“Friendship means little when it’s convenient.”

From: John Wick: Chapter 4

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Shimazu Koji

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2023 action film, John Wick: Chapter 4. The final entry in the John Wick series, the film stars Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin, closing out his attack on the High Table for trying to kill him.

The quote comes near the very start of the movie. After he had successfully killed The Elder (the head of the High Table), John Wick seeks refuge in the Osaka Continental, which is owned by his close friend, Shimazu Koji (played by Hiroyuki Sanada). John is troubled as him merely staying there will bring Shimazu Koji in direct conflict with the High Table and he comments on this. Koji calmly reassure John by delivering the quote.

Geek Wisdom: Friends will stick with you in the good times and, more importantly, the bad. In fact, it is when you are in dire need you will know who your true friends are.

“People keep asking me if I’m back. And I really haven’t had an answer. But now, yeah, I’m thinking I’m back!”

From: John Wick

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: John Wick

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the first film of the John Wick franchise. The film series follows the titular character, John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves), as a retired hitman who returns to his killing ways after some thugs kill his dog, which was the last thing his late wife gifted him before she passed. The film launched a franchise and, despite the original’s general low-budget, became a huge box-office sensation.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. John Wick is captured by Viggo Tarasov, the father of the person who killed John Wick’s dog. Viggo is upset at all the carnage John had done and he thinks it’s all because of a dog. John Wick then explains why the dog is special to him. This is when John Wick says he’s probably back to being the feared assassin by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Even people who have changed their ways can be pushed over the edge. So it’s always best to try to treat people with basic courtesy and kindness.