Revenge-driven action movies seem to be saturating the genre, becoming almost ubiquitous. The John Wick franchise, known for its polished production and exquisite cinematography, has set a high bar. When these films hit the mark, they truly shine. Yet, in recent times, a significant portion of the action genre has felt like a repetition of the same formula. In Lee Chung-hyun’s newest action thriller, Ballerina, the narrative may follow a familiar path, but its true triumph lies in its breathtaking visuals and the commanding performance delivered by Jeon Jong-seo.
Ballerina: A Tale of Retribution and Friendship
In the world of Ballerina, we meet Jang Ok-ju (played by Jeon Jong-seo), a retired bodyguard who seems to be merely going through the motions of life. Her moments of solace come when she waits for the one source of joy in her existence, Choi Min-hee (portrayed by Park Yu-rim), to spend time with her. However, a fateful call from Min-hee leads to a brutal surprise for Ok-ju. Waiting on Min-hee’s bed is a chilling present with a message: seek revenge on her behalf. This grim discovery unravels the tragic truth of Min-hee’s suicide and points Ok-ju toward an enigmatic username that holds the key to unraveling the mystery behind Min-hee’s despair.
While Ballerina doesn’t reveal much about Ok-ju upfront, it fills in the gaps through poignant flashbacks, shedding light on the deep bond between Ok-ju and Min-hee. These flashbacks are bathed in a fuzzy daydream-like glow, emphasizing the profound significance of Min-hee as Ok-ju’s guiding light amid life’s darkness. The revelation of Min-hee’s light being extinguished fuels Ok-ju’s relentless pursuit of revenge, executed with clinical precision and an unwavering willingness to risk life and limb in her quest for justice.
Ok-ju’s relentless pursuit of justice becomes strikingly evident when she traces a phone call to Min-hee’s phone, leading her straight to her target, Choi Pro (portrayed by Kim Ji-hoon). She meticulously tracks him, infiltrates his home, and employs every means necessary to confront him and deliver the retribution Min-hee deserves. Choi Pro, however, proves to be an easy target in his own right. He displays a blatant disregard for women and remains shamelessly arrogant when confronted by a formidable adversary like Ok-ju.
Kim Ji-hoon’s portrayal of Choi Pro makes it effortlessly compelling to rally behind Ok-ju’s mission. He embodies evil with unapologetic malevolence, devoid of any semblance of self-awareness or remorse for his heinous actions. A narcissistic and morally bankrupt character, when he crosses paths with Ok-ju and faces her unwavering determination, he realizes the grave threat to his comfortable existence. Yet, instead of learning a lesson, individuals like him often fail to absorb the gravity of these moments, and Choi Pro can see only one inevitable outcome.
Jeon Jong-seo Shines in a Familiar but Gripping Revenge Tale
In the realm of revenge films, the plot of Ballerina unfolds predictably, with few unexpected twists. What distinguishes the movie and keeps it engaging is Jeon Jong-seo’s exceptional performance. Beneath the surface, her character holds a complex inner world that is gradually revealed through exposition and flashbacks. Much of the audience’s insight into her character comes through Jong-seo’s nuanced acting. Whether it’s the anguish on her face upon discovering Min-hee, the consuming rage as she confronts Choi Pro, or the fleeting moment of despair when she fears she’s too late to save someone, Jong-seo’s performance weaves a compelling narrative.
Ballerina faces challenges in maintaining its momentum, as director Lee Chung-hyun takes his time to build the story. While a gradual buildup is expected, there’s a noticeable dip as the film transitions from its second act to the third. It’s akin to a receding wave, leaving the audience waiting for the surge to return. Fortunately, the violence that unfolds in the climactic final showdown compensates for some of the lost opportunities during that dip, delivering a satisfying pay-off.
Dynamic Action and Stunning Cinematography Elevate Ballerina
When the action sequences finally unfold in Ballerina, they do so with a perfect balance, avoiding excessive length and maintaining frenetic energy. Ok-ju, despite being a skilled fighter, is not without flaws. She makes mistakes, often led by impulse and emotion. These imperfections are vividly portrayed through Jeon Jong-seo’s expressive performance, with her face reflecting the intensity of the moment. The combination of choreography and camerawork immerses the audience in the action alongside Ok-ju, and her moments of vulnerability in later fight scenes serve as a stark reminder of her mortality.
Speaking of camerawork, Ballerina is a visual masterpiece. The film is replete with moments that could be frozen in time as captivating snapshots. The framing of actors, expert use of color, and masterful manipulation of lighting combine to create breathtaking shots throughout the movie. Ballerina easily secures a spot among the top action films of the year with its exceptional cinematography, an impressive feat given the competition in 2023’s cinematic landscape.
Conclusion – Ballerina Delivers Solid Action with a Memorable Lead
In conclusion, Lee Chung-hyun’s Ballerina may not boast the most memorable plot, but it makes a respectable addition to the action genre. What truly stands out and remains unforgettable is Jeon Jong-seo’s exceptional performance. Whether conveying emotions in moments of silence or engaging in intense, desperate fights that unveil her character’s inner turmoil, she unquestionably shines as the star of the film.
Ballerina is currently available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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