John Wick 4’s 'Dragon’s Breath' Scene Is Still Peak Action - MCE Notices | California State Portal

John Wick has become one of the most defining action franchises of all time. The first movie revolutionized the stale genre and gave audiences a new action hero who has become unforgettable. Each new entry into the franchise created another iconic moment for the genre, but John Wick 4’s “Dragon Breath” scene is still one of the best action moments of all time.

From the first moment that John Wick began his quest of vengenace in the first film, the character has been dazzling audiences with jaw-dropping action. From the sewer battle in John Wick 2 to the assault on the Continental in John Wick 3, it’s amazing how the franchise continued to produce countless incredible scenes. Yet, John Wick 4 is often lauded for the final staircase battle, but the real showstopper was the moment that felt like it was ripped straight out of a video game.

John Wick: Chapter 4 Was a Barrage of Action Scenes That Continued to Raise the Stakes

What makes John Wick so special is that each movie keeps the same spirit but continues to deliver bigger and better action. Looking back at the first movie, it feels quite tame when compared to the antics that came later on. John Wick 4 not only elevates itself over the previous films, but throughout the runtime of the movie, it becomes better and better.

The movie manages to keep the momentum of the film always moving onward and upward. While some people may argue that it feels like one long action scene, that may actually be the movie’s strong suit. It immerses the audience in the story of the film by not letting up on the action. The constant state of anticipation and adrenaline can mimic the emotions that the characters are experiencing, allowing the audience more connection to the film.

It’s a fantastic experience to be immersed in a movie like John Wick: Chapter 4, which makes it a more well-rounded film. Yet, the crowning jewel of the movie is the dragon’s breath sequence. This moment above all else is a defining achievement for John Wick and almost the entire action genre as a whole.

John Wick’s Dragon Breath Scene Channelled Video Game Energy

Image via Lionsgate

As Wick continues to fight his way through every bad guy sent his way, there is a moment where he fights his way through a building, while also being hunted by Mr. Nobody, where it seems like John Wick is done messing around. Using a shotgun that shots incedary rounds, Wick begins to dismantle his enemies by shooting fire at every turn.

Yet, it’s not the choice in weaponry or even Wick’s tactical prowess that makes this scene so special; it’s the fact that it feels like it is ripped straight from a video game. The John Wick franchise has always focused on innovating the action genre and finding new ways to create unique moments. This scene does that by seamlessly rotating between the normal style of Wick movies and a top-down perspective of the intense battle.

This top-down view gives audiences a never-before-seen perspective on how Wick works when taking on countless combatants. It shows off his use of cover and his tactical mind, as well as continuing to demonstrate his proficiency with almost any form of combat. By looking at the fight from the top, it also gives audiences a sort of dramatic irony in the scene. It allows them to see through walls and anticipate what is coming for Wick, but also know the inevitable fate of each of those henchmen who are trying to sneak around a corner at him.

The scene is also more than just fighting, though; it continues to show viewers a crucial part of Wick’s character, his compassion and moral center. As Mr. Nobody engages Wick in a fight, naturally, Wick gets the upper hand and can finish the fight on the spot, but Mr. Nobody also has a dog who helps him. That dog tries to save Mr. Nobody from another villain, only to be put in imminent danger of death.

Given Wick’s history with animal cruelty, it’s no surprise that he decides to save the dog. He decisively saves the dog instead of finishing the fight with Mr. Nobody. This is a moment that shows why the John Wick movies have thrived and are beloved by audiences. Not only are there incredible fight scenes, but the beating heart of the series is Wick’s desire to be a good person, better than who he used to be.

Even as he returns to the life that he escaped with his wife, he continues to find ways to hold onto the humanity he had discovered within himself. Saving the dog in the midst of this incredible top-down, fiery battle helps to make this a defining scene in the movie and the franchise as a whole.

John Wick Continues to Change the Action Movie Genre

Widely beloved moments like the Dragon’s Breath scene, the John Wick franchise continues to evolve and change the action genre. Even the mangled Continental TV show tried to build on what came before it and bring that same John Wick energy to the small screen. Within the movies as well, Ballerina pushed the Wick franchise even further.

Ballerina gave audiences great scenes like the flamethrower battle, but also added even further depth to the world it was a part of. It took some of the breadcrumbs that were dropped in the John Wick movies and used them to build new characters, locations, and even organizations within the franchise. It left lots of ideas on the table for another Wick movie to take and build on.

John Wick will likely often hold a special place in the hearts of fans for decades to come, whether there are more movies or not. The movies turned the action genre on its head and showed a new caliber of action movie that has been copied countless times at this point. John Wick: Chapter 4 is the crescendo of much of Wick’s story, and scenes like the Dragon’s Breath scene are what make it so endlessly rewatchable.