Ballerina (III) (2023) User Reviews

Powerful, emotional/dark and satisfying revenge story

[hanalisss · 7/10 · 7 October 2023]

Don't expect another My Name, Kill Bok Soon, or John Wick. There's no complex over the top fight choreography scenes, our heroine has a very limited very old amount of guns, will run out of bullets, she gets injured and and she will need help from others. This is a more realistic take on a revenge movie and is not a bad thing at all.

The pace is fast and is enjoyable that way, faster than you know it will be finished!

The plot is very simple yet some very dark subjects that will get you emotional at some points.

Acting is great, after The Call, Jeon Jong Seo is once again KILLING it as the female lead.

Even when this role doesn't have much dialogue, she has a way of performing emphasizing the use of her body language and face expressions to convey emotions, thoughts, and storytelling elements without relying on spoken words. I am just so impressed.

Overall was a good movie for a Friday night, give it a go!

A satisfying revenge movie.

[daisychains01 · 7/10 · 6 October 2023]

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.

Yes, the John Wick spin-off came early

[aadarshstha-92565 · 7/10 · 9 October 2023]

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.

In the year 2023...

[A_Different_Drummer · 7/10 · 8 October 2023]

... Hollywood is mainly concerned with churning out pre-sold, pre-packaged, pre-digested, product to feed the maw of streaming media. Korea, on the other hand, still encourages uniqueness and individuality among its creators. Plus, Korean cinema has a reputation for producing some of the best rom-coms, and best revenge thrillers, on the planet. It is easy to criticize Ballerina for being too artsy, too slow-moving in the middle act, and too reliant on flashbacks. Fact is, however, flaws and all, it is still one of the best thrillers of its kind to emerge this year. Notice also also that the notes and beats are remarkably similar to Equalizer 3 -- smashing open, slow middle, and killer final act. Satisfying. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Dark, Vengeance; More Action than Substance

[pawanpunjabithewriter · 6/10 · 16 January 2024]

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.

Great Korean Action-Revenge Flick

[tkdlifemagazine · 7/10 · 10 October 2023]

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.

Disappointed

[egyptian_beauty86 · 5/10 · 6 October 2023]

Ugh u waited so long for this movie to come out, and I really had high hopes for it, but everything was just so underwhelming.

The story and characters were underdeveloped, the action didn't hit that hard, it should have been longer and time spent developing the characters and story.

I love Jun Jong-seo, she's such an up and comer, and I can see her doing more action in the future, but this was just not it. The production did her dirty.

Kim Ji-hun could have made a really creepy and dangerous villain, but again, not enough time spent developing these characters.

It's not a bad movie by any stretch, but it really could have been rivalling Kill Bill if they just gave it a chance.

WOW, pleasant surpise

[sonjamin · 9/10 · 6 October 2023]

If you're looking for the next Godfather, Unusual Suspects, or some other smartly written film, seek life elsewhere. This is a great action packed film with an excellent cast and a simple storyline. The action is great and is pretty violent, for those of us who enjoy that genre. The acting is pretty good and convincing. Standard revenge for a fallen friend, but well worth the time investment. The villains are so unlikable, it just makes rooting for the heroine that much better. Very clever how she outsmarts and hunts down the bad guys. I really like well developed and though through the heroine is. The whole hidden past thing is predictable, but you can forgive it for this fun film.

Kill-Bill meets John wick...!!!

[PANDIAN120621 · 6/10 · 7 October 2023]

A typical style over substance flick that largely depends on its impressive making... Director Chung- hyun lee direction arrives straight to the point without harming crispy runtime of 90 mins ,keeping the plot simple and predictive the screenplay plays a major role in keeping intrigued until climax... Jeon jong seo is seriously the badass girl loved her attitude and the confidence or cool stuffs at deadly situations,while kim ji Horon hunts u unconditionally.... Camera work enhances the mood of the flick and the use of neon lights gives a vibrant mode and crave for more action stunts... Overall a good pretty decent action movie to watch out.

Lacks a narrative

[bored_bingewatcher · 2/10 · 12 October 2023]

This film tries to be a generic revenge action flick, but fails heavily in actually providing story. This is mainly due to a lack of dialogue, allowing for barely any narrative beyond the basic premise. Only the flashbacks had enough dialogue to clearly convey the story. The pacing is really poor and the film moves by too fast due to this. This can also be attributed to a short runtime. Either way, the film quickly glosses over every scene that isn't action/flashback and doesn't ever discuss or work out anything.

I was bored and uninterested and some okay fight scenes with a few subvertive moments can't save such a dialogue-devoid and structurally flawed script from being uninteresting.

Stylishly violent thriller with star quality leads

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 9 October 2023]

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.

Excellent Revenge Story

[ljansen-87682 · 6/10 · 15 October 2023]

This is a surprisingly good action packed revenge movie. (nearly gave up as it is a slow start). A female body guard seeks a successful revenge on behalf of her dead friend who clearly got in with the Criminal underworld who are blackmailing her. Unable to see a way out she commits suicide. Her friend who sets out to avenge her death is The FL. She is very convincing in the action scenes. There is no waste of time, space or dare I say it dialogue in this movie. A kdrama series could have stretched it to 50 episodes, so it was an absolute delight that it was over in less than 1.5 hrs.

The ML & FL are brilliant actors 10/10 for both, with the ML just edging the other out for dead pan facial expressions!

The cinematography gets a straight up 10. Just brilliant photography.

Most Europeans will note the blatant action and the motorbike cribbing of Lisbeth Salander, from 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' or maybe its a homage!

Biggest gripe and totally unnecessary was the endless smoking. One scene about 20 men in a room over a invalid in bed all smoking! Come on! Thats so dated! Its 2023! Marked down for that. Second gripe was the ancient guns. Did I miss something, a significant reference there? Why were they so antique?

Watched in Korean audio + English subtitles.

Team Mint-Choc.

[chand-suhas · 4/10 · 23 October 2023]

Jang Ok-Ju gets a call from her best friend Choi Min-hee, apologizing for being distant and inviting her to catch up. As Ok-Ju remembers her moments with Min-hee, a ballerina, gets heartbroken to find Min-hee dead at her place. She has written a letter with the name of the person responsible and request Ok-Ju to avenge her. Thus, begins Ok-Ju's revenge mission to find the guy and fulfil her friend's final wish.

It's a done to death story involving sex traffickers and losing a loved one for the crime pushing the lead to turn into an one woman army to take down everyone and everything they hold onto preciously. However, it is not the predictable story that feels like a downer but the slow narrative and lack of enough action scenes which makes this into a dull watch. Having to wait 40+ mins for the first action scene and then the next decent action being placed in the climax, offers very little entertainment value.

Apart from that, the story revolves around Ok-Ju and her memories of her best friend. So there is not much back story to the main lead to explain how is she so tough and for the best friend's predicament. The villain seems good but not much of a match to the lead and also the character's action in the final act leaves a lot to be explained. The screenplays sticks to the revenge action drama template but remains a stale narrative throughout.

Mediocrity best consumed with lots of Popcorn

[dtjahyadi · 6/10 · 7 October 2023]

I was intriqued with the premises, a Bad Ass Female that plows her way Jane Wick style to dish a cold revenge in the name of her deceased friend (it is in the trailer)

But it seems that this movie is having trouble between a modern flick or living in the past with the color pallete that more resembles a Wong Kar Wai classic, or at least to me.

The background of the protagonist is not well fleshed out, you don't get to be a bad ass assassin overnight. The motive for suicide is not very believeable, people have leaked sex tape and it doesn't simply turn into suicide, and rich people with BDSM fetish don't simply kill people for the sake of it. That's a different fetish.

But anyway, I get it that it's an action flick and have to leave my brain at the shelf. But a lot of the actions have been done to death, bloody bruised female protagonist that somehow win, cliche stupid goons who charges towards a gun, a supposedly badass female who dont check her gun for jam.

The main actress can't act. I get it that you're a mysterious, socially awkward bodyguard or assassin or something, but that doesn't mean you only get 1 face for every emotion

Oh well... just enjoy your popcorn, overall it's an ok movie if you can somehow suspend your disbelief.

Ballerina (2023)

[thecinephilereviews · 7/10 · 28 January 2024]

Based on real-life sexual exploitation cases, and written and directed by Lee Chung-hyun who collaborated with Jeon Jong-seo on her second feature, 'The Call.' Weaves a vengeance tale about a former bodyguard who sets out to fulfill her bestfriend's dying wish towards punishing those who wronged her.

Jeon Jong-seo delivers a fabulous portrayal as the hardened Jang Ok-ju. Whose fondest memories lie with the deceased ballerina Choi Min-hee portrayed by Park Yu-rim, revealed through a series of flashbacks. The development of their relationship is believable due to the sound chemistry these two actresses have onscreen and it applies much needed weight to the narrative. Once the audience discovers that Choi Min-hee's death is linked to a human sex-trafficking ring orchestrated by Choi Pro portrayed by Kim Ji-hoon, who has moments of shine and supplements well as the gangster who thrives off the oppression of his victims. This is fuel for Jang Ok-ju's mission of bloody retribution which involves sleek action sequences combined with quick editing cuts, artistic camera angles and incredible stunt choreography performed by Jeon Jong-seo herself that only intensifies the experience.

'Ballerina' is cinematically stylish with delicious cinematography and a booming soundtrack composed by Gray (in his debut as music director) which compliments a storyline that is not as refined and manages to generate it's own unique vibe.

IG: thecinephilereviews.

A better Netflix

[xnicofingerx · 6/10 · 17 October 2023]

Haha, a funny beginning. As the film progresses, a leading actress with a certain something (at second glance), entertaining action spikes, short suspense, minimal story, respectable visuals, soundtrack that takes some getting used to, linear and expectable sequence of events, generally video game-like feeling, as is so often the case with this kind of film.

Some compare the overall impression with "John Wick", others categorically reject this. I'm with the former, the aforementioned characteristics also fit Wick 4 perfectly.

Clearly less budget, but with breathers and no (for the genre) so unpleasant running time.

Did it entertain me? Yes. Will I watch it again? No.

Didn't do it for me.

[jprice-38253 · 4/10 · 11 October 2023]

When it comes to South Korean movies, most of the time, I'm heavily invested, impressed and enthralled. However, some can't be the greatest I guess. Like Ballerina for instance, it just didn't work for me...

The movie does have cool lighting, great action sequences and cinematography. These were really the only things I loved about it. The plot doesn't make sense and is kinda stupid. I couldn't feel any sympathy or care for any of the characters. Most of the time it dragged and it didn't seem to know where it was exactly going. Halfway or more than halfway, I didn't even know what was going on anymore.

The last 20 minutes are the best part of the movie. I gotta give it that.

If you're looking to watch a great South Korean movie, find something else. Ballerina isn't all it. You're not missing too much here.

A bittersweet story of revenge, women's camaraderie, and power abuse

[arcanasixstudios · 9/10 · 9 October 2023]

After watching the movie and reading the reviews, I think some people miss the point.

The ballerina friend didn't just get her "sextape leaked", she was drugged, raped, suffered ptsd, to the point of not being able to perform on stage, breaking her angle and thus putting her career on hiatus. Suicide after abuse is pretty common, and giving how high the suicide rates are in Korea it is not at all surprising or over the top reaction. Idols commit suicide from online bullying, you can imagine how it is for simple citizen as well.

I should mention that porn is illegal in S Korea, and anything sexual is very Taboo. Having things like these leaked would just terminate one's life in the social and professional world in South Korea, even if you're a victim.

On top of that, unfortunately South Korean night life is not always safe for women, there is a lot of drug and alcohol induced rape, its implied that on these tapes the bdsm acts aren't consensual as the victim is not conscious, and appeared to be drugged. You can easily find women speaking up against it online, and warning others.

As we know rape is mostly a power display, and the one sided bdsm act that the antagonist keeps on filming while looking for new victims is just another extension of it. Getting satisfaction "fishing" for girls, drugging them and getting the utmost pleasure and excitement violating their unconscious unable to consent bodies. At this point it's not a fetish, it's a vile act that the antagonist feels safe doing because he's protected by the gang, and by the global shame surrounding these experiences for the victim.

Many women can attest to the fact that very often police is useless in these cases, and lot of policemen humiliate the victim, doubt them, tell them that they asked for it. All that is left for them is trauma, and pain knowing that there won't be any retribution to the person who did it. They will keep on doing these evil acts until someone punishes them.

Which is why when the female main character takes action in her hands, it is so satisfying. There is no bargaining, no listening to pleas, no trying to find justification or excuses for the abusers behaviors, only revenge.

Yes it is a "fairy tale" and not your realistic action revenge movie, but I think it was executed beautifully and straight to the point.

Many women will never get Justice for the atrocious acts committed to them. South Korea or elsewhere.

This movie is showing no mercy to characters who abuse and violate its women, giving a "what if I could have revenge" scenario to victims who never got Justice, empathy, and to these who suffered abuse at the hands of power hungry men.

It's particularly satisfying, watching the ring leader trying to act all chill and bargain, while the lead just wants none of it and shuts him down.

I believe that you shouldn't treat it like a James Bond or John wick movie, I don't think that they serve the same purpose and the same entertainment goal.

I wish that there was more of a backstory to the bodyguard girl, but there's only so much you can put in a movie, and the message is clear. Putting 9 because I wish it was a tad longer.

Abuse victims all want Justice and some sort of revenge Carried in their name, unfortunately many evil deeds go unpunished, and many victims stay silent. This move definitely is very niche and scratched an itch.

Ballerina

[scvmandrs · 6/10 · 15 October 2023]

The premises of a girl getting revenge intrigued me and the idea of clashing it with something as elegant as a ballerina.

The settings were enjoyable to watch, characters were played great, and most of the cinematic were also up my road. And I say most because it was only the fight scenes that tried to play around the camera shots was kind of confusing to follow along.

As for the narrative, I feel like it lacked depth. The pain and motive for the protagonist was there but it could've had more. E.g. We don't get to learn about how the protagonist became very skilled at killing and fighting. However the film had potential to become more, and I'd love to see how the director takes on future projects.

Not Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 4/10 · 18 October 2023]

Korean Movie " Ballerina " is an intense thriller about a woman who seeks out revenge for her friend.

The movie has spectacular cinematography, with sharp camera work and dreamy shots. Hence, the action scenes were leveled up, not being just a choreography between the two fighters, but a piece of art.

The performances were also a strong suit of the movie, as everyone did a great job with their characters, but, the leading lady was especially enjoyable.

However, the main problem with "Ballerina" is its plot. Yes, it's a revenge story, but they just left it there. There is a basic skeleton of a plot, with a predictable outcome and boring twists. Only the fantastic cinematography fills in the gaps of the spars plot, something that, in the end, isn't enough.

So, overall, four out of ten.

Synonym for beautiful!

[adhil-67126 · 10/10 · 12 November 2023]

Gave 10 to balance the rating..so underrated..I loved the movie villainess , and that's why i watched this movie..watched it on a 5.1 surround system...The music composer, cinematographer, fight choreographer and camera man deserves a raise...If you blink your eyes you'll probably miss a beautiful shot... The story is not that much interesting or new and characters are forgettable...the main character is so badass ...i recommend this movie only to those who love filmmaking and knows something about how movies are made..if you're not that kinda person then you won't notice how well this movie is made and you'll search for a strong plot... that's definitely gonna make you disappointed... As a film enthusiast , i loved this movie..the sound track is on point.. Loved every bit of it...

It's laggy at points but its okay compared to the extreme satisfying gory fights...4 or 5 fights only but thats one h#ll of a fight...

Great Action Sequences, Poor Story

[BankyGee · 6/10 · 10 October 2023]

While the story of this movie is somewhat confusing and boring with very slow pacing, the breathtaking action sequences covered for those lapses.

This is what a proper action movie should look like. The way she "off-ed" the boss without unnecessary long conversation is what added 3.0 to my rating. Some other movie would let the antagonist talk and talk when the protagonist is with a gun. Won't you just shoot the hell outta the guy and get it over with?

The action scenes were neatly shot and delivered 💯. Awesome cinematography and an okay musical score.

I guess the action is the only thing the movie can boast of... Pretty entertaining.

Immensely disappointed

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 3/10 · 8 October 2023]

It was disappointing on so many levels. After being promised a lot by the trailer, I came here to see some over-stylised, hard-hitting action scenes. Instead, I witnessed an execution that barely acknowledged the nitty-gritty of the genre.

Although several attempts were made to make the action look cooler with fast cuts and mid-close-ups, every one of those sequences, despite carrying a particular style, seemed to have lacked conflict and conviction, resulting in a film that I am afraid will be forgotten shortly.

P. S. Jun Jong-seo looked fine kicking people's arses; she should do more of these roles; they suit her well.

Intense Action

[arulasokan-97257 · 7/10 · 11 October 2023]

The Climax was really amazing. The end actionwas really intense. The ending was really beautiful.

The beginning parts were going very slow and a curious pace. The actresses were really good.

They showed the mafia and all. The cars like Lambo was there. The cinematography of the action was also good to watch.

My eyeballs popped out watching the action as i was not expecting that much.

But i can confirm that the movie Kill Boksoon had more action than this one.

This had more drama. We can see friendship here which changes a dangerous person completely.

The music selection was good at some places and bad at someplaces.

Overall, i mostly loved the climax part.

Good But.....

[mariesandra-48036 · 7/10 · 6 October 2023]

It was a very good movie if you do like badass ladies like me who loves watching them!! BUT I wish the story explained more of the bad guys' side. Yeah as a lady I get it you see your friend committed suicide because she was being blackmailed because of a sex tape and you want all the revenge in the world!! I do get it but it seemed like she was over reacting like Ji Hoon's character said at the end of the movie.. Honestly she did over react because that was just one tape she saw, what about all the creepy businesses they do! I did like the story though but I feel like it could have been more.