Ballerina (2023 film)

2023 South Korean action thriller film

Ballerina

Promotional poster

Hangul|

발레리나

Directed by| Lee Chung-hyun
Written by| Lee Chung-hyun
Produced by| Choi Ji-young
Starring|

* Jeon Jong-seo
* Kim Ji-hoon
* Park Yu-rim

Music by| Gray

Production
company

Climax Studio

Distributed by| Netflix

Release dates

* October 5, 2023 (2023-10-05) (BIFF)
* October 6, 2023 (2023-10-06) (Netflix)

Running time

| 93 minutes
Country| South Korea
Language| Korean

Ballerina (Korean: 발레리나), 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]

## Plot

[edit]

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 finish a sex trafficker Choi Pro as he had victimized Min-hee by filming her and extorting money due to the video. Ok-ju searches for Choi through his internet profile and finds his address, where she stalks Choi for a while and tricks him into taking her to the motel, where Min-hee was filmed.

Ok-ju fights Choi and brutally injures him at the motel, 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 and Ok-ju reaches out to an old friend to find weapons in order to 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 later flees through the window.

Choi reports to the leader that he killed Ok-ju and buried her in the mountains. Ok-ju visits the gang leader and kills him, where she fights with other gangsters until one of them reveals Choi's location. Ok-ju finds Choi and disarms him, where she takes Choi to a beach and burns him to death. Ok-ju arrives at Choi's house and takes away all the videos that contain the filming of the victims, where she drives off into the sunset.

## Cast

[edit]

* Jeon Jong-seo as Jang Ok-ju[3]
* Kim Ji-hoon as Choi Pro
* Park Yu-rim as Choi Min-hee[4]
* Shin Se-hwi as a female student
* Park Hyung-soo as Myung-shik[5]

### Special appearances

[edit]

* Kim Mu-yeol as Chief Jo
* Jang Yoon-ju as Mun-yeong
* Kim Young-ok as gun dealer
* Joo Hyun as gun dealer

## Production

[edit]

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]

### Music

[edit]

Gray composed the music of the film.[7][8]

## Soundtrack

[edit]

Ballerina

Soundtrack album by

Gray

Released| October 6, 2023 (2023-10-06)[9]
Recorded| 2022–23
Genre| Soundtrack
Length| 43:54
Language|

* Korean
* English

Label|

* Genie Music
* Stone Music Entertainment
* Netflix

| Audio Full Album

Ballerina OST on YouTube

There are 15 tracks in the album:No.| Title| Lyrics| Artist| Length

|
|
|
|

1.| "HIGH SCORE. PIROUETTE"|  |  | 2:20
2.| "BALLERINA"| Gray
DeVita| DeVita| 1:09
3.| "I GOT BLOOD. POINTSHOES. ON THE SWING"|  |  | 2:00
4.| "NIGHT RIDER. BAD MEETS EVIL. BOSS. SMELLS WEIRD. GOOGLE MAP"|  |  | 2:13
5.| "BITTERSWEET TRAGEDY"| Gray
Jambino| Jambino| 3:02
6.| "SHOWTIME"|  | DeVita| 0:52
7.| "INTO THE FOREST. DON′T OPEN. NIGHTMARE"|  |  | 4:24
8.| "BALLON. PHARMACY. BEFORE THE SHOW"|  | DeVita| 3:18
9.| "THIS IS HOW WE DO IT"| Gray
Woo Won-jae| Woo Won-jae| 2:27
10.| "GRAND PAS DE DEUX"|  |  | 3:26
11.| "BLACK FRIDAY. DEAD OR ALIVE. HATE. CON BRIO. ADAGIO"|  |  | 6:38
12.| "CHECKMATE"| Gray
DeVita| DeVita| 2:26
13.| "CODA"|  |  | 2:23
14.| "KALEIDOSCOPE. POISSON. ON MY HANDS"|  |  | 3:45
15.| "BLOOD ON MY HANDS"| Gray
Paul Blanco
DeVita| Paul Blanco
DeVita| 3:31
Total length:| 43:54

## Release

[edit]

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]

## Reception

[edit]

### Audience response

[edit]

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]

### Critical response

[edit]

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]

## Accolades

[edit]

The film received 2 nominations in Blue Dragon Film Awards.  Award ceremony  | Year  | Category  | Nominee  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|

Blue Dragon Film Awards | 2023 | Best Music |  Gray | Nominated  | [19]
Best Art Direction | Kim Min-hye  | Nominated

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (August 24, 2023). "'Parasite' Oscar Winner's Directorial Debut Among Busan's Korean Cinema Today, On Screen Strand Selections". Variety. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
2. ^ a b Robinson, Jacob (July 18, 2023). "'Ballerina' K-Drama Thriller: Coming to Netflix in October 2023 and What We Know So Far". What's on Netflix. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
3. ^ a b Jo Ji-young (April 26, 2022). "[공식] 전종서X김지훈X박유림, 넷플릭스 오리지널 영화 '발레리나'로 뭉친다" [[Official] Jeon Jong-seo X Kim Ji-hoon X Park Yu-rim to unite in Netflix original movie 'Ballerina]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved August 26, 2023 - via Naver.
4. ^ Kim Seong-hyun (April 26, 2022). "'라이징 스타' 박유림, 넷플릭스 '발레리나' 출연 확정… 전종서와 호흡" ['Rising Star' Park Yu-rim confirmed to appear in Netflix's 'Ballerina'... Jeon Jong-seo and breathing]. YTN (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
5. ^ "'발레리나' 이충현 감독 "폭풍 속으로 돌진하는 전종서, 대체할 배우가 없었다"[SS인터뷰]". Sports Seoul. November 24, 2023.
6. ^ "Netflix Takes K-Content to New Heights with 2023 Slate" (Press release). Netflix Media Center. January 16, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
7. ^ Jo Ji-young (April 26, 2022). "[공식] 전종서X김지훈X박유림, 넷플릭스 오리지널 영화 '발레리나'로 뭉친다" [[Official] Jeon Jong-seo X Kim Ji-hoon X Park Yu-rim to unite in Netflix original movie Ballerina]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved September 29, 2023 - via Naver.
8. ^ "그레이, '발레리나' 음악감독 참여 "영화음악 작업 열망有..운명이라 생각"" [Gray participates as music director for 'Ballerina' "I have a desire to work on film music... I think it's fate"]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Naver. September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
9. ^ "더 발레리나 OST" [Ballerina OST]. Melon. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
10. ^ Choi Ji-ye (August 24, 2023). "이충현♥전종서 '발레리나'→아빠 송중기 '화란'…28th 부국제, 韓영화 변곡점 될까 [TEN무비]" [Lee Choong-hyun ♥ Jeon Jong-seo 'Ballerina' → father Song Joong-ki 'Hwaran'... 28th sub-international, will it be an inflection point for Korean films [TEN Movie]]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
11. ^ "Netflix unveils array of K-Dramas ready to enthrall audiences in 2023". The Economic Times. August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
12. ^ Yoon Ki-baek (September 7, 2023). "이충현 연출·전종서 주연 '발레리나', 내달 6일 넷플릭스 공개" ['Ballerina', directed by Lee Chung-hyeon and starring Jeon Jong-seo, will be released on Netflix on the 6th of next month.]. Edaily (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
13. ^ "Top 10; Weekly Top 10 lists of the most-watched TV and films". Netflix top 10. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
14. ^ Kim Na-in (October 18, 2023). "전종서 액션 '발레리나' 통했다…'무빙' 인기 이어 글로벌 1위" [Jeon Jong-seo's action 'Ballerina' worked... 1st place globally following popularity of 'Moving']. Digital Times (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
15. ^ "Ballerina (2023, Action/Mystery & thriller)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
16. ^ Marsh, James (October 5, 2023). "Review – Netflix movie review: Ballerina – Korean actress Jeon Jong-seo reunites with The Call director to play an assassin in slick and gory thriller". South China Morning Post. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
17. ^ Rohan Naahar (October 7, 2023). "Ballerina movie review: Bone-crunching action meets breathtaking visuals in Netflix's new Korean action film". The Indian Express. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
18. ^ Kim Jun-mo (October 8, 2023). "충무로 유망주 '몸값' 못했다, 실망스러운 '발레리나'" [Chungmuro's promising star 'didn't earn the ransom', disappointing 'ballerina']. OhmyNews (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
19. ^ Noiseul (November 6, 2023). "'밀수'- '콘크리트 유토피아', 44회 청룡영화상 11개 부문 최다 노미네이트" ['Smuggling' - 'Concrete Utopia', most nominated in 11 categories at the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards]. Sports W (in Korean). Retrieved November 6, 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* Ballerina at IMDb
* Ballerina at HanCinema
* Ballerina on Netflix
* Ballerina at Rotten Tomatoes

*[No.]: Number
*[Ref.]: Reference(s)