Movies

Ballerina Review: A Brutal, Visually Stunning John Wick Spin-Off You Can’t Miss

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In essence, the title “Ballerina” might be misleading since it contains minimal traditional ballet, but an abundance of ballet-inspired violence instead. The fifth installment in the John Wick series offers a variety of innovative fight scenes that range from roundhouse kicks to intricate chokeholds, all presented in a vibrant array of aggressive moves like eye gouging, arm-breaking, and flamethrowing. The movie’s appeal lies in its raw brutality, providing a cathartic release for pent-up aggression without causing actual harm or leading to legal trouble. So if you’re looking for a cinematic outlet to vent your frustrations, “Ballerina” could be just the ticket, with Ana de Armas delivering the necessary force.

In a traditional and predictable manner, the film begins with a flashback scene. A young girl, bloodied and clutching a musical box with a spinning ballerina inside, is shown. It’s revealed that her father had given her this small keepsake shortly before he was brutally murdered by a group of ruthless assassins. Somehow, she manages to evade their wrath. This young orphan will be taken under the wing of Winston, portrayed by Ian McShane as a formidable yet principled character. He will be raised by The Director, a cold and stern ballet instructor, played by Angelica Huston, who is also the mother figure of the crime syndicate, Ruska Roma—the same group that John Wick is trying to distance himself from (The storyline of “Ballerina” occurs between “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and “John Wick: Chapter 4”).

The sad young girl with the ballet music box is expected to become Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a woman determined to seek revenge for her father’s death. The straightforward storyline of the movie ‘Ballerina’ might not showcase de Armas’ full potential as an actress, who was charming yet underwhelming in ‘Blonde’, but disappointing only due to circumstances beyond her control. She’s like a ballerina enclosed within a glass dome: elegant, determined, yet perhaps more aesthetically pleasing than thought-provoking. The film’s direct dialogue about avenging the father doesn’t add depth, but de Armas demonstrates her acting skills well, such as in a scene where she enters a cold-themed nightclub to safeguard a rich man’s foolish daughter. De Armas excels at delivering powerful kicks, particularly when dressed in a slim sequined gown.

Despite the central role played by Ana de Armas, the film offers ample screen time for Keanu Reeves, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the franchise. He’s only in a few scenes, but his unique blend of solemnity and humor, often referred to as his Zen-like presence, provides a refreshing contrast to Eve’s intense character. Gabriel Byrne makes an appearance as a wicked antagonist named the Chancellor, who has abducted the charming child Ella (Ava Joyce McCarthy) and transported her to a picturesque Alpine village. Here, a group of merciless assassins are allowed to rear and educate their children in tranquility. The movie Ballerina also incorporates a sibling-lost storyline, which seems almost incidental—but then again, how many viewers will recall or be concerned about it?

Essentially, a Ballerina is like an action-packed job fair. It’s hard to estimate how many dancers endure injuries such as being kicked, thrown, shot at, or colliding with props. From the movie’s credits, it seems that many of these skilled performers were locally recruited for filming in various European locations, including Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. Nowadays, movies are often filmed outside of Hollywood, but this doesn’t change the fact that there are numerous talented professionals worldwide who are ready to face challenges like being set alight or encountering more dangerous situations.

The film “Ballerina” is directed by Len Wiseman, who has previously worked on blockbuster franchises like Underworld and Die Hard. Notably, he helmed the fourth Die Hard movie, Live Free or Die Hard, in 2007. His work with this production ensures that Ballerina never falters in terms of engagement, and the film’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in its costume design, is commendable. The costumes worn by many characters, including operatives and assassins, are adorned with intricate costume jewelry, such as chains, heart pendants, and beads. However, none compare to the opulent enameled bangles and ropes of beads donned by the Ruska Roma matriarch portrayed by Houston. This suggests a character’s essence in an instant, a visual shortcut we expect from movies. The dance, with its high-stakes action and eye-catching costumes, aims to deliver larger-than-life characters, death-defying stunts, and wardrobes that tell a story. Here’s hoping the journey doesn’t result in too many real-world injuries like bruised ribs, broken noses, or fractured bones.

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2025-06-06 21:07

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