“A Dark Waltz of Revenge: A Review of "Ballerina"
Introduction
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A Dark Waltz of Revenge: A Review of "Ballerina"
"Ballerina," the 2024 South Korean action thriller directed by Lee Chung-hyun, is a visceral and stylish revenge story that explores themes of female friendship, exploitation, and the lengths one will go to for justice. While the film may not break new ground in terms of narrative, it compensates with its striking visuals, intense action sequences, and a compelling performance from Jeon Jong-seo as the titular ballerina-turned-avenger.
Synopsis
Ok-ju (Jeon Jong-seo) is a former bodyguard with a penchant for motorcycles and a talent for fighting. She lives a solitary life, haunted by a past trauma that is only hinted at in the film’s opening scenes. Her only connection is Min-hee (Park Yu-rim), a young ballerina with a bright spirit and a deep affection for Ok-ju.
When Min-hee takes her own life after being sexually assaulted, she leaves behind a final request for Ok-ju: to avenge her and make the perpetrator, Choi Pro (Kim Ji-hoon), pay for his crimes. Fueled by grief and a burning desire for retribution, Ok-ju embarks on a bloody quest to hunt down Choi Pro and his network of enablers.
Strengths
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Jeon Jong-seo’s Performance: Jeon Jong-seo is the heart and soul of "Ballerina." She embodies Ok-ju’s stoicism, vulnerability, and simmering rage with a captivating intensity. Her physical presence is commanding, and she seamlessly transitions between moments of quiet contemplation and explosive action. Jeon’s portrayal elevates the film beyond a simple revenge thriller, giving Ok-ju a depth and complexity that resonates with the audience.
Visual Style and Cinematography: "Ballerina" is a visually stunning film. The cinematography, helmed by Kim Woo-hyung, is characterized by its vibrant colors, dynamic camera movements, and artful use of lighting. The film’s neon-drenched urban landscapes and stark, minimalist interiors create a visually arresting atmosphere that complements the dark and gritty nature of the story. The fight sequences are particularly well-choreographed and shot, with a focus on visceral impact and brutal realism.
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Action Choreography: The action sequences in "Ballerina" are a major highlight. They are fast-paced, brutal, and creatively executed. Ok-ju’s fighting style is a mix of martial arts, street fighting, and improvisational weapon use, reflecting her background as a bodyguard. The film avoids excessive CGI and relies on practical effects and stunt work, giving the action a raw and authentic feel.
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Sound Design and Music: The film’s sound design is immersive and impactful, enhancing the tension and emotional weight of each scene. The score, composed by Primary, is a blend of electronic music, hip-hop, and classical elements, creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape that perfectly complements the film’s visuals and themes.
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Themes of Female Friendship and Solidarity: At its core, "Ballerina" is a story about female friendship and the power of solidarity. Ok-ju’s unwavering loyalty to Min-hee and her determination to avenge her death are driven by a deep sense of love and protectiveness. The film highlights the importance of women supporting each other in a world that often seeks to exploit and silence them.
Weaknesses
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Predictable Plot: While "Ballerina" excels in its execution, the plot itself is fairly predictable. The revenge narrative follows a familiar formula, and the film doesn’t offer many surprises in terms of its overall structure. Viewers familiar with the genre may find the story somewhat derivative.
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Thin Character Development (Beyond Ok-ju): While Jeon Jong-seo delivers a standout performance as Ok-ju, the other characters in the film are less developed. Min-hee, despite being the catalyst for the story, remains a somewhat underdeveloped figure. Choi Pro, the main antagonist, is portrayed as a one-dimensional villain, lacking in nuance or complexity.
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Pacing Issues: The film’s pacing is uneven at times. The first act is slow-burn, taking its time to establish the relationship between Ok-ju and Min-hee and to build suspense. However, the second and third acts feel rushed, with the plot moving forward at a rapid pace. This uneven pacing can make it difficult for the audience to fully invest in the characters and their motivations.
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Lack of Subtlety: "Ballerina" is a film that wears its themes on its sleeve. The film’s message about female empowerment and the dangers of sexual exploitation is delivered in a direct and unsubtle manner. While this directness may appeal to some viewers, others may find it to be heavy-handed.
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Some Unrealistic Elements: Like many action films, "Ballerina" requires a suspension of disbelief. Some of the action sequences and plot developments are unrealistic, stretching the boundaries of credibility. While this is not necessarily a major flaw, it can detract from the film’s overall sense of realism.
Detailed Analysis
"Ballerina" distinguishes itself from other revenge thrillers through its distinct visual style and its focus on the emotional bond between the two female protagonists. The film’s neon-drenched cinematography and pulsating soundtrack create a sense of heightened reality, immersing the viewer in Ok-ju’s world of grief and vengeance.
The film’s exploration of female friendship is also a notable strength. Ok-ju and Min-hee’s relationship is portrayed as a source of strength and support in a world that is often hostile to women. Ok-ju’s determination to avenge Min-hee’s death is driven by a deep sense of loyalty and a desire to protect her friend from further harm.
However, "Ballerina" also suffers from some of the common pitfalls of the revenge genre. The plot is predictable, and the characters (with the exception of Ok-ju) are underdeveloped. The film’s pacing is uneven, and its message about female empowerment is delivered in a somewhat unsubtle manner.
Despite these flaws, "Ballerina" is a visually arresting and emotionally engaging film that is sure to appeal to fans of action thrillers. Jeon Jong-seo’s performance is a major highlight, and the film’s action sequences are expertly choreographed and executed. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the film’s themes of female friendship and solidarity resonate powerfully.
The film’s ending is both satisfying and bittersweet. Ok-ju achieves her goal of avenging Min-hee’s death, but at a great personal cost. The final scene shows Ok-ju riding off into the sunset, leaving the audience to ponder the long-term consequences of her actions.
Overall Impression
"Ballerina" is a stylish and visceral revenge thriller that is elevated by Jeon Jong-seo’s compelling performance and the film’s striking visuals. While the plot may be predictable and the characters (beyond Ok-ju) are underdeveloped, the film’s action sequences are expertly choreographed and the themes of female friendship and solidarity resonate powerfully.
Who Should Watch This Film?
- Fans of South Korean action cinema
- Viewers who enjoy revenge thrillers with strong female leads
- Those who appreciate visually stylish films with dynamic cinematography
- Anyone looking for a film that explores themes of female friendship and empowerment
Final Verdict:
"Ballerina" is a flawed but ultimately satisfying revenge thriller that is worth watching for its visuals, action, and Jeon Jong-seo’s captivating performance. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the film’s themes and emotional core make it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
Rating: 7.5/10
