Ballerina: A Bloody Ballet of Vengeance
Ballerina is a 2023 South Korean film written and directed by Lee Chung-hyun, who previously helmed the hit horror movie The Call. The film stars Jeon Jong-seo and Kim Ji-hoon, who also appeared together in Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area. The film premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival on October 5, 2023, and was released globally on Netflix on October 6, 2023
Plot Summary
Ballerina follows the story of Ok-ju (Jeon Jong-seo), a former bodyguard who embarks on a ruthless quest for revenge after her best friend Min-hee (Park Yoo-rim), a ballerina, commits suicide. Ok-ju finds a note in Min-hee’s ballet shoes that implicates a man named Chef Choi (Kim Ji-hoon) as the cause of her death. Ok-ju tracks down Choi, who is a drug lord and a human trafficker, and vows to kill him and his gang.
Along the way, she meets a young girl (Kim Bo-ra) who is also seeking revenge against Choi for enslaving and abusing her. The two team up to infiltrate Choi’s secret base, where they face a horde of enemies and a final showdown with the mastermind himself.
Review
Ballerina is a stylish and violent film that combines elements of action, thriller, and drama. The film showcases Jeon Jong-seo’s impressive range as an actress, as she portrays Ok-ju’s transformation from a timid and lonely woman to a fierce and unstoppable killing machine. Jeon Jong-seo delivers a captivating performance that carries the film through its fast-paced and brutal scenes.
The film also explores the themes of friendship, trauma, and justice, as Ok-ju and the girl bond over their shared pain and desire for vengeance. The film does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the underworld, where women are exploited and discarded by men. The film also raises questions about the morality of revenge and the consequences of violence.
The film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and executed, with some creative use of ballet moves and weapons. The film’s cinematography is also stunning, as it contrasts the dark and gritty settings with the bright and graceful ballet scenes. The film’s music score is also fitting, as it mixes classical and modern tunes to create a tense and thrilling atmosphere.
Ballerina is not a perfect film, however. The film’s plot is rather simple and straightforward, and it does not offer much depth or complexity to its characters or their motivations. The film relies heavily on flashbacks to explain the backstory of Ok-ju and Min-hee, but these scenes are often disjointed and confusing. The film also suffers from some pacing issues, as it sometimes drags or rushes through certain scenes.
Conclusion
Ballerina is a solid and entertaining film that offers a satisfying dose of action and revenge. The film showcases Jeon Jong-seo’s talent and charisma as a leading actress, and it delivers some memorable and bloody scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film is not without its flaws, but it is still worth watching if you are a fan of Korean cinema or revenge thrillers.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Cast
- Jeon Jong-seo as Ok-ju
- Kim Ji-hoon as Chef Choi
- Kim Bo-ra as Girl
- Park Yoo-rim as Min-hee
- Lee Hak-joo as Boss
- Lee Seung-hoon as Pharmacist
- Kim Dong-young as Legless Man
- Kim Hyun-mok as Front Desk Man
- Lee Sang-hee as Old Woman
- Park Myung-shin as Old Man
Trailer
You can watch the official trailer for Ballerina here.
Release Date
Ballerina was released globally on Netflix on October 6, 2023.
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