leg but Moriarty sees this and moves his leg to avoid it. -Moriarty then tries to kick either of Sherlock's legs with his right leg but Holmes opens his legs to avoid it. -Holmes tries to punch Moriarty with his right hand but Moriarty grabs it with his left hand and moves back while punching Holmes from above with his right hand. -He then grabs Sherlocks left arm with hands. -Holmes tries to grab Moriarty with his left hand but Moriarty quickly slams his head on the table. -Moriarty proceeds to punch Sherlock's right arm (while holding it between his left hand and shoulder) with his right hand from above, thus injuring it further. -He then grabs Sherlocks from behind with his right hand and knee strikes him in the chest. -He then proceeds to push Sherlock towards the edge while holding his right arm and lays him on the stone edge. -Holmes punches Moriarty with his left arm which staggers Moriarty a little. -Moriarty then punches Holmes with his right hand while holding Sherlock's right arm with his left. -Holmes tries to grab Moriarty but gets his hand pushed away. -Moriarty then brutally elbows Sherlock in the chest. -Sherlocks tries to move Moriarty's elbow while attempting to moving his left leg off the ledge. -Moriarty proceeds to push Sherlock's left leg over the ledge while STILL holding Sherlock's right arm. -Moriarty could have just let him fall right there by letting of Sherlocks right arm but proceeds to hold it with both hands for a little bit just to see the look of defeat and fear on Sherlock's face. -He then FINALLY let's go of Sherlock right arm and watches him fall down The Reichenbach Falls while making the Tony Stark pose of presenting the Jericho missile. -Holmes screams right before falling off completely. (Maybe out of the fact that Moriarty can now kill Watson, his best friend, and his wife.) -Moriarty is breathing hard. Real Life Battle:- -Holmes smiles at Moriarty, for some reason, knowing that he cannot win. -Moriarty chuckles back, for some reason. -But Sherlock knows that his victory is not required for Moriarty's defeat. -He pushes the cigar out of his mouth and blows fire crackles towards Moriarty's eyes. -Moriarty closes his eyes and looks away. -Holmes then seizes the opportunity and quickly grabs Moriarty in a hug as soon as possible. -Moriarty looks back at Holmes confused. -Holmes puts his left foot on the table's edge. -Watson arrives. -Holmes looks at Watson and closes his eyes and pushes off the table and over the ledge while bringing Moriarty along with him. -Watson closes his eyes too. -Fight's not over yet. -Moriarty is screaming in Sherlock's face who is at peace with his eyes closed. -Holmes then kicks Moriarty away from him thus pushing himself towards the water while pushing Moriarty towards the rocks. -They both fall out of view. -NOW the fight is over. -By the way, Watson looks over the edge and sees nobody there, indicating to him that both the criminal Mastermind and his best friend are dead at the bottom of The Reichenbach Falls. -Watson is sad.

[@overlex]

Here’s why the “come now…” scene at 0:46 is Epic: For 2 movies, and up ‘till now, we’ve seen Sherlock win EVERY BIG FIGHT via this foresight and calculation. We’re lulled into a false sense of re-assurance when we’re about to see Sherlock stop Moriarty with this method… until it hits us unexpectedly! Just to highlight, there’s even Boss-fight music during Moriarty’s foresight sequence 😂🫢🔥🔥🔥whereas Sherlock’s was silent