Error during authentication for model claude-3-haiku-20240307: Rate limited by Puter.js API. Try again after 60 seconds.

by

In a less-discussed action thriller titled “Safe,” starring Jason Statham, one can find an early iteration of the combat style known as “Gun Fu,” which later became iconic in the “John Wick” series. The influence of the “John Wick” films on action cinema over the past decade is undeniable. Their extended shots and meticulously planned action sequences have inspired numerous imitations, yet none have surpassed the quality found in the Keanu Reeves-led saga. Prior to directing the first “John Wick” film together, directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch were well-known for their stunt work and roles as second unit directors on projects such as “The Expendables” and films starring Jason Statham like “The Mechanic.

In the world of pulse-pounding action thrillers, I can confidently say that Safe, where I had the pleasure of being a part of its production as second unit director, is an adrenaline-fueled ride featuring none other than the inimitable Jason Statham. As a former cop, he’s tasked with shielding a young girl from the clutches of Triads, Russian mafia, and corrupt law enforcement. Though it may not hold the timeless charm of a classic film, Safe delivers an exhilarating dose of Statham action, complete with sleek shootouts and breathtaking action sequences.

Interestingly enough, in the 2025 documentary Wick is Pain, Chad Stahelski admitted that the “Gun Fu” style showcased in the John Wick series was initially conceived for Safe. However, a test of this unique combat style didn’t resonate with Statham or director Boaz Yakin, as it didn’t align with their film’s intended tone. Consequently, it wasn’t incorporated into the final cut.

Safe Contains An Early Example Of John Wick-style “Gun Fu” During The Restaurant Fight

Pieces of John Wick’s fighting style can still be found in Safe

I was thoroughly captivated by the Gun Fu previs created for the film Safe, a project that unfortunately didn’t pan out as intended. However, directors Stahelski and Leitch were optimistic about reusing this dynamic action sequence in another project. Notably, the movie does include a fight scene in a restaurant where Statham’s character Luke engages in combat with Triads, showcasing elements of the fighting style reminiscent of the Wickian style. In his book Wick is Pain, Leitch highlights that this Safe fight sequence serves as an “introduction” to the Gun Fu concept.

In that restaurant brawl, there are brief instances when Gun Fu is dramatically showcased.

Here’s another way:

During the restaurant fight, you can catch a glimpse of Gun Fu being displayed in a few key moments.

The brawls in Safe’s restaurant show a resemblance to those in John Wick, yet they haven’t reached the same level of refinement. Rather than lengthy, smooth shots, Safe’s fights are full of handheld camera movements and rapid edits. There are elements reminiscent of Wick’s signature moves, such as disarms, acrobatics, and, predictably, headshots. However, Luke adds a unique touch by employing the dinner plate as a weapon in his surroundings.

It’s likely that if Stahelski and Leitch hadn’t pointed out that Gun Fu was initially designed for Safe, many wouldn’t have noticed the resemblances. Although visually and tonally, Safe and John Wick are quite distinct, with Safe being a contemporary adaptation of a gritty 1970s crime thriller, intensifying the action but maintaining a semblance of reality, and John Wick deliberately over-the-top, allowing for the improbable scenario of one man eliminating dozens singlehandedly.

Safe Was The Wrong Movie To Introduce John Wick’s Fighting Style

Jason Statham was right to have “notes” on Gun Fu

In the preview scene from the movie “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum”, where the action appears impressive and understandably excited the stunt team, it’s questionable whether this was the ideal project to debut such a spectacle. As Leitch noted, Statham had the skills to execute those moves, but he felt that it didn’t align with the narrative of “Safe”. While incorporating Gun Fu might have made the film more memorable, it would have clashed awkwardly with the story being presented.

In a fascinating twist, I find myself pondering over the enigma of how a past police officer and cage fighter like Statham could have mastered such a graceful fighting style. It would be quite intriguing to see him demonstrate Gun Fu in the upcoming John Wick 5, but as of now, it seems that’s not part of the plan. After all, during his career, he has been consistently delivering mid-budget action thrillers such as Parker and Homefront, and sometimes, these high-octane productions can blend together, making one film stand out less than the others – like Safe did for him.

The movie titled “Safe” earned approximately $41 million at the box office against a production budget of $30 million (according to Box Office Mojo). Consequently, it didn’t perform exceptionally well. However, this film is worth revisiting because its script and direction surpass what one might anticipate. At the very least, “Safe” deserves recognition beyond being just a minor chapter in the John Wick series’ history.

Read More

2025-05-22 19:05