Netflix's ‘Ballerina’: A Female-Powered Tale of Revenge for a Fallen Friend

As October rolls in with a host of new releases, Netflix has unveiled a South Korean gem titled "Ballerina." This film is part of Netflix's original movie collection and is directed by Lee Chung-Hyun, the talent behind "The Call." The cast features Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon, and Park Yu-rim. "Ballerina" falls into the action genre, but it's a story rooted in female revenge. It follows Okju, a security guard by trade, who is devastated by the loss of a friend she couldn't protect. Determined to fulfill her friend's dying wish, she embarks on a beautifully brutal quest for vengeance.

1.Aesthetic Brutality

"Ballerina" marks director Lee Chung-Hyun's return to feature films after a three-year hiatus. His previous work, "CALL," was a mind-bending thriller starring Jeon Jong-seo and Park Shin-hye, and it was also a Netflix original film. With its thrilling and cerebral plot, paired with the explosive chemistry between Jeon Jong-seo and Park Shin-hye, "CALL" generated quite a buzz at the time. Jeon Jong-seo even secured the Best Actress award in the film category at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards for her role. "Ballerina" is Lee Chung-Hyun's latest creation after three years, and it also puts a spotlight on the female perspective. This time, the story unfurls in a spectacular yet ruthless fashion, making it a film that thrives on violent aesthetics. Interestingly, Jeon Jong-seo and Lee Chung-Hyun are not just colleagues; they are also romantically involved, and the director's dashing looks have sparked quite a few discussions.

2.Featuring the Dynamic Duo Jeon Jong-seo and Kim Ji-hoon from "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area"

One of the most eye-catching aspects of "Ballerina" is the collaboration of the male and female leads, Jeon Jong-seo and Kim Ji-hoon, who both starred in the 2022 Netflix original series "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area." In the series, Jeon Jong-seo portrayed the pivotal character Tokyo, while Kim Ji-hoon took on the role of Denver. Both were members of the band of thieves, and many viewers came to know these actors through the show. Little did anyone expect that they would become fierce rivals in "Ballerina." In this film, Jeon Jong-seo's character Tokyo seeks ruthless revenge against Kim Ji-hoon's character, Denver. Kim Ji-hoon's ill-fated actions led to the death of Jeon Jong-seo's best friend, setting the stage for an epic and high-stakes showdown.

3.Jeon Jong-seo's Fierce and Unforgiving Vengeance in "Ballerina"

At 29 years old, actress Jeon Jong-seo first made a name for herself in the 2018 film "Burning." Since then, she has appeared in movies like "CALL" and "Nothing Serious" and played roles in Korean dramas such as "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area" and "Bargain." She has showcased her versatile acting skills, but her latest role in "Ballerina" reveals her in a different light. In this film, she plays Okju, a former security guard with an extensive skill set in self-defense, swordsmanship, and firearms. After losing her best friend, she is driven to carry out her friend's delectably ruthless revenge. Jeon Jong-seo's character is an embodiment of female empowerment, and she single-handedly dismantles a criminal organization. "Ballerina" offers an exhilarating visual experience with its portrayal of this powerful female character.

4.Kim Ji-hoon—A Revelation of His "Twisted Persona" and a Relentless Vendetta by Jeon Jong-seo

At the age of 42, Kim Ji-hoon appears ageless and hardly fits the image of a typical 42-year-old. He initially starred in various family dramas and later rose to fame by playing numerous antagonist roles, which increased his popularity. In "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area," he portrayed the kind-hearted and sentimental robber Denver, whose romantic storyline with Lee Joo-bin's character generated discussions. However, in his latest work, "Ballerina," Kim Ji-hoon becomes Pro Choi, a strikingly handsome and physically fit primary antagonist and a member of a criminal organization. He indulges in nefarious activities such as luring women from nightclubs, coercing them into compromising situations in dubious hotels, and even using sadomasochistic tools for his sinister pleasures. He collects these compromising materials like trophies, with each victim's name inscribed. Jeon Jong-seo's best friend becomes one of his victims, pushing her to end her own life. Many women in the film are subjected to degrading treatment, and this drives Jeon Jong-seo's character to pursue a ruthless, no-holds-barred quest for vengeance, no matter how far she has to go to track him down.

5.Does the Plot Hint at a "Yuri" Relationship?

Newcomer Park Yu-rim has only a few previous acting credits. She appeared in Ryûsuke Hamaguchi's critically acclaimed film "Drive My Car," which was recognized at the 94th Academy Awards. In Korean dramas, she featured in "Black Dog" and "Miraculous Brothers," among others. In "Ballerina," she takes on the role of "Minhee," a ballet dancer who becomes a victim of Kim Ji-hoon's actions and chooses to end her life. The film's aesthetically pleasing shots suggest a beautiful and intimate friendship between Park Yu-rim and Jeon Jong-seo. Their bond seems to go beyond just being "best friends." Jeon Jong-seo's character, initially with little hope for life and believing she is dying, suddenly finds a reason to live when Park Yu-rim's character enters her life. The film hints at a "yuri" relationship, and regardless whether their connection remains a deep friendship or evolves into a romantic one, the beautiful and touching camaraderie among these women adds another layer of intrigue to this film.