Throughout the series, John Wick has been compared to the personification of death. From being referred to as 'Babayaga' or 'Lo Spectro', he has been constantly described or referred to as death's very emissary himself. Which is weird, because the whole story of John Wick is in its core his desperate and destructive struggle for staying alive.
His origin is as simple as can be. A brutally efficient killer, who worked for the deepest depths of the criminal society. A cold and efficient enforcer, whose services were highly valued. This man finds love and makes a desperate bid to escape the violent life he has known till then.
We know what happens, he does the “Impossible Task” given by Viggo Tarasov, (which in fact is basically killing a lot of people in a single night). He successfully distances himself from the life he wanted so desperately to leave. [Insert: John and Helen]
He finds love and peace with his wife for 5 years, until she dies from an unnamed illness, leaving him all alone in a world he does not really belong or understand. His only connection to a normal life was his wife, and after losing her, he tries to live the way he feels is closest to the life he had envisioned, with his wife.
A casual viewer might think that John Wick’s bid for a normal life despite causing so much carnage and death is hypocritical, but it is imperative to understand that he is not trying to live as ‘John Wick’ the ‘Baba Yaga’ but as a man, for his identity of a husband, who loved and was loved by his wife.
The concept of ‘rules and consequences’ is etched throughout the series. Should a killer find peace or some semblance of hope? Or are they doomed to wander from battle to battle, waiting and hoping for a final rest?
We see John Wick do the impossible, getting out of the violent world of crime and death. But his whole world is upended by the actions of others, who turn out to belong to the same world John himself belonged to, dragging him back into the life he had sworn never to return to.
John Wick's character embodies existential themes, particularly the idea of an individual defining their own existence through their actions. Despite the tragic circumstances that propel him into the violent world of assassins, John takes control of his destiny and operates by his own moral code.
The films explore the concept of morality within a criminal underworld. John Wick operates by a personal code of ethics, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and avenging wrongs. The criminal society in the films has its own set of rules, creating an interesting juxtaposition between the criminal and moral spheres. THE UNDERWORLD WE GET TO OBSERVE IS ONE BASED ON RULES AND TRADITIONS, GIVING IMPORTANCE TO THE CHOICES OF PEOPLE AND Its CONSEQUENCES. THERE IS A CODE OF CONDUCT THAT IS EXPECTED TO BE FOLLOWED BY THOSE WHO BELONG TO THAT SOCIETY.
John Wick's actions have profound consequences, not only for him but for those around him. The films highlight the cyclical nature of violence and revenge, questioning whether one can truly escape the consequences of a violent past. John Wick operates within a structured and disciplined world that follows its own set of rules. This adherence to a code of conduct, even within the criminal underworld, brings up questions about the nature of ethics and whether a sense of order and rules can exist even in the most chaotic environments. The character of John Wick is often portrayed as a lone figure, isolated from society. This solitude can be seen as a reflection of the consequences of a violent life, as well as an exploration of the human condition in the face of loss and tragedy.
It's important to remember that these philosophical aspects are open to interpretation, and the John Wick films are primarily action-driven with stylized violence. While they may touch on philosophical themes, they are not intended to provide a comprehensive philosophical treatise. Any critical analysis should be aware of the fictional and exaggerated nature of the character and the world in which he exists.
The entire premise of the first film revolves around the death of John Wick's wife, and subsequently, his dog. These deaths serve as powerful motivators for his actions throughout the series. The theme underscores the emotional toll and the intensity of his quest for revenge. In the world of John Wick, death is a constant presence due to the characters being professional assassins. The films explore the consequences of a life devoted to killing and the impact of a person's mortality on their choices. The characters are acutely aware of the fragility of life. The films introduce a unique underworld with its own set of rules and codes. The concept of an "unwritten code" among assassins adds an extra layer to the theme of death. There are rules and rituals surrounding death, including the Continental Hotel's prohibition against "business on its premises." Death is symbolically represented through various visual elements, such as the gold coins used as currency in the criminal underworld. These coins carry the image of the Grim Reaper, further emphasizing the theme of death as an ever-present force in this world.
While death is a prevailing theme, the films also explore the idea of rebirth and resurrection. John Wick, often referred to as the "Baba Yaga" or the Boogeyman, is known for his seemingly supernatural ability to come back from seemingly fatal situations. This theme of resurrection adds a layer of mystique to the character.
Throughout the series, there are moments where characters reflect on their mortality and the inevitability of death. The high-stakes world they inhabit constantly forces them to confront the possibility of their own demise, leading to moments of introspection. the theme of death in John Wick is multifaceted, exploring the emotional, moral, and existential dimensions of mortality. It serves as a driving force for the narrative, shaping the character of John Wick and the world he inhabits. The films delve into the complexities of life in the shadow of death, examining the choices individuals make and the impact of their actions on their own lives and the lives of those around them.
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