“I guess I’ll be hunting.” – Jang Ok Ju (Ballerina)
Korean thrillers are known for their unexpected twists, chilling scenarios, and constant tension, all layered with emotional depth. Adding to this, bold and fearless female protagonists redefine the genre with their courage, grit, and relentless pursuit of revenge, survival, or justice. Directed by Lee Chung-hyun and starring Jeon Jong-seo, Park Yu-rim, and Kim Ji-hun, the 2023 South Korean action thriller ‘Ballerina’ tells the story of a female bodyguard determined to avenge her best friend’s death.
Movie: Ballerina
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Jeon Jong-seo, Park Yu-rim and Kim Ji-hun
Written By: Lee Chung-hyun
Directed By: Lee Chung-hyun
The Plot
The story revolves around Jang Ok-ju (played by Jeon Jong-seo), a highly skilled bodyguard who now leads a quiet and solitary life after parting ways with her shady international organization. One day, she receives a call from her best friend, Choi Min-hee (played by Park Yu-rim), a ballerina. When Ok-ju arrives at her place, she discovers that Min-hee has committed suicide, leaving behind a cryptic message urging her to avenge her death. Determined to honor her friend’s last wish, Ok-ju sets out on a mission of revenge and soon comes face-to-face with Choi Pro (played by Kim Ji-hun), a drug dealer and sex trafficker responsible for Min-hee’s tragic death.
The Characters
Jang Ok-ju (played by Jeon Jong-seo)
An emotionally distant former bodyguard who once worked for VIP clients discovers that her best friend has committed suicide and sets out to avenge her death.
Choi Min-hee (played by Park Yu-rim)
Choi Min-hee is Ok-ju’s best friend, a ballerina who tragically takes her own life after being sexually assaulted, leaving behind a message that drives Ok-ju on her path of revenge.
Choi Pro (played by Kim Ji-hun)
A drug dealer and sex trafficker responsible for Min-hee’s death, and the target of Ok-ju’s revenge.
What made the movie ‘Ballerina’ popular?
- Visually Captivating: The stylish visuals, striking cinematography, and perfectly executed slow-motion action scenes make the film even more visually engaging.
- Action-Packed Emotional Thriller: A story centered on revenge that perfectly blends brutal action sequences with emotional depth and the strength of female friendship.
- Strong Female Protagonist: Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of the icy cold, unfazed Ok-ju—brutal in her quest for revenge yet carrying the emotional weight of her friend’s death—has been widely praised
- The ‘John Wick’ Comparison: Viewers and critics have often compared the movie to ‘John Wick’ for delivering similarly intense action sequences while offering a fresh perspective.
- Global Appeal: In 2023, ‘Ballerina’ reached the Top 10 in Netflix’s Global Non-English Movies chart, eventually securing the number one spot.
‘Ballerina’ is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of vengeance, justice, friendship, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to avenge a loved one. With its sharply choreographed action sequences, striking cinematography, and emotional depth, the film balances brutality with artistry, leaving audiences both intrigued and shaken. In the landscape of stylish Korean action films led by female protagonists, ‘Ballerina’ lingers like the echo of a final, revengeful dance that refuses to fade.
Written by – Mansha Chauhan
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