John Wick, released in 2014, heralded the start of an action franchise that would go on to become one of the most well-known and influential of the twenty-first century. John Wick, which starred Keanu Reeves as the title character and was directed by Chad Stahelski in his feature film debut, restored Reeves’ career and established a new benchmark for action choreography in contemporary movies. The movie is about a former hitman who, after being wronged by several Russian criminals, sets off on a ceaseless quest for revenge. John Wick is different from previous action movies because it combines a universe of underground assassins that has been painstakingly created, with a surprise emotional core and highly stylized violence. We will discuss the action sequences, characters, storyline, and distinct style that set John Wick apart from other action movies in this review.
Plot Summary: A Man and His Dog
The first moments of John Wick’s narrative are subdued and solemn. After quitting the criminal underground for love, John, a former hitman who formerly worked for the Russian mafia, is now retired and leading a tranquil existence. John is shown in the beginning of the movie lamenting the loss of his wife Helen, who had a fatal illness. Soon after Helen passes away, John receives one last present from her: Daisy, a beagle puppy, which is intended to ease his grief and give him a purpose to live.
John’s brief period of calm is dashed, though, when he encounters a band of young Russian criminals lead by the conceited son of Viggo Tarasov (Michael Nyqvist), John’s old boss, Iosef Tarasov (played by Alfie Allen). Iosef becomes fascinated with John’s antique automobile, a 1969 Ford Mustang, when they meet by coincidence at a petrol station, and makes an offer to purchase it. When John declines, later that evening, Iosef and his group smash into John’s home, take the car, and—most tragically—kill Daisy.
John becomes enraged by this horrible deed and becomes back into the unstoppable killer machine he once was. Driven by sorrow and fury, John sets out on a solitary quest to find Iosef and hold him accountable for his actions. The encounters that ensue are intense, unrelenting, and violent, as John uses lethal accuracy to navigate the criminal underground while dealing with the fallout from his return to violence.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick: A Role Built for Revenge
At the heart of John Wick is Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of the titular character. Reeves, known for his iconic roles in films like The Matrix and Speed, brings a perfect mix of stoicism, intensity, and vulnerability to John. Unlike many action heroes, John Wick is not a one-dimensional killing machine; he is a deeply wounded man whose journey for revenge stems from personal loss and emotional trauma.
Reeves’ performance is largely physical, and he excels at conveying John’s emotions through subtle expressions and body language. Whether it’s the sorrow he feels for the loss of his wife and dog or the cold, calculated precision with which he dispatches his enemies, Reeves embodies the role with a quiet intensity that makes John both relatable and terrifying. His physicality in the action sequences is particularly impressive, as Reeves underwent extensive training in firearms, martial arts, and tactical fighting to ensure that his portrayal of John as a lethal assassin was grounded in reality.
The World of John Wick: A Criminal Underworld with Rules
One of the most intriguing aspects of John Wick is its world-building. The film introduces the audience to a hidden world of assassins, criminals, and code-bound organizations, all existing just beneath the surface of regular society. At the center of this world is the Continental Hotel, a safe haven for hitmen and criminals where no business (i.e., killing) is allowed on the premises. Run by the enigmatic Winston (played by Ian McShane), the Continental is governed by a strict set of rules that all members of the criminal underworld must follow.
This criminal society operates under a system of honor, rules, and professional courtesy, which adds an intriguing layer of depth to what could have otherwise been a simple revenge story. The world of John Wick feels lived-in and expansive, with hints of a much larger network of assassins and power players that are explored further in subsequent films. The existence of specialized gold coins as currency, “clean-up crews” for post-assassination messes, and strict codes of conduct create a unique and immersive atmosphere, making the world itself a character in the film.
Action Sequences: Balletic Violence and Expert Choreography
If there is one aspect of John Wick that sets it apart from other action films, it is the choreography of its fight scenes. Directed by former stunt coordinators Chad Stahelski and David Leitch (uncredited), the action in John Wick is fast, fluid, and meticulously crafted. Each fight scene is shot with clarity and precision, allowing the audience to follow every punch, kick, and gunshot without the disorienting effect of shaky camera work or rapid editing that plagues many modern action films.
The film’s action sequences are often described as “gun-fu,” a hybrid of martial arts and gunplay that sees John dispatch his enemies with a seamless combination of hand-to-hand combat and expertly placed headshots. The close-quarters combat is brutal yet elegant, and each fight feels like a carefully choreographed dance of death. The standout scene, known as the “Red Circle” nightclub fight, is a masterclass in action filmmaking, as John moves through the club with lethal efficiency, taking down enemies with a mix of judo throws, gunfire, and knife work.
The attention to detail in the action scenes, from the realistic portrayal of reloading and firearms to the use of various fighting styles, gives John Wick a sense of authenticity that is rare in the genre. Every move John makes is calculated, and every action has weight and consequence, further emphasizing the character’s lethal reputation.
Themes: Grief, Revenge, and Redemption
While John Wick is primarily an action film, it also explores deeper themes of grief, revenge, and redemption. At its core, John’s quest for vengeance is not just about getting back at the men who wronged him—it is about reclaiming a sense of purpose after the death of his wife. John’s wife represented his chance at a normal life, and her death, followed by the murder of Daisy, symbolizes the destruction of the last piece of happiness he had left.
The film explores how grief can drive a person to extremes, and John’s journey is as much about processing his pain as it is about exacting revenge. His return to the violent world of assassins is not something he takes lightly, and the film highlights the consequences of his actions, both for himself and for those around him. John is not seeking redemption, but in the course of his journey, he confronts the demons of his past and comes to terms with the man he used to be.
A Modern Action Classic
John Wick is a film that revitalized the action genre with its stylish visuals, expertly choreographed fight scenes, and the magnetic presence of Keanu Reeves. It is a rare blend of high-octane action and emotional depth, anchored by a character who is both relatable in his grief and awe-inspiring in his abilities. The film’s world-building, with its unique criminal underworld, adds another layer of intrigue, setting the stage for what would become a successful and beloved franchise.
By combining visceral action with a deeply personal story of loss and vengeance, John Wick stands as a modern action classic and a must-watch for fans of the genre.
