Lee Chung-hyeon's new Netflix film Ballerina is an action-packed thriller that relies mostly on striking visuals and a compelling soundtrack. Starring Jeon Jong-seo, the Korean revenge film lacks substance, backstories and motives, making for an enjoyable watch only if you are willing to overlook the gaps. But fans of neon aesthetics, high-octane action and situational music will definitely not mind it.
The story revolves around ex-bodyguard Ok-ju (Jeon Jong-seo) who is mourning the loss of her best and only friend, Min-hee (Park Yu-rim). Min-hee, a ballerina by profession, died by suicide after being harassed by a sex crime racket that would drug women, sexually assault them in a hotel and then film them.
The gang had been threatening Min-hee to leak her videos unless she remained silent. Ok-ju stumbles upon Min-hee’s dead body and finds a piece of paper in her hand where she asks her to seek revenge on her behalf. An enraged Ok-ju turns into a fierce and merciless killer, going on the rampage to avenge her best friend’s murder.
Jeon Jong-seo, whose uncanny performance in The Call (2020) left a lasting impact on viewers, moulds herself into yet another harrowing role to exude an aura of fear. She shifts between a grieving woman and an aggressive fighter for whom injustice is intolerable. And while her lethal fight moves and quick wit are engaging, the question remains — what is Ok-ju’s backstory? How is she so brutal and fearless?
Ok-ju and Min-hee’s friendship began when they met by chance at a cake shop. From then on, they became each other’s best friend. Ok-ju’s memories of Min-hee have a slightly blurry, neon shimmering effect. The tone of the visuals are perfect to bring out Ok-ju’s pain and her spiralling into the darkness. Yet the film doesn’t explain why despite sharing such a close bond, Min-hee never confided in Ok-ju about being sexually exploited by criminals.
From its onset, Ballerina differentiates the good guys from the bad guys, without giving any clues on the motive behind their behaviour. Kim Ji-hoon plays the main antagonist Choi, a loyal member of the crime ring who lures women into his den and unleashes terror on them. And we don’t know what makes him do that.
The use of colour and light to build mood and atmosphere is one of the plus points of Ballerina. Along with the anxiety-inducing soundtrack, it makes for a thrilling ride. The visuals might remind you of the auteur Wong Kar-wai’s aesthetics, crafting a myriad emotions through his colour palette.
Min-hee’s ballet performances are yet another treat for the eyes. The film begins with a troubled Min-hee tripping on her feet on stage and ends with a shot of her hands and feet spread out like a ballerina in the middle of an ocean, indicating her freedom.
