“Ballerina” (2023) Is Korea’s Next Cult Hit Hiding In Plain Sight
“Oldboy meets John Wick” is probably the elevator pitch for this movie, and it definitely does start out as one of those ‘you took away the one thing I cared about and now you’re going to pay’ revenge flicks. But as the film goes, it shows even more of a visual and auditory flair than those films, and it’s revealed to have a lot more depth, to boot.
Coming in to this film, what Koreans will all be aware of that foreign viewers may not, is the very notable prevalence of suicides among K-pop “idols” and Korean Drama actors. While South Korea in general has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, it’s noteworthy how many of those who you’d think sit among the top social strata think suicide is preferable to continuing their lives. This journalist writes here that just on her own, she has reported on over 30 such suicides. One common factor is that the suicide often comes after a public scandal or in the lead up to one that seems imminent. If it seems impossible to avoid being outcast by their family and/or the public, many Koreans would apparently prefer death.
So: trigger warning for this film.
The titular “ballerina” is not the main character, but rather a famous dancer who’s facing an impending scandal. Her best friend, Ok-Joo, is a mysterious young woman whom she lost touch…
