A martial arts and katana instructor analyzes John Wick: Chapter 4‘s fight scene between Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada, finding some inaccurate elements. Directed by franchise veteran Chad Stahelski, the latest installment in the John Wick franchise sees Keanu Reeves return as the titular assassin, this time attempting to take down the High Table. The John Wick: Chapter 4 cast features a handful of newcomers, including Yen as Caine, a blind assassin, and Sanada as Shimazu, the manager of the Osaka Continental, with both characters ultimately engaging each other in a sword fight.
In a recent video for Insider, Seki Nobuhide Sensei, an expert when it comes to martial arts and the use of a katana, analyzes the showdown between Caine and Shimazu in John Wick: Chapter 4, revealing that the scene is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to realism. Seki breaks down Caine’s unique fighting style and why it makes sense given his lack of sight, but does take issue with the parts of the scene in which Caine and Shimazu’s sword moves lack intention. Check out Seki’s analysis or watch the video (relevant section begins at 0:38) below:
“The reason for their footwork in that scene is to close the distance and to avoid being noticed by the opponent as much as possible. [Caine] is holding the sword this way because he is blind. Because he cannot see, he is turning his face away so that he can rely on his ears. He has his sword in front of him to react if anything happens.
“The sword technique used by Mr. Sanada is a type of iaijutsu or battojutsu. Iaijutsu or battojutsu is the technique of using the katana after drawing it from the scabbardd [in a fluid single fluid motion]. When you momentarily realize that you are at a disadvantage and want to keep your opponent away from you, or create space to strike, kicking your opponent is one way to do so.
“I don’t see him wanting to kill his enemy in this scene. He is not trying to slash the opponent efficiently. They are just lightly clashing katanas in this scene. It would be better to break the rhythm so that he can take his opponent by surprise. This shows how we practice dodging someone approaching from behind by using the axis of your feet to rotate and dodge. This is more of an iaijutsu approach.
“
In terms of realism, I would give it a score of seven out of 10
because it is clearly just meaningless continuous clashing of swords. There is little intention of outsmarting the opponent, slashing thrusting, or trying to kill the opponent.”
What John Wick 4’s Realism Score Means For The Film
The Franchise’s Fantastical Style Is Part Of Its Charm
John Wick: Chapter 4‘s reviews were glowing from critics, and the film currently enjoys a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was widely praised for its inventive action set pieces and fight scenes, as well as its impressive stunt work. The audience score is also high at 93%, and this positive audience response is reflected in the film’s box office. Made on an estimated budget of $100 million, John Wick: Chapter 4 grossed over $440 million worldwide.
The world of John Wick has never been one based in reality, with Reeves’ assassin gunning down hundreds of enemies over the course of the three films. Plus, the idea that Caine could be as deadly as he is without being able to see doesn’t seem realistic. The fact that the Caine and Shimazu fight lacks realism, then, is not surprising, and nor does it hurt the film’s reputation. This style is part of why the films have been so successful.
Related
Caine’s Name Has A Much Deeper Meaning Than You Think In John Wick 4
While it’d be safe to assume that Caine’s name is a play on his weapon being a literal cane in John Wick 4, it actually has a much deeper meaning.
Crucially, with the Caine and Shimazu fight scene, in particular, the inaccuracies make sense from a character perspective. Neither of these figures truly wants to kill the other, and Caine gives Shimazu the opportunity to walk away several times. The fact that some of the blade swings lack intention, then, is built into the premise of the fight.
Our Take On John Wick 4’s Realism
The Franchise Features Realism Where It Matters
The John Wick franchise likely would not have become as much of a phenomenon if it more strictly adhered to the rules of reality. Still, though, Seki’s analysis remains an interesting exercise, because it speaks to the thought and care that went into every fight scene. Caine’s fighting style, for example, is built around his blindness, while Shimazu uses real styles like iaijutsu or battojutsu. Even though the world of John Wick: Chapter 4 is heightened, the martial arts on display pull from real life.
Source: Insider
Following the events of Chapter 3 – Parabellum, John Wick Chapter 4 will see the titular character battle against some of his most dangerous foes yet. With a bounty on his head that continues to skyrocket, John decides to take the fight to the High Table on a global scale and battles across areas like Osaka and Paris to wipe out some of the strongest players in the underworld.
- Director
- Chad Stahelski
- Release Date
- March 24, 2023
- Studio(s)
- Lionsgate
- Writers
- Shay Hatten , Michael Finch
- Cast
- Hiroyuki Sanada , Clancy Brown , Scott Adkins , Keanu Reeves , Ian McShane , Bill Skarsgard , Laurence Fishburne , Rina Sawayama , Donnie Yen , Lance Reddick , Shamier Anderson
- Runtime
- 169 minutes