John Wick

Released 24th October 2014, John Wick follows a hired hitman as he uses his skills to claim revenge on those who have wronged him. So, it’s a revenge story (perhaps the most cliched action narrative) so it can’t be that good can it? It can. The story is kept very simple with establishing John Wick in a domesticated setting, a catalyst for vengeance occurring and he goes on the hunt. However, this simplistic story works wonders due to the stupendous world building which is established throughout the narrative. You really gain an understanding of this film’s world and how hitmen & hitwomen interact and operate; it works astounding wonders to ground the film even more than it feels.

Keanu Reeves gives, what I would consider, a career best performance in this film as John Wick. While I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s Oscar-worthy, he truly insinuates his rage and sufferance across the narrative while managing to remain likeable. Michael Nyqvist also gives a phenomenal performance as Viggo Tarasov, the father of the man Wick is after. He is established as a powerful man by his interactions with characters, yet you are reminded that he is a human being who has fears; those fears being John Wick in this film. It works wonders to have a mutual understanding (and even respect) between the two characters and it makes you understand the severity of the predicament they are in. Everyone else give performances of merit too; John Leguizamo and Lance Reddick give Aurelio and Charon a calm yet authoritative demeanour in their respective establishments through the narrative; both are grey in their allegiances yet honourable in their actions.

Alfie Allen does a brilliant job as the little twerp that is Iosef Tarasov; he conveys a weakness in every action which makes you realise he doesn’t belong in this world and that he likely won’t survive for the credits to roll. While the soundtrack doesn’t have a particular identity to it, it underscores its scenes well enough hand isn’t bad. One of the film’s strongest features is its visual identity; from its perfect action choreography to its South Korean neo-noir feel, you are always engaged in the action and the atmosphere it creates. Overall, John Wick exceeds the quality of the modern action flick with visual aesthetics, genre-best acting and an indulgent world.