Hailing from South Korea and landing on Netflix, “Ballerina” is the latest cinematic creation directed and penned by Lee Chung Hyun. Headlining the action thriller is Jeon Jong Seo, notable for her role as Tokyo in “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”, and she is accompanied by Kim Ji Hoon, known as Denver from the same series.

The film unveils the story of Ok-joo, a former bodyguard wrestling with ghosts from a tumultuous past. In an unexpected twist of fate, she reunites with her friend Min Hee, a ballerina, and the duo resurrects their friendship after years of separation following school.

Delicately, the film insinuates a depth to Ok-joo and Min Hee's relationship that extends beyond mere friendship. However, this narrative thread is left tantalizingly unexplored, encouraging viewers to ponder the unspoken nuances of their bond.

Tragedy abruptly disrupts their reunion when Min Hee commits suicide but not without imploring Ok-joo to seek vengeance on her behalf. Loyally and without hesitation, Ok-joo embarks on a relentless quest for justice, with all paths pointing towards a nefarious individual known as Choi Pro.

Choi, deeply embroiled in a world of drug dealing, murder, and human trafficking, harbors a particularly vile penchant for drugging, assaulting, and then blackmailing women with explicit videos. Ok-joo, now firmly on his trail, pursues him with unyielding resolve.

While “Ballerina” doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot, it distinguishes itself through meticulously orchestrated action sequences and a balanced weaponry aesthetic. Jeon Jong Seo’s performance is praiseworthy, showcasing a convincing mastery over varied combat skills while simultaneously expressing the internal pain of loss and the insatiable thirst for retribution.

Though we encounter Min Hee only through flashbacks, her vibrant spirit and tragic demise at the hands of Choi resonate deeply, propelling viewers to emotionally align with Ok-joo’s furious pursuit. A deeper dive into their past friendship could have enhanced the emotional weight of the narrative.

Choi Pro, embodied by Kim Ji Hoon, is the quintessential villain, remorseless and arrogantly confident in his lawlessness. Though this is not Ji Hoon’s initial foray into antagonistic roles – recalling his character in “Flower of Evil” – Choi Pro lacks nuanced complexity yet remains convincingly malicious.

Adding a layer of intrigue, a high school student who provides valuable insights into the gang’s operations also assists Ok-joo. Her own vendetta becomes a unifying thread, and while her backstory remains somewhat obscured, her alliance with Ok-joo is steadfast and valuable.

Despite its dark themes, “Ballerina” avoids becoming overly oppressive by consciously sidestepping an in-depth exploration of the horrendous crimes against the young women involved. Nonetheless, it skillfully arouses viewer interest and emotion through subtle hints and the compelling theme of friendship, enabling audiences to become emotionally invested in Ok-joo’s vendetta.

In summary, “Ballerina” proves to be a gripping watch, seamlessly intertwining striking cinematography and a judicious use of color to enhance its narrative. The palpable tension and expertly executed action scenes create a magnetic allure, firmly placing the audience in Ok-joo’s corner and making it a recommendable cinematic experience.