TheJohn Wickfranchise’s surprising accuracy to the mafia explains whyKeanu Reeves’ titular character has appeared in four highly successful movies.John Wickhas become a massive name in the action movie genre in the last decade as Keanu Reeves’s character has become a fan-favorite all over the world. As a result of the movie franchise’s $1 billion box office success,John Wicknow has many spinoff TV shows and future moviesplanned for development; one of which includes the newBallerinamovie set inJohn Wick’suniverse, which will release in June 2025.
Despite the manychanges in theJohn Wickfranchise since its 2014 movie, there is one thing that remains the same; the waythe world ofJohn Wickhas been built around a mafia-like system of hitmen. As characters navigate this world, they find themselves battling over targets and forming allies in a way that is reminiscent of the famed organized crime unit. WithJohn Wick’sproven dedication to authentic representations in its fight scenes and gun handling, it comes as no surprise that the movies have some element of accuracy in the portrayal of the mafia.
The John Wick Movies Are Surprisingly Accurate To The Mafia
John Wick’s Shootouts Were Praised By Expert
John Wick’sportrayal of the mafia brought a positive reaction from experts. In an interview withInsider,former CIA agent and Russian mafia investigator Joe Serio gaveJohn Wicka 7 out of 10 for accuracy, stating that “Maybe not quite as many bodies dropped in a five-minute period as John Wick,” but “Shootouts in nightclubs or bathrooms or anything like that, that’s accurate.” This is of course a reference to the nightclub shootout in the firstJohn Wick, as the hitman hunted down Iosef (played by Alfie Allen).
The nightclub shootout in 2014’sJohn Wickhas also become famous due to Keanu Reeves’ use of the “magazine flip” reload technique, showcasing an impressive level of fluidity from the actor.John Wickuses a lot of weaponsthroughout the movies, so the shootouts are extremely important to get right. With an authentic use of reloads – multiple reloads typically aren’t seen in action movies and most guns have infinite bullets – Keanu Reeves’ extensive gun training, and mafia experts praising the franchise’s accuracy,John Wickhas definitely nailed the art of realistic action, which only adds to its fantastic worldbuilding.
John Wick’s Authenticity Is Felt In Its Amazing Worldbuilding
The Franchise Is Full Of Interesting Lore
The world thatJohn Wickis set in feels very different from other action movies due to its authenticity. Director Chad Stahelski has explained the planning process forbuildingJohn Wick’suniversethrough a range of sequels and spinoffs, with each new installment focusing on new corners of that world.Stahelski has described the process as going “full Lord of the Rings”in that they decided to make a fantasy world full of concrete lore. AsJohn Wick’suniverse expands with each release, the franchise can showcase this lore about the vast underground network of secret assassins, making it feel both fantastical and grounded.
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John Wick: Chapter 4(2023)
The introduction of theContinental was a huge part ofJohn Wick’sworldexpansion as it brought about something to connect the characters and their ideals. With a Continental in nearly every city, the hitmen have a central hub to return to that helps them with their jobs, from stocking up on weapons to simply getting a good night’s sleep. The Continentals are crucial for making the world ofJohn Wickfeel authentic as, in a domain of violence, there needs to be a certain structure and code in place that audiences can relate to, which also feels realistically plausible.
John Wick’s Accuracy Helps Wick Himself Feel Like A Real Character, Not A Superhero
John WickIs More Grounded Than Other Action Franchises
John Wick’saccuracy not only affects the worldbuilding but also the characters, as John Wick himself feels like a real character instead of a superhero. Following the shootout at his home in the 2014 movie,John Wick makes a “dinner reservation”for the 12 dead bodies, which turns out to be a cleaning crew. This scene establishes the reality of the franchise, and the oddity of the interaction is something thatJohn Wickclings to, demonstrating something that other action movies wouldn’t;John Wick is just one guy, and so he will need help in disposing of 12 bodies.
10 Great John Wick Scenes That Are More Comedy Than Action
John Wick has made a name for itself in the action genre, however, the movies in the franchise also have quite a few funny scenes that set it apart.
There are plenty ofscenes inJohn Wickthatmake no sense, andthere are definitely a few “superhero” moments as Keanu Reeves’ character defies all odds.However, for the most part,John Wickis more grounded than other action franchises, with John becoming frustrated when things don’t go to plan, having knife throws completely miss their mark, and being kicked around by his enemies. It is the somewhat realism of the characters and world ofJohn Wickthat has made the franchise so enjoyable to watch, and so hopefully future projects will reinforce this to merit them a similar success.
John Wick
“John Wick” is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of assassins.
