A South Korean female action star, Jeon Jong-Seo, leads the Ballerina (2023) Movie. So, actress Jeon plays the lead role of an ex-bodyguard, Ok-Ju, in this action-packed, bloodstained revenge drama. Please note that it is a 2023 action movie from South Korea.
However, another Hollywood movie with a similar movie title (from the John Wick film franchise) will be released in the 2024.
An ex-Bodyguard, Ok-Ju, Seeks A Bloodstained Revenge…
Spoiler-Free Review of the Ballerina (2023) Korean Movie
The synopsis
Grieving the loss of her best friend, Minhee (Park Yu-rim), she couldn’t protect, ex-bodyguard Ok-ju (Jeon Jong-Seo) sets out to fulfil her dear friend’s last wish: sweet, sweet revenge.
The storyline of this revenge K-drama
This revenge action drama from Korea has a simple storyline – an innocent girl, Min-hee (Park Yu-rim), dies under tragic circumstances. Then, her close friend Ok-ju, the ex-bodyguard (Jeon Jong-seo), vows to find the person (s) responsible for Min-hee’s death. But it is not an easy task, as the villain is anonymous and hides in plain sight. Still, Ok-ju somewhat calmly and methodically hunts for her prey, just like the main villain. We also liked the flashbacks in this film, as we get the know more about their deep friendship. Also, the use of fish as the symbol of the dancer Min-hee is an intelligent take.
About the heroine Ok-Ju (Jeon Jong-Seo) in this film
The opening fighting scene establishes the fitting credentials of the female action heroine Jeon Jong-Seo (Ok-ju), as she cooly tackles a bunch of goons in hand-to-hand combat in close physical contact. Besides, we liked this stylishly shot Korean action movie with a vulnerable female protagonist.
No doubt, its protagonist and action-heroine role is convincingly played by actress Jeon.
Ok-ju's is determined to trace the villain and then avenge her friend's death. So, how does she go about completing her vengeful mission, well, you can check the above video clip from the said film. Deeply hurt by the demise of her childhood friend, Ok-ju is determined to hunt for bad guy. Her character is calculating in this film. As she traces the villain and study his moves. Is revenge - a dish served cold and/or hot for her?
About the villain Pro Choi (Kim Ji-hoon) in this film
On the other hand, its cold-hearted and menacing antagonist is competently played by actor Kim Ji-hoon (Pro Choi), who is a hateful character. He is evil personified in it, as he takes advantage of young girls to make them his slaves. So, quite a few action sequences do cross the line in it.
But then the nature of the crime committed by Pro Choi was heinous. And it deserved a swift and merciless response by bitter and furious Ok-ju.
The conclusion
Lee Chung-Hyeon has written and directed it. In this film, he has used lots of sharp editing styles in this action flick. Perhaps to keep up with the intended fast pace of the movie. In addition, the cinematography in this film uses neon lighting and the pervading darkness of the nighttime shots to accentuate the dark and dangerous situation. Even its unique Korean soundtrack adds to the tension and suspense in the film. It is a good time-pass film. It forces you to sympathise with the good gal Ok-ju and then cheer for her bravery, as she seeks revenge in the most hurtful and brutal manner possible.
Rating of the Ballerina (2023) Korean Movie
| FM’s rating | 3.20/5 |
| FM’s short comment | A female action heroine takes centre stage in this Korean revenge drama and exacts cold revenge against the cruel villain(s), it’s wild and thrilling. |
Poster of the Ballerina (2023) Korean Movie
Key Details of the Ballerina (2023) Korean Movie
| Genre | Action, Mystery, Thriller |
| Original title | 발레리나 in Korean |
| Original language | Korean |
| Released in | October, 2023 |
| Age-restrictions | A (18+) |
| Duration | 1 hour 33 minutes |
| Writer & Director | Lee Chung-Hyeon |
| Cast | Jeon Jong-Seo (Ok-ju), Kim Ji-hoon (Pro Choi), Park Yu-rim (Min-hee), etc. |
| Network | Netflix |
| Taglines | One Thing I Had to Protect. Merciless and Ruthless, To Hell. I will hunt you down, all the way to hell. Does it look like, I am joking to you? |
Trailer of the Ballerina (2023) Korean Movie
Check out the YouTube video links:
The coolest action sequence thus far - Ballerina | Netflix
&
Sushi, soy sauce? Could these be code words for revenge? - Ballerina - Netflix
Lastly, if you like this action-packed Korean movie, then go ahead and read our article on the "Kill Boksoon" film in our Focus Magazine, too.
Featured Image and Poster from the Ballerina (2023) Korean Film | Netflix.
