Comparing the Realism of War Scenes in John Wick 3 and The Purge (2013): A Closer Look
In the realm of action cinema, few films manage to blend stylized violence with moments that resonate with a semblance of reality. Recently, I revisited two standout movies—John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and The Purge (2013)—both renowned for their intense and memorable scenes. While these films differ greatly in tone and premise, a question arose: which of their war-like sequences feels more plausible when considering real-world dynamics?
Examining the War Scenes: A Comparative Overview
In John Wick 3, the climactic sequences involve the titular character, John Wick, alongside Charon and alliances with the High Table, engaging in fierce combat against a sprawling group of adversaries. These scenes depict coordinated gunfights, tactical movement, and a high level of combat proficiency. Meanwhile, The Purge showcases a broad societal conflict, with groups of civilians and multiple factions confronting each other across entire neighborhoods during the annual lawless night.
What Makes a War Scene Feel Real?
When evaluating realism in cinematic combat sequences, several factors come into play:
- Tactics and Strategy: Do the movements, cover usage, and coordination mimic plausible military or combat practices?
- Impact and Consequences: Are injuries and collateral damage consistent with real-world physics and violence?
- Skill Level: Does the combatant skill level align with what is achievable by trained or untrained individuals?
Analysis of the John Wick Sequence
The John Wick sequences portray a protagonist highly skilled in firearms and hand-to-hand combat, executing precise, efficient kills against multiple opponents. The scenes are choreographed to maximize visual excitement, often emphasizing stylized violence. While the tactics are plausible for elite assassins, the sheer scale and rapid casualties—though narratively justified—stretch believability under real-world combat conditions. The use of cover, fire exchanges, and movement are consistent with tactical training, but the relentless, almost superhuman endurance of Wick introduces elements of fantasy.
Analysis of The Purge‘s War Scene
In contrast, The Purge depicts chaotic street battles involving civilians and factions, often characterized by improvised weapons and spontaneous confrontation. The violence reflects the breakdown of social order, with large crowds, unpredictable combatants, and minimal military organization. Such scenes can be perceived as more plausible, considering historical instances of societal collapse and urban insurgencies. However, the scale and coordination of these confrontations—sometimes involving heavy weaponry and sustained firefights—are exaggerated for cinematic effect.
Which Scene Feels More Realistic?
If we set aside the broader fictional premises, the John Wick scenes may feel more grounded in tactical combat, resembling a highly stylized but technically trained form of warfare. Conversely, the Purge sequences capture the chaos and unpredictability of civil unrest, making them arguably more credible as a depiction of societal breakdown.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both scenes serve their narrative purpose and employ elements grounded in real-world tactics and chaos. However, the John Wick sequences, with their focus on trained combatants and tactical precision, may seem more “realistic” in terms of combat mechanics, albeit amplified for cinematic flair. Meanwhile, the Purge scenes emphasize societal collapse and the unpredictability of mass civil conflict, which can also align with real-world historical incidents.
In the end, the perception of realism depends on one’s framing—whether focusing on combat tactics, societal dynamics, or cinematic storytelling. Both scenes offer compelling portrayals within their fictional worlds, yet each echoes different facets of what warfare or societal unrest might plausibly entail.
About the Author
