In today’s world, we tend to watch a film and point out the plot holes. But what about when a truly great movie, or franchise, kind of gets ‘it’ right? Do we give accolades, or do we just gloss over the small details until the next glaring mistake? Most military and spy movies make me cringe when I see something that should be an obvious mistake to the creative team, but then there are times when I am just impressed. One such franchise is the John Wick movie series. Believe it or not, there are some elegant and subtle things going on, and I think you would be impressed also.
7 Espionage Lessons from John Wick
John Wick may seem like pure action, but if you dig deeper, the series reveals some intriguing insights into espionage, tradecraft, and the shadowy world of intelligence. Here are a few lessons the sultry man-of-action offers about espionage.
1. Mastering “Social Stealth”
John Wick frequently blends into his environment, remaining inconspicuous until the moment he strikes. In espionage, operatives often need to be invisible in plain sight, adopting the look and behavior of their surroundings. Wick’s ability to use everyday scenes to his advantage, whether it’s in a bustling subway or a quiet museum, shows the value of mastering social stealth, a skill critical to any spy’s survival.
2. Situational Awareness and Adaptability
John Wick has an almost superhuman ability to observe his environment and adapt on the fly. Espionage requires agents to stay hyper-aware of their surroundings, evaluating threats, escape routes, and other minute details constantly. His combat scenes may be exaggerated, but they show how adaptability, quick thinking, and awareness are necessary for handling unpredictable situations.
3. Weapon Familiarity and Proficiency
Wick’s efficiency with weapons highlights the level of preparation that goes into being combat-ready at any time. Espionage doesn’t always focus on physical combat, but knowing how to handle different weapons, tools, vehicles, etc., in high-stress situations is critical for field operatives.
4. Tradecraft and Disguises
In John Wick 2, we see him leverage “tradecraft” by accessing a network of resources, anything from weapon caches to escape routes. He also uses the world’s “Continental” hotels as safe houses, similar to how intelligence agencies use embassies or safehouses. This highlights the importance of having an established support system and a network of reliable resources, whether they’re gadgets, contacts, or safe spaces.
5. Ethics, Loyalty, and Code of Honor
John Wick operates within a strict code, especially when it comes to loyalty and honor. Espionage can be morally murky, but intelligence agents often work within a set of guiding principles. This code is particularly evident in covert communities, where loyalty to one’s team, country, or mission often supersedes personal interests.
6. Understanding of Shadowy Bureaucracies
The High Table, the Continental, and the codes governing this secret underworld in John Wick are structured similarly to real intelligence agencies’ layers of hierarchy and protocol. Espionage agents work within complex bureaucracies, and knowing how to navigate the secretive chains of command can be the difference between life and death.
7. Psychological Resilience
Wick’s relentless focus and emotional resilience underscore the importance of mental toughness. Espionage agents undergo intense psychological training to handle the stress of their work, deal with isolation, and stay focused despite distractions or trauma. John’s discipline and ability to push forward despite significant losses and obstacles showcase the mental resilience essential to espionage.
While exaggerated for the sake of action, John Wick provides a stylized look at the mental, physical, and ethical demands faced by those who live in the shadows. The series may be more bullet-ridden than most spy films, but its themes still resonate with real-world espionage. However, I think the biggest takeaway is that you just don’t mess with the dog. This makes sense as to why the need for a website that tells you if the dog dies in any movie needs to exist.
