Ballerina’s Flamethrower Fight is the Greatest Action Scene in John Wick

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Let’s be real, this franchise lives and dies by its action. Some of the most breathtaking moments in the John Wick movies come from watching Wick take down his enemies – it’s consistently entertaining and truly the heart of the series. Take away those carefully crafted, beautifully choreographed fight scenes, and honestly, John Wick would just blend into the crowd of other action films. It’s the attention to detail and the precision of the action that really sets Wick apart, making him a truly iconic action hero in a decade full of them.

When plans for Ballerina, a spin-off of the John Wick series, were revealed, many people immediately expected it to be another action-packed film. However, filmmakers quickly realized Ballerina couldn’t simply copy John Wick’s action style. The new film needed a different approach to conflict, which ultimately allowed them to create action sequences that could even exceed those in the original series.

John Wick Has Been Established As The King Of Spectacular Action

I’ve been really fascinated by what makes certain action sequences so great, and I think the John Wick movies are a perfect example of how to do it right. From the very beginning, John Wick has become known for incredibly skilled fighting, fast and precise gunplay, and surprisingly intense takedowns. What’s different about these films is that they don’t rely on the usual tricks – quick cuts and close-ups meant to hide the choreography. Instead, they really show the action, and don’t follow typical action movie formatting.

The John Wick films set out to revitalize action movies, and they’ve done so with a playful and confident style. Since their release, many popular action sequences have focused on detailed and carefully planned choreography. Whether it’s the stairwell fight in John Wick: Chapter 4 or the one-versus-many battle in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, every action scene serves a purpose in telling the story – it’s never just about adding thrills for their own sake.

For instance, the staircase fight showcases John Wick’s sheer willpower. It’s a mix of humor and intense danger, culminating in a surprising assist that helps him reach the top. The fight where he’s significantly smaller than his opponent, on the other hand, demonstrates Wick’s cleverness and how he always maintains an air of control, even when facing impossible odds. The best action scenes in John Wick aren’t just about the fighting – they reveal a lot about his character and build on that idea beautifully.

Ballerina Rivals Every John Wick Film With One Key Sequence

A standout action scene in Ballerina is the flamethrower battle, which was even featured in the trailer. Similar to films like Extraction, fire is used in these big sequences to heighten the drama and excitement.

The fight scene in John Wick: Chapter 4 where we see everything from above, and Wick uses a weapon that shoots fire, is a perfect example of how this technique can be incredibly effective. When combined with smart lighting and fast-paced action, this perspective can make a scene feel much more dynamic and exciting.

It’s easy to compare this scene to the flamethrower sequence in Ballerina, but that film excels at building the fight over time. First, we see Ana de Armas’ character trying to evade the flames. Then, she gains control of a flamethrower and a direct battle begins. The sequence culminates with her unleashing the weapon’s full power on her opponents. But the dynamic shifts once again, changing everything.

The climax features Eve cleverly surviving another attack with a flamethrower, this time using a hose to fight back with water. It’s a visually impressive and logical moment, playing out a scenario audiences likely imagined during other action scenes with flamethrowers. The scene is remarkably inventive throughout, with each action – from dodging flames like bullets to allowing the flamethrower to be used freely – adding a fresh twist.

This action sequence stands out from most in the genre. Unlike typical scenes, Eve rarely engages in close combat or relies on precise shooting. Instead, she acts out of desperation, firing at anything that moves with a raw, personal intensity. It feels like a clear act of revenge, and it carries an emotional weight that’s different from the action in films like John Wick. The scene is powerfully felt, and its chaotic energy really pulls you in.

The Scene Highlights The Differences Between Wick & Macarro

A central theme in Ballerina is demonstrating the differences between Macarro and Wick. The action scenes are designed to emphasize this contrast. This film, in particular, really showcases how Macarro is motivated by her emotions and approaches fights differently. Unlike before, when she was calm and strategic, her growing personal connection to the mission is now fueling more impulsive and violent actions. This change is also a response to the brutality she’s experiencing from her enemies, who have shown they are capable of anything, forcing her to meet them on their own level.

John Wick’s fight scenes aren’t just about winning; they’re about proving he can’t be defeated, reinforcing his legendary status. He’s always the dominant force, a terrifying figure – the Boogeyman. This is interestingly contrasted with the character of Eve in Ballerina. While Wick needs precision and control, Eve excels in chaos. This difference is key: Wick wouldn’t use a weapon as unpredictable as a flamethrower, as it doesn’t suit his style, but Eve would thrive with it.

Eve is frequently at a disadvantage due to her size, so she’s developed a fighting style that relies on underhanded tactics and cheating to secure victories. While she’s a capable fighter, comparable to Wick in skill, she consistently feels outmatched when facing him, as she does with most opponents. In a similar situation, Wick would have easily overcome the challenge, but Eve struggles and resorts to unpredictable, external factors to win. This fight scene isn’t just about action; it reveals Eve’s character and how she adapts – or compromises – when under pressure.

The flamethrower scene really stands out as something unique, especially compared to the rest of the series. While other action sequences in the John Wick universe are impressive, it’s hard to say any of them achieve the same impact. Some viewers might even prefer other, more technically refined and emotionally driven moments within Ballerina itself. However, it’s the raw, unrestrained energy of this scene that truly sets it apart, offering a rare look at the character’s hidden depths.

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2026-01-31 07:10