| Ballerina | |||
| Native Name: |
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| Director: | Lee Chung-hyun | ||
| Producer: | Choi Ji-young | ||
| Starring: |
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| Music: | Gray | ||
| Studio: | Climax Studio | ||
| Distributor: | Netflix | ||
| Runtime: | 93 minutes | ||
| Country: | South Korea | ||
| Language: | Korean | ||
Ballerina, is a 2023 South Korean action thriller film written and directed by Lee Chung-hyun. The film stars Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon and Park Yu-rim in the lead roles.
The film was premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in the 'Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere' section on October 5, 2023.[1] Ballerina streamed globally on Netflix from October 6, 2023.[2]
Jang Ok-ju, a former bodyguard for VIP clients, discovers that her best friend Choi Min-hee has died and her last wish for Ok-ju is that she should get revenge on sex trafficker Choi Pro, who victimized Min-hee by filming her and extorting money from her, using the video. Ok-ju searches for Choi through his internet profile and finds his address. She stalks Choi and tricks him into taking her to the motel where Min-hee was filmed.
Ok-ju fights Choi at the motel and brutally injures him; but Ok-ju is forced to escape as Choi's gang attacks her. Ok-ju and a high school student who wants to escape from the traffickers forge a new plan. Ok-ju reaches out to an old friend to find weapons and strategize the best way to attack the gang. Choi's gang leader orders him to find Ok-ju and bring her to him. Choi tracks down and attacks Ok-ju, who flees through the window.
Choi reports to his gang leader that he has killed Ok-ju and buried her body in the mountains. Ok-ju visits the gang leader and kills him, and fights with other gangsters until one of them reveals Choi's location. Ok-ju finds Choi and disarms him; then she takes Choi to a beach and burns him to death. Ok-ju arrives at Choi's house and takes away all the videos his victims; then she drives off into the sunset.
In April 2022, confirming the production of Ballerina, Netflix announced the cast and crew of the film. Directed by Lee Chung-hyun and produced by Climax Studio, it has Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon, and Park Yu-rim as main cast, while music is composed by Gray.[3] Principal photography commenced in June 2022, and filming was wrapped up in late October in the same year. This film also marks the reunion of Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon and Jang Yoon-ju after working together in the series Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area.[2]
In January 2023, Netflix announced its lineup of Korean upcoming films and Ballerina was listed as among the 6 Korean movies being added on the platform.[6]
Gray composed the music of the film.[7] [8]
| Ballerina | |
| Type: | Soundtrack |
| Artist: | Gray |
| Released: | [9] |
| Length: | 43:54 |
| Recorded: | 2022–23 |
| Genre: | Soundtrack |
The film had its premiere at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in 'Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere' section on October 5, 2023.[10] It is available for streaming from October 6 on Netflix globally.[11] [12]
Ballerina from October 9 to 15 had 14.7 million views and 23.1 million hours of viewing. It was at 1st place in Global Top 10 weekly list of the most-watched Netflix TV films (Non-English).[13] [14]
On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes website, the film has an approval rating of 91% based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10.[15]
James Marsh of South China Morning Post rated the film 3/5 and criticized the script but praised the performance of Jeon Jong-seo writing, "While the script offers precious little invention beneath its polished surface, Jeon's cold-as-ice angel of vengeance is the film's saving grace". Marsh opined that the director Lee should have explored the depths of Ok-ju's (Jeon Jong-seo) relationship with Min-hee (Park Yu-rim) further. He said that if their relationship had been "more than just platonic, the film might have been a genuine game-changer." He concluded, "As is, Ballerina is a polished yet disposable slice of ho-hum hokum".[16]
Rohan Naahar of The Indian Express rated the film with 3 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Neon visuals and a thumping soundtrack elevate Netflix's slickly packaged Korean revenge thriller that substitutes plot in favour of pure vibes."[17] Kim Jun-mo reviewing for OhmyNews criticized the direction of the film, writing that though "there are eye-catching mise-en-scenes and momentary sense", but "the power to lead the entire play smoothly leaves something to be desired". Kim concluded, "Ballerina was a work that left a disappointing impression on the growth of a promising Chungmu-ro star who had received attention for her fresh attempts, wild imagination, and unique world view."[18]
| Year | Category | Nominee | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | 2023 | Best Music | Gray | [19] | |
| Best Art Direction | Kim Min-hye | ||||