By 2014, Keanu Reeves was a paradox. He was beloved ( The Matrix , Speed ), but seen as wooden. For John Wick , Reeves committed to a 5-month, 6-day-a-week training regimen in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tactical shooting, and driving.
Before John Wick , action scenes were chaotic, shaky-cam messes. Directors hid bad choreography with rapid cuts. After John Wick , audiences suddenly craved wide shots, long takes, and tactical realism. The film single-handedly brought back practical stunt work. john wick 2014
And that, strangely, is why we all cheered. By 2014, Keanu Reeves was a paradox