"Wick Is Pain" explores the Relentless Rise of a Hit Franchise

Before Ballerina, the fifth film in the John Wick franchise hits theatres, director Jeffrey Doe goes behind the scenes of the John Wick universe in the engaging documentary Wick Is Pain from Lionsgate. The documentary serves as film insight and a powerful emotional blow to all action enthusiasts who have ever supported the underdog. This film delves into the unexpected rise of the John Wick franchise to illustrate how blood, bullets, and bulletproof suits transformed a film into modern cinema's most surprising blockbuster success.

The doc opens with the gritty, pre-fame origins: The screenplay rejected by major studios started life as a faded hitman narrative that felt more suitable for direct-to-video release than as a foundation for a blockbuster series. This marks the start of the struggle, leading to the creation of a legend.

Chad Stahelski, who began as a stuntman without directing credits, and Keanu Reeves, who faced Hollywood neglect after his Matrix success, chose artistic authenticity and practical action sequences instead of studio demands and excessive computer-generated effects. It almost didn't happen, but it's precisely these elements that deliver its exceptional quality.

Keanu comes off exactly how you want him to: He remains humble and concentrated while feeling puzzled about his remarkable abilities. The film demonstrates his quiet dedication to creating John Wick through endless gun fu training and emotional depth beneath the body count with respect and intensity. Stahelski is a visionary whose instinct and experience as a stunt coordinator created a unique cinematic language.

We're treated to candid anecdotes from the ensemble cast and crew—Common, Donnie Yen and Ian McShane, each echoing the same truth: John Wick should never have become John Wick. The documentary demonstrates how each challenge—financial restrictions, location problems, and script alterations—enhanced the franchise's distinct style. This production transformed stylish simplicity into a work of art through high-stakes improvisation techniques.

The defining element of Wick Is Pain's success lies in its relentless focus on depicting the physical toll of action. The film honors not only extended scenes and close-ups but also acknowledges the physical toll and meticulous expertise that go into every action sequence. It's Pain, yes—but purposeful Pain.

Wick Is Pain is essential for action enthusiasts and future filmmakers. It's a Robert Rodriguez: 10 Minute Film School team-up with Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse to deliver a backstage spectacle of guns and guts that reignites your passion for action films.

Final Grade: B+

Wick Is Pain is Available Now on VOD