In the 2014 action packed thriller John Wick, we saw Keanu Reeves involved in some of the most intricate and brutal fight scenes displayed in a Hollywood production in years.

An avid martial arts enthusiast that is dating back to his time on ‘The Matrix Trilogy’, Keanu Reeves went through very extensive training to make sure the authenticity of the techniques captured on film were of a high standard, which included a plethora of joint locks, throws and chokes.

In terms of the training I had the chance to work with tactical pistols, also (the directors) were interested in introducing Judo and Jiu Jitsu to the character. This took Keanu a total of four months prior to production to prepare for the role.

This resulted in a much smoother, longer and far more realistic takes as Keanu was not reliant on a stunt double for the fight sequences and the director did not have to be concerned with hiding his face from the camera. This paid dividends conveying the brutality and motivations of the character throughout the film.

I was always thought (this film) was an old testament in the revenge kind of way, but when people take things from you that you treasure and love, there’s a violence that erupts and John doesn’t temper his violence.

About John Wick:
John Wick is a 2014 American neo-noir action thriller film directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, and starring Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, Dean Winters, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, and Willem Dafoe.
The film stars Reeves as John Wick, a retired hitman seeking vengeance for the theft of his vintage car, and the brutal killing of his puppy which was gift from his recently deceased wife.

A sequel, titled John Wick: Chapter Two, is currently in production and is scheduled to be released on February 10, 2017. (source: Wiki)