A martial arts and katana instructor analyzes John Wick: Chapter 4s fight scene between Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada, found 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 trying to take down the high table. The John Wick: Chapter 4 The cast features a handful of newcomers, including Yen as Kane, 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 InsideSeki 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 4Revealing 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 there is a problem with the parts of the scene in which Kane and Shimazu’s sword moves lack intent. Check out Seki’s analysis or watch the video (relevant section starts at 0:38) below:
“The reason for their footwork in the scene is to close the distance and to avoid being noticed by the opponent as much as possible. [Caine] He holds the sword like that because he is blind. Because he can’t see, he turns his face away so he can rely on his ears. He has his sword in front of him to react if something 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 scabbard [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 make room to strike, kicking your opponent is one way to do it.
“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 surprise his opponent .This shows how we practice dodging someone approaching from behind by using the axis of your feet to turn and dodge. This is more of an aijutsu approach.
“In terms of realism, I’d give it a score of seven out of 10 Because it’s clearly just meaningless constant clashing of swords. There is little intention of outsmarting the opponent, slashing thrusts, or trying to kill the opponent.
What John Wick 4’s realism score means for the film
The fantastic style of the franchise is part of its charm
John Wick: Chapter 4The reviews are glowing from critics, and the film currently enjoys a 94% score Rotten tomatoes. The film was widely praised for its inventive action set pieces and action scenes, as well as its impressive stunt work. The audience score is also high at 93%, and the 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 realityWith Reeves’ killer shot hundreds of enemies over the course of the three films. Plus, the idea that Kane could be as deadly as he is without being able to see isn’t realistic. The fact that Kane and Shimazu’s fight lacks realism, therefore, is not surprising, and it does not harm the film’s reputation. This style is part of what made these films so successful.
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Crucially, with the Cain and Shimazu fight scene, in particular, These inaccuracies make sense from a character perspective. Neither figure truly wants to kill the other, and neither gives Shimazu the chance to walk away several times. The fact that some of the blade swings lack intent, then, is built into the premise of the fight.
Our take on the realism of John Wick 4
The franchise features realism where it matters
The John Wick Franchise probably would not have been so much of a phenomenon if it strictly adhered to the rules of reality. but still, Seki’s analysis remains an interesting exerciseBecause it speaks to the thought and concern that went into each action scene. Caine’s fighting style, for example, is built around his blindness, while Shimazu uses actual styles like Yaijutsu or Battojutsu. Although the world of John Wick: Chapter 4 Is heightened, the martial arts on display drawn from real life.
Source: Inside