Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, often considered the worst of Michael Bay's initial Transformers trilogy, included one of the best scenes of the entire series surrounding Optimus Prime. Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots and is introduced in the first film, 2007's Transformers. The second movie begins with Prime continuing to lead the Autobots after the resurgence of the Decepticons following the revival of Megatron and the emergence of the Fallen. It's during this arc that Optimus Prime's arguably greatest ever scene occurs.
While the first Transformers movie earned a mixed-to-positive response from fans and critics alike, its successor was critically panned, for a number of compelling reasons. From its script, plot, character progression, offensive racial stereotypes, crude humor, and more besides, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was considered significantly inferior to its predecessor in nearly every way. However, there is one scene that is a perfect encapsulation of the franchise's most famous character (besides Bumblebee), Optimus Prime, that stands out as a diamond in the rough.
The scene in question is the scene in which Optimus Prime sacrifices himself to save Sam Witwicky in a battle with Megatron, Starscream, and Grindor. Early in the film, Sam touches a sliver of the destroyed Allspark from the first movie and begins seeing symbols that would lead the Decepticons to a Matrix that can destroy the Earth's sun and provide them with Energon. The first act of the movie culminates in the Decepticons finding and attempting to capture Sam to gain access to the symbols in his mind. This leads Optimus Prime and the other Autobots to find Sam and protect him from their mortal enemies, resulting in Optimus' sacrifice. Not only is this moment a compelling action sequence, it also serves as the perfect exemplar of Optimus' character. While the rest of the movie may fail to deliver, this moments adds significant depth to an otherwise lacking story.
Why Optimus Prime's Sacrifice Scene Is One Of The Franchise's Best
The main reason the scene works is because it is a perfect epitome of Optimus' nature, something that is hopefully continued in upcoming Transformers movies. Optimus Prime is often defined by his exceptionally strong moral character, alongside figures like Captain America or Superman. In sacrificing himself for Sam, Optimus' moral integrity is on full display. This is evident by a line delivered excellently by long-term voice actor Peter Cullen after Megatron asks Prime if the future of the Cybertronian race is worth protecting a single human life. Optimus simply replies, "You'll never stop at one, I'll take you all on." Optimus then rises and fights off all three Decepticons, seriously wounding Starscream and killing Grindor, all after Prime was injured himself earlier in the scene.
From Peter Cullen's delivery of the line to Prime's willingness to fight for even just one human life when severely outnumbered and seemingly outmatched, the scene perfectly encapsulates Optimus Prime's impeccable moral standard. Unlike the sudden death of Jazz in Transformers, this scene is paired with Steve Jablonsky's criminally underrated Transformers score, and Bay's eye for impeccably framed action. The fight is initially exciting, emotional, and beautifully filmed (with outstanding CGI) before culminating in the ultimate sacrifice for Optimus. While Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen's many criticisms are valid, this scene is a perfect example of just how heroic the Autobots, and their fearless leader Optimus Prime, can be.
