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“John Wick 4: Baba Yaga” 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 culmination of 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 lethal assassin, the series has earned a special place among modern action cinema fans.
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The fourth installment brings everything that makes special John Wick to the next level: even more elaborate fight scenes, stunning photography, international locations, and a cast that mixes old acquaintances with new faces. Plus, the title "Baba Yaga," which refers to the main character's legendary nickname in the criminal underworld, reflects the killer's return to her most ruthless form.
Synopsis
After the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, John remains on the run as the organization known as the High Table intensifies its pursuit. With the price on his head growing, Wick seeks 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 win his ultimate freedom.
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To do so, he must confront Marquis Vincent de Gramont, a high-ranking member of the High Table who has been empowered to eliminate Wick at any cost. With new enemies and old allies entering the fray, John is pushed to his physical and emotional limits, forcing him to question the price of redemption and the true nature of his legacy as the “Baba Yaga.”
Cast
- Keanu Reeves as John Wick: The retired assassin turned fugitive, more determined than ever to break free from the control of the High Table.
- Donnie Yen as Caine: A blind, lethal, and elegant assassin, forced to fight his former friend for the well-being of his daughter.
- Bill Skarsgård as Marquis Vincent de Gramont: The main villain, a powerful aristocrat of the High Table who represents corruption and absolute control.
- Laurence Fishburne as Bowery King: An ally of Wick, he operates from the shadows and continues to challenge the established order.
- Ian McShane as Winston Scott: The manager of the Continental Hotel in New York, whose loyalty is put to the test once again.
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Shimazu Koji: Manager of the Continental in Osaka and old friend of Wick.
- Rina Sawayama as Akira: Koji's daughter and hotel bodyguard.
- Shamier Anderson as Mr. Nobody (Tracker): A freelance assassin with unique skills, who has his own agenda.
- Scott Adkins as Killa: A grotesque and brutal German mobster who becomes one of Wick's fiercest obstacles.
Reviews
“John Wick 4” It was widely received positively by critics and audiences alike. Many consider it the best installment in the series, highlighting its visual ambition, its precise direction, and Keanu Reeves' ability to continue to impress in the lead role.
Critics particularly praised the choreography of the action scenes, which feel more creative and daring than ever. They mentioned that the film manages to maintain constant tension throughout its nearly three-hour runtime, something rare in contemporary action cinema. They also praised the production design, visual effects, and the unique style that has made this franchise a recognizable brand.
However, some minor criticisms focused on the film's length, mentioning that some scenes could have been cut to maintain a faster pace. Still, even these observations acknowledge 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 in the franchise to date. Fans praised the physical commitment of Keanu Reeves, who, despite being 58 years old, performs most of his own stunts.
On social media, Donnie Yen's character, 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 interpreted as a fitting conclusion to John Wick's arc.
On platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, the film earned scores above 90%, cementing 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's its technical side. The photography, by Dan Laustsen, is dazzling. Each scene is carefully lit 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 stylized representations of cities like Paris, Berlin, and Osaka.
The editing is precise, allowing the action scenes to unfold with clarity and pace, without the excessive quick cuts that plague many films of this genre. The music by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard reestablishes the dark and elegant tone that characterizes the series, with a mix of electronic music, dramatic strings, and industrial rhythms.
As for the action scenes, new combat styles are explored, including katanas, shotguns with incendiary bullets, and a homage to the top-down format in a confrontation inside a mansion that surprised audiences with its originality. Also notable is the use of slow motion at key moments, heightening the tension and visual impact.
The costume and production design also deserve recognition. The costumes, weapons, and sets are meticulously designed to reflect both the luxury of the criminal underworld and its inherent brutality.
Conclusion
“John Wick 4: Baba Yaga” It's much more than an action movie: it's a cinematic experience that combines stylized violence, criminal mythology, human emotion, and impeccable technical execution. Chad Stahelski and his team have managed not only to keep a saga alive after four installments, but to elevate it to new heights, something few franchises can boast.
Keanu Reeves delivers a memorable, physically and emotionally committed performance, surrounded by a cast that adds depth and variety to the John Wick universe. The film manages to close the cycle with dignity, leaving us reflecting on redemption, friendship, sacrifice, and freedom.
In short, John Wick 4 It's a milestone in modern action cinema and a worthy tribute to the character who redefined the genre in the last decade. With its blend of style, brutality, and heart, Baba Yaga bids farewell—or perhaps not—on a high note.
