Action in Chapter 2 is treated as choreography rather than chaos. Stahelski, a former stuntman, utilizes long takes and wide shots that allow the audience to appreciate the physical prowess of the performers. The "gun-fu" style—a blend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and tactical shooting—becomes a visual language. The climax in the "Reflections of the Soul" museum exhibit is particularly noteworthy; the hall of mirrors pays homage to Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon while using light and geometry to mirror John’s internal fragmentation.
The film picks up where the first installment left off, with John Wick (Keanu Reeves) having retired from his life as a hitman. However, his retirement is short-lived, as he is visited by Santino D'Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio), an old associate who wants John to pay a debt. Santino wants John to kill his sister, Gianna (Claudia Gerini), who is trying to take over the seat of the High Table, a council of high-ranking crime lords. John Wick reluctantly agrees to help Santino, but things quickly go awry when he discovers that Santino's true intentions are more sinister than he initially thought. john wick 2 123