Korea has a renowned passion for action, consistently pushing boundaries with each new release.
Most recently, it was Song of the Bandits that captivated audiences worldwide.
Even now, the series continues to dominate Netflix’s trending charts.
Adding to this impressive lineup, Ballerina has emerged as the latest Korean action film to grace our screens, available for streaming on the same platform.
Clocking in at approximately one and a half hours, Ballerina is a gripping revenge drama, pulsating with crime and action at its very heart.
Here is my review of the movie.
Ballerina Synopsis
After her only friend dies by suicide, Ok-ju goes on a revenge spree, taking down everyone responsible for her death.
Will she be able to beat a sinister army of men, all on her own?
Directed by Lee Chung-hyun, Ballerina stars Jun Jong-seo (Ok-ju), Kim Ji-hun, and Park Yu-rim in primary roles.
What Works for Ballerina?
It shows its worth within the first ten minutes when a breathtaking action scene sets the screen on fire.
Ballerina falls into the select category where the combat sequences are not just impressive but genuinely transport you on an adrenaline-fueled journey.
Spanning from visceral close-quarters brawls to intense one-on-one showdowns, Ballerina boasts a spectrum of combat styles that keep you hooked.
The cinematography deserves its share of applause as well, capturing these fights with unbridled prowess.
Ballerina is a small world where the goal of the script is clear. The story doesn’t deviate at all, not even for a minute.
We all know what the infusion of vengeance can do to a tale. Still, Ballerina manages to find the right balance.
Despite its predictability and straightforward plot, the film manages to draw you in, compelling you to see it through to the end.
Furthermore, the film’s dark and foreboding atmosphere amplifies its no-holds-barred action sequences.
Ballerina predominantly embraces a shadowy aesthetic, a hallmark of Korean cinema that thrives on intrigue.
The pacing of the film is another upside, ensuring a watchable and engaging experience throughout.
Even if you were to feel a hint of monotony, the action sequences swiftly rekindle your interest.
Interestingly, Ballerina isn’t solely about explosive punches and acrobatic kicks.
It incorporates moments of quietude and tranquility, albeit in a sinister sense.
How are the Performances?
Jun Jong-seo delivers an electrifying portrayal as Ok-ju, leaving audiences in awe of her remarkable talent.
Her seamless mastery of the screen, particularly in the groundbreaking action sequences, is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Throughout her performance, Jun Jong-seo maintains an impeccable level of consistency, demonstrating an absence of even the slightest misstep in her captivating journey.
Her restrained demeanor deftly elevates the intensity of the narrative.
In one moment, she exhibits a calm and composed presence, while in the very next, she effortlessly transforms into a formidable contender for the title of Korea’s premier female action superstar.
What Doesn’t Work for Ballerina?
Its concept pushes the movie back. We have at least 2-3 revenge dramas releasing every month nowadays.
Seen from a wider lens, Ballerina has too popular a plotline to decipher. Every step of the way, predictability eats the screen.
And you might not have much to remember by the time the movie ends.
Stream or Skip?
Ballerina is for those who love watching revenge dramas laced with pure action. The movie doesn’t mend ways while putting a woman at the helm of things.
It’s powerful, fierce, and violent.
On the other hand, if you are fed up with typical revenge storylines but still love action, you can stream this Korean flick.
Lastly, if the action genre doesn’t suit your taste and a revengeful plot further swells that dislike, don’t bother giving Ballerina a chance.
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