Ballerina (2023)
A tale of revenge and redemption unfolds in the Korean action thriller Ballerina (2023). Follow ex-bodyguard Ok-ju’s relentless quest for justice.
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Info
| Original Title | 발레리나 |
|---|---|
| Tagline | Merciless and ruthless, to hell. |
| Formats | Streaming |
| Duration | 93 mins |
| Status | Released |
| Year | 2023 |
| Release Date | October 5, 2023 |
Trailer
Synopsis
Ok Ju used to work as a bodyguard. She excels in physical activities like martial arts, sword fighting, gunmanship, and motorcyle riding. Ok Ju is friends with Min Hee, who is a ballerina. Min Hee asks Ok Ju for a favor. She wants Ok Ju to take revenge on Pro Choi. Ok Ju soon risks her life for Min Hee.
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Editor's Review
A Dance of Revenge and Redemption
Grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn’t protect, ex-bodyguard Ok-ju sets out to fulfill her dear friend’s last wish: sweet, sweet revenge. Directed by Lee Chung-hyeon, Ballerina is a Korean action thriller that packs a punch and dances to its own rhythm.
Plot Summary: Ok-ju (played by Jeon Jong-seo) is a former bodyguard haunted by guilt over her inability to save her friend from a tragic fate. When her friend’s dying wish leads her down a dark path, Ok-ju embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance. Along the way, she encounters shady criminals, dangerous secrets, and a web of betrayal.
What Works:
- Jeon Jong-seo’s Performance: Jeon Jong-seo delivers a fierce and captivating performance as Ok-ju. Her stoic determination and vulnerability make her a compelling protagonist.
- Stylish Action Sequences: Director Lee Chung-hyeon infuses the film with neon visuals and adrenaline-pumping action. From intense shootouts to bone-crunching fights, Ballerina doesn’t hold back.
- Soundtrack: The movie’s soundtrack complements the action perfectly, adding to the overall mood and tension.
What Could Be Better:
- Pacing: While the film eventually dives into its action-packed core, it takes a bit too long to get there. Some viewers might find the buildup slow.
- Plot Originality: Ballerina draws inspiration from other revenge thrillers like John Wick and Kill Bill. While it executes the formula well, it lacks genre-bending originality.
Final Verdict: Ballerina is a decent addition to the action genre, albeit with a slightly forgettable plot. Jeon Jong-seo’s performance, stylish visuals, and adrenaline-fueled fights make it worth a watch. If you’re a fan of revenge-driven tales, this tiny dancer with a flame thrower won’t disappoint.