"Fight like a woman!"
Recognizing the inherent disadvantages of being a 'sequel,' it designed its victory within that context. The 'ballerina,' which emerged by transforming weaknesses into strengths, successfully adds a new hue to the action universe pioneered by the 'John Wick' series.
The movie 'Ballerina,' which premiered on the 6th, is the first spin-off of the 'John Wick' series and depicts the revenge journey of the new protagonist, 'Eve' (Ana de Armas).
After losing her father in childhood, Eve, trained in the assassin organization 'Ruska Roma,' grows into a ballerina and killer, carrying out various missions. However, upon encountering her past enemy again, she is drawn into an unavoidable war with a larger organization. In the process, a fateful meeting with the legendary killer 'John Wick' (Keanu Reeves) unfolds.
In this work, Chad Stahelski, who directed the previous 'John Wick' films, participates in production, and the action design house 87Eleven joins in to carry on the series' signature sleek and meticulous action. With the addition of director Len Wiseman, the protagonist's physical advantages are maximized, showcasing a flexible combat style and spatial utilization.
As it prominently features a 'young female' killer, Eve's actions in 'Ballerina' differentiate from the existing style of 'John Wick.' Unlike Wick's straightforward approach and overwhelming physicality, Eve compensates for her physical weaknesses with strategy and ingenuity, presenting high-level moves and agile movements. The diverse combat sequences utilizing the surrounding terrain provide audiences with a new thrill.
Additionally, there are plenty of familiar elements for fans of the series. Familiar settings and characters, such as the Continental Hotel and Ruska Roma, blend naturally, further expanding the universe. In particular, John Wick's appearance brings great joy to fans and solidifies the spin-off's identity.
However, in the early part of the film, the sections depicting Eve's childhood and growth unfold somewhat loosely. This appears to be an effort to convincingly introduce the new character following the overwhelming previous protagonist, 'John Wick,' but there is a lingering sense of regret in sufficiently showcasing Eve's personality and character. If these aspects are improved in the next installment, she could establish herself as a more three-dimensional character.
'Ballerina' appears to have succeeded to some extent in maintaining the essence of the stylish action inherent in the 'John Wick' series while showcasing the charm of the new protagonist. Particularly, fans of the existing series will be able to experience satisfying world expansion and action.
Released on Aug. 6, rated R, 125 minutes
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