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John Wick 4: Baba Yaga ar it is the fourth installment of the popular action franchise starring Keanu Reeves. Directed again by Chad Stahelski, this film was released in March 2023 and represents a highlight in the saga that began in 2014. Known for its stylized combat choreography, its criminal world full of rules and codes, and Reeves' iconic performance as the silent but deadly killer, the series has gained a special place among fans of modern action cinema.
The fourth installment carries everything that makes a special John Wick to the next level: even more elaborate fight scenes, stunning photography, international settings and a cast that mixes old acquaintances with new faces. Additionally, the title “Baba Yag”, which references the main character's legendary nickname in the criminal underworld, reflects the killer's return to his most relentless form.
Synopsis
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After the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 °Parabellum, John continues to flee as the organization known as the High Table intensifies its pursuit. With a growing price on his head, Wick searches for allies around the world and finds ways to directly confront the system that betrayed him. From the streets of New York to Osaka, Berlin and Paris, John wages a personal war to obtain his ultimate freedom.
To achieve this, he must confront Marquis Vincent de Gramont, a high-ranking member of the High Table who has been authorized to eliminate Wick at any cost. With new enemies and old allies coming into play, John is pushed to the physical and emotional limits, forcing him to question the price of redemption and the true nature of his legacy as “Baba Yag”.
Cast
- Keanu Reeves like John Wick: The retired assassin turned fugitive, more determined than ever to free himself from the control of the High Table.
- Donnie Yen like Caine: A blind, lethal and elegant murderer, forced to fight his former friend for the well-being of his daughter.
- Bill Skarsgard like Marquis Vincent de Gramont: The main villain, a powerful High Table aristocrat who represents corruption and absolute control.
- Laurence Fishburne like Bowery King: Wick's ally, he operates from the shadows and continues to challenge the established order.
- Ian McShane like Winston Scott: The manager of the Continental Hotel in New York, whose loyalty is tested once again.
- Hiroyuki Sanada like Shimazu Koji: Manager of the Continental in Osaka and old friend of Wick.
- Rina Sawayama like Akira: Koji's daughter and the hotel's bodyguard.
- Shamier Anderson like Mr. Nobody (Tracker): An independent assassin with unique abilities, who has his own agenda.
- Scott Adkins like Killa: A grotesque and brutal German gangster, who becomes one of Wick's fiercest obstacles.
Criticisms
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3John Wick 4th it was received in a widely positive way by both critics and the public. Many consider it the best installment of the saga, highlighting its visual ambition, its precise direction and Keanu Reeves' ability to continue surprising in the lead role.
Critics especially praised the choreography of the action scenes, which feel more creative and risky than ever. It was mentioned that the film manages to maintain constant tension throughout its almost three-hour duration, something unusual in contemporary action cinema. There was also recognition for the production design, visual effects and unique style that has made this franchise a recognizable brand.
However, some minor criticism focused on the length of the film, mentioning that some scenes could have been trimmed to maintain a more agile pace. Still, even these observations recognize the intensity and beauty of the visual spectacle.
Public reception
The audience enthusiastically received the fourth film, which grossed more than $430 million dollars worldwide, becoming the most successful installment of the franchise to date. Fans highlighted the physical commitment of Keanu Reeves, who despite his 58 years performs most of his own action scenes.
On social networks, the character of Donnie Yen, Caine, became especially popular, thanks to his charisma, elegant fighting style, and the emotional conflict surrounding his character. The film was also applauded for its shocking and emotional ending, which many interpret as a worthy conclusion to John Wick's arc.
On platforms such as IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, the film obtained scores of over 90%, consolidating its position as one of the best action films of recent years.
Technical and visual aspects
One of the strong points of John Wick 4 it is its technical section. The photography, by Dan Laustsen, is dazzling. Each scene is carefully illuminated and composed, using neon lights, reflections and color contrasts that turn each fight into a work of visual art. International locations also play an important role, with a stylized representation of cities such as Paris, Berlin and Osaka.
The editing is precise, allowing the action scenes to develop with clarity and rhythm, without falling into the excess of fast cuts that affect many films of the genre. The music of Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard once again establishes the dark and elegant tone that characterizes the saga, with a mix of electronics, dramatic strings and industrial rhythms.
As for the action scenes, new combat styles are explored, including katana fighting, shotguns with incendiary bullets, and a tribute to the top-down format (top-down view) in a confrontation inside a mansion that surprised the public by its originality. The use of slow motion at key moments also stands out, which increases tension and visual impact.
The costume design and production also deserves recognition. The costumes, weapons and sets are meticulously designed to reflect both the luxury of the criminal world and its inherent brutality.
Conclusion
John Wick 4: Baba Yaga ar it is much more than an action film: it is a cinematic experience that combines stylized violence, criminal mythology, human emotion and impeccable technical execution. Chad Stahelski and his team have managed to not only keep a saga alive after four installments, but elevate it to new heights, something that few franchises can boast of.
Keanu Reeves delivers a memorable, physically and emotionally engaged performance, surrounded by a cast that adds depth and variety to John Wick's universe. The film manages to close a cycle with dignity, leaving us reflecting on redemption, friendship, sacrifice and freedom.
In short, John Wick 4 it is a milestone within modern action cinema and a worthy tribute to the character who redefined the genre in the last decade. With his mix of style, brutality and heart, Baba Yaga says goodbye to 'Boo maybe not 'Bug at the top.
