Favorite moment in this film

More specifically, this is my favorite scene after repeated viewings when you catch nuances you missed earlier. Near the end when Hardin and Spencer were at the Cajun party, Hardin spots through a window two shady looking dudes arriving in a canoe. He immediately suspects they might be among the fiends who had been after his guard unit, but is unsure. Spencer dismisses his speculation as paranoia, thinking that even in the unlikely event it was two of the murderous Cajuns they wouldn't dare come after them with so many people around. Spencer tells Hardin to relax (again) and is subsequently summoned to dance by a frisky Cajun lass.

Hardin remains skeptical and keeps his eyes fixated on the two guys, probing their every move for any small clue that might reveal their intentions. The Cajuns wander slowly toward the crowd outside and appear to inquire about something with the very guy who gave Hardin and Spencer a ride to the festival. After they got what seemed to be a satisfactory answer, one of them throws a smug, sneering look toward the window where Hardin is watching. This subtle but threatening glance confirmed what Hardin sensed. He now knew with certainty that these were two of the bad guys.

I just love this fleeting moment of great filmmaking craft. Walter Hill didn't treat his audience like morons. He didn't spell it out for us. He showed us who these guys were through a snide little asymmetric grin and the piercing eyes of a soldier preparing for the final battle.