A Bailarina

Focuses strongly on themes of assault and grooming.

This movie focuses on a woman tracking down a man to avenge her friend, then finding out she may have not been the only one to suffer under his cruelty.

I absolutely adored the cinematography, some scenes reminded me of the original OldBoy, especially in one of the scenes which takes place in a hallway.

The movie had quite a few parts in it that made me laugh out loud, only because of how ridiculous the situation was that the main character was in, rather than in a comedic sense, but for the majority of it, it's very dark and uncomfortable at times. Quite graphic fighting scenes which I wasn't expecting, but it was all done well and I enjoyed it.

Soundtrack was spot on, fit the scenes really well. I would honestly be happy for this movie to be longer, I feel that a few scenes were quite rushed and I would have appreciated for them to be longer, but the fast pace made sense as it kept you on your toes.

This is the action thriller of the year. It's been proven before that Korean action thrillers are well done from Man from Nowhere to No Mercy. In Ballerina there is a quick emotional involvement with the characters that grips and then lots of convincing original action. And the actors have star quality and charisma that keeps you watching. So it's an entertaining gripping watch that isn't too long. The violence is quite something even for jaded action fans. The fighting is brilliantly choreographed.

A shout out to the leading cast members who really make this show. Terrific female lead Jeong Jeon Seo has an attitude and modern look that suits this type of movie perfectly. Kim Ji Hoon gives another convincing villain performance. He was great in Flower of Evil and he does it again here.

Luc Besson fans will like this one. Though it is less comical than Besson movies.

Full Disclosure- I am a Korean Cinemaphile. I have written for years that Korean films are as good, or better, than Hollywood movies currently being made. This is especially true in the action genre. This film is a perfect example. It is a gritty action film about a talented, but reluctant, woman with deadly skills who is forced to use them to avenge her friend, the Ballerina. The film uses the subject of sex slavery and involuntary pornogrpahy as its somber backdrop to generate the basis for the action in this one. Its stars are good, although somewhat animated. The action and fighting are good. The gun violence is better than the fight choreography. The relationship between the Ballerina and the star is nuanced and very sweet. It is the foundation upon which it the film is built. You can watch in English dubbed version, but I prefer in Korean with English subtitles.

Ballerina attempts to carve its niche in the revenge-action genre offering a departure from the typical over-the-top fight scenes we've grown accustomed to. The film takes a realistic approach, presenting a grittier and emotionally charged narrative.

The pace of the movie is one of its strengths, swiftly moving from one scene to another. You'll find yourself towards the climax before you know it. Despite the simplicity of the plot, Ballerina touches on dark subjects that evoke genuine emotions. The soundtrack, too, adds to its strength. Despite feeling rushed at times, the fast-paced nature keeps you on your toes.

Jeon Jong-seo, known for her stellar performance in The Call (one of my recent favorites), once again impresses as the female lead. Despite limited dialogue, her ability to convey emotions through body language and expressions is commendable.

The action and fighting sequences are good, however, the gun violence surpasses the fight choreography. The nuanced and sweet relationship between the Ballerina and the protagonist forms the emotional core of the film.

Ballerina delves into dark themes of assault and grooming, with a focus on a woman's quest for justice and discovering the extent of her friend's suffering. While some scenes bring laughter due to their absurdity, the overall tone remains dark and uncomfortable, accompanied by fighting scenes.

Unfortunately, it relies heavily on its impressive visuals than the substance. It seems to lack depth. Despite great action sequences, dark theme, it does not fully impress you although the climax was good enough.

In the realm of South Korean movies, Ballerina might not reach the heights of some of its counterparts. Its cool visuals, impressive action, and a standout lead performance make it a decent Friday night movie, offering a different take on the revenge-action genre. However, its flaws, including a lackluster plot and more action than substance might leave some viewers wanting more from the overall experience.

A dark revenge thriller with great characters. Loved Jeon Jong-seo as a badass killer who avenge her friend.

The plot is very simple, it's a revenge thriller but the vibrant cinematography and the killer soundtrack makes it so fresh and interesting to watch with amazing fight choreography. Well, there are not very much over the top action sequences, but it is done so well with the camera work, it looks pretty great.

The colour grading, visuals and the soundtrack are the major win for the film. It's rich in vibrant colours which makes the audience stick to the screen and the score is eccentric which makes the film even more energetic and the performance and the action is done right.

Jeon Jong-seo has been on a winning streak with Burning, The Call, Mona Lisa and now this... And seeing her in the leading action role was such a treat. Also, she proves revenge is best served cold.

From the very first scene in the film, the action is pretty well done and also the story is pretty good. It's not that we haven't seen these kinda story before but it's a entertaining one nevertheless.