Is There a John Wick 1?

Recently, a baffling question emerged: 'Is there a John Wick 1?' This query reveals a common misconception among audience members who have perhaps been watching action movies for a while. The truth is, there is indeed a John Wick, and it was released in 2014, with a second installment following in 2017. Let's delve into the film's origins and why it's not just a prequel but a standalone masterpiece.

Origin of John Wick

The story of John Wick begins with a retired hitman, forced to return to his old ways when a group of Russian mobsters steal his car and kill a puppy gifted to him by his late wife. This inciting incident kicks off the plot that would eventually become a global phenomenon.

Key Details About the First Movie

Title: John Wick
Release Date: 14 November 2014 (India)
Director: Chad Stahelski
Box Office: $8.6 million USD
Art Director: C.J. Simpson
Casting Directors: Jessica Kelly, Suzanne Smith
Cinematography: Jonathan Sela

Dissecting the Question: Is There a John Wick 1?

Upon asking such a question, one can only imagine the confusion and bemusement of the person who phrased it. Most action movie enthusiasts would be familiar with the franchise's unique structure: Sebastian Cordero, the series consultant, deliberately skipped the first film, releasing John Wick: Chapter 2 and Chapter 3: Parabellum instead. This bold choice might initially seem odd, but it was a shrewd strategic move aimed at maintaining the film's momentum and building suspense.

A Bold Move for a Successful Series

The second movie, released in 2017, was a critical and commercial success. By skipping the first film, the series directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch created a sense of mystery and urgency. This approach left the audience eagerly anticipating the origins of John Wick, ensuring a dedicated fanbase and a promising future for the series.

Genius Direction and Storytelling

The success of the franchise is not just a result of its action sequences or star power; it's a testament to the brilliance of the filmmaking. The rapid succession of Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 showcases the pure genius of this directorial approach. Chad Stahelski and David Leitch managed to create a cohesive narrative that built upon the world established by the original film, all while maintaining a sense of continuity and fresh direction.

The original film sets the stage for John Wick's character and his vengeful journey. The second and third installments then delve deeper into the mythology of the criminal underworld, exploring its complexities and nuances. The legacy of the original film was not just in its storytelling but in how it paved the way for subsequent chapters to be even more compelling and thrilling.

The Power of Sequelitis

The phenomenon of sequelitis is often criticized, but in the case of John Wick, it was a masterstroke. By skipping the first film, the directors ensured that the series retained its unique narrative voice and visual style. This decision not only intrigued existing action movie fans but also attracted a wider audience who would dive into the mythology of John Wick with a sense of anticipation and curiosity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Wick 1 is indeed a real film, released in 2014, with a story that sets the stage for the subsequent chapters. While the original film is a standalone masterpiece, the strategic decision to skip it and release the subsequent chapters in rapid succession was a bold move that paid off. The franchise has become a hallmark of the action genre, and its success can be attributed not just to its action sequences but to its masterful storytelling and direction. So, if you ever find yourself asking 'Is there a John Wick 1?', remember that the answer is yes, but the experience of the franchise is richer when you embrace the journey, beginning with the second chapter.