Why did they kill John Wick's dog? - briefly
John Wick's dog, Daisy, was killed by Iosef Tarasov and his associates to provoke Wick into a fight. This brutal act was meant to draw Wick out of retirement and into a cycle of violence, as Daisy was Wick's last emotional connection to his former life.
Why did they kill John Wick's dog? - in detail
The death of John Wick's dog is a pivotal moment in the 2014 film "John Wick," directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad. This event serves as the catalyst for the entire narrative, transforming Wick from a retired hitman to a man on a mission for vengeance. The dog, a Beagle named Daisy, was a gift from Wick's late wife, Helen. The bond between Wick and Daisy is deeply emotional and symbolic, representing the last remnants of his humanity and the life he left behind.
The killers, Iosef Tarasov and his associates, break into Wick's home with the intention of stealing his car, a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1. They are unaware of the significance of the dog to Wick. Iosef, in a moment of cruelty and disregard for life, shoots Daisy. This act is not merely an act of violence but a deliberate invasion of Wick's personal space and a violation of the sanctity of his home. The killers' actions are driven by a sense of entitlement and disrespect for Wick's past and the life he has chosen to lead.
The murder of Daisy is a turning point for Wick. It awakens the dormant assassin within him, pushing him to seek retribution against those who have wronged him. The dog's death is a personal affront that Wick cannot ignore. It triggers a series of events that lead him back into the criminal underworld, where he must confront old enemies and allies. The film's narrative is structured around Wick's quest for vengeance, with each kill bringing him closer to his ultimate goal of punishing Iosef and his father, Viggo Tarasov.
The significance of Daisy's death extends beyond the immediate plot. It underscores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. Wick's love for Daisy represents his capacity for empathy and his desire for a normal life. The loss of Daisy symbolizes the end of that life and the return to his former existence as a ruthless assassin. The killers, in their ignorance and cruelty, set in motion a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences, not just for Wick but for the entire criminal underworld.
In summary, the killing of John Wick's dog is a crucial element in the film's narrative. It serves as the inciting incident that propels Wick into action, driving the plot forward and setting the stage for his journey of vengeance. The death of Daisy is a personal and emotional blow to Wick, representing the loss of his past life and the return to his violent profession. The killers' actions, driven by entitlement and disregard for Wick's personal life, set in motion a series of events that will have profound and lasting effects.