Netflix's 'female John Wick' thriller with 91% score that's better than Keanu Reeves spin-off

Daily Mirror

3 days ago

It was released before the actual female-led spin off movie
A Netflix action thriller film is a 'female John Wick' that according to critics is better than the Keanu Reeves spin-off.
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Earlier this year, Ana de Armas starred in the hotly anticipated movie set within the same universe of the hit franchise. The No Time To Die and Knives Out star took on the role of a ballerina turned assassin, who avenges the death of her father.
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However, back in 2023, a movie that just so happened to share the same name, was released on the streaming giant's platform. It also shared similarities in its themes and premise. It's no wonder, many viewers were quick to also dub it a ' female John Wick ' before fans actually got that film from the studio.
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A South Korean made production, the film's story follows Ok-ju, who is grieving the loss of a best friend she could not protect Herself a former bodyguard, she sets out to fulfil her dear friend's last wish: sweet, sweet revenge.
It managed an impressive 91% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes following its initial release. Critics were impressed with the action and overall aesthetic of the movie.
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One reviewer wrote: "Ballerina is one of the best-looking films of the year, and it features some of the best action that I have ever seen."
Another, quick to compare it to the Keanu Reeves led series added: "It's not as refined but it's basically John Wick meets Kill Bill! Jeon Jong-seo was incredible and Kim Ji-hoon is great as the villain. Badass fights, amazing soundtrack - go watch this movie!"
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Many fans share a similar opinion, as one posted online: "Ballerina isn't your typical revenge flick — it's an emotion-fuelled rage spiral wrapped in neon, blood, and minimalist storytelling. Think of it like John Wick met Drive and then had a silent breakdown in a parking lot at 3AM. It's slick, sad, and beautifully brutal."
They continued: "What makes Ballerina hit hard is its aesthetic and tone. This isn't a dialogue-heavy film. Ok-ju barely speaks. The plot doesn't spoon-feed you. It trusts the audience to feel it. Her grief? Internal. Her fury? Explosive. Her movements? Silent but surgical. She's not here to philosophise. She's here to end the rot — one bullet, one blade, one scumbag at a time.
"The film doesn't waste time on fluff. It's lean, mean, and visually stunning. Cinematography is chef's kiss — lots of long takes, moody lighting, gritty pink-neon textures, and empty spaces that mirror her emotional void. The violence is fast, artistic, almost balletic — which, no doubt, ties beautifully into the metaphor of the title."
Someone else commented: "Thrilling, very well written and directed. Ballerina is action revenge flick that full of personality, good performances and unique style. Of course the movie not add nothing new in the genre, but technically is impeccable. Overall is one of this year best gems."