In the high-octane world of action cinema, few franchises have left as indelible a mark as John Wick, the Keanu Reeves-led saga of a stoic assassin driven by vengeance. Since its debut in 2014, the series has redefined the genre with its sleek choreography, minimalist storytelling, and unrelenting intensity. In 2025, the John Wick universe expanded with From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, a spin-off starring Ana de Armas as a ballerina-turned-assassin. Yet, amidst the buzz, a lesser-known Netflix thriller, the 2023 South Korean film Ballerina, has emerged as a critical darling, earning a remarkable 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread praise for outshining its Hollywood counterpart. Hailed as a “female John Wick,” this visually stunning, emotionally charged masterpiece has captivated audiences and critics alike, sparking debates about whether it surpasses the Reeves-backed spin-off.

The Rise of Ballerina (2023)

Directed by Lee Chung-hyun, Ballerina (2023) is a South Korean action thriller that landed on Netflix in October 2023, quietly carving a niche among genre enthusiasts. The film centers on Ok-ju, played by Jeon Jong-seo, a former bodyguard grieving the loss of her best friend, a ballerina named Min-hee. When Ok-ju discovers her friend’s dying wish for retribution, she embarks on a relentless quest for justice, taking down a sinister underworld syndicate with surgical precision. The film’s narrative echoes John Wick’s revenge-driven premise but infuses it with a distinctly feminine perspective, blending raw emotion with balletic violence.

The movie’s 91% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its critical acclaim, with reviewers lauding its breathtaking action sequences, atmospheric cinematography, and Jeon’s electrifying performance. Unlike the John Wick spin-off, which operates within an established universe, Ballerina (2023) stands alone, crafting an original story that feels both familiar and innovative. “It’s not as refined but it’s basically John Wick meets Kill Bill,” one critic wrote, praising Jeon’s commanding presence and the film’s “badass fights” and “amazing soundtrack.” Another reviewer called it “one of the best-looking films of the year,” highlighting its “spectacular action” and “stunning visual appeal.”

A Tale of Two Ballerinas

The naming coincidence between Ballerina (2023) and From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025) has fueled comparisons. The latter, directed by Len Wiseman and set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, follows Ana de Armas as Eve Teschmacher, a ballerina-trained assassin seeking vengeance for her father’s murder. Featuring Keanu Reeves in a supporting role, the film promised to expand the John Wick mythology with its signature gun-fu and intricate world-building. However, despite its star power and $100 million budget, Ballerina (2025) has received mixed reviews, with a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score and criticism for feeling “derivative” and “overly reliant on the franchise’s formula.”

In contrast, the South Korean Ballerina has been celebrated for its lean, 92-minute runtime and emotional depth. Ok-ju’s journey is not just about revenge but about honoring a bond, giving the film a personal stake that resonates deeply. “This isn’t a dialogue-heavy film,” a fan noted on X. “Ok-ju barely speaks. The plot doesn’t spoon-feed you. It trusts the audience to feel it.” The film’s minimalist storytelling, paired with its neon-drenched aesthetic and long-take fight scenes, creates a visceral experience that many argue surpasses the Hollywood spin-off’s polish.

Jeon Jong-seo: The Heart of Ballerina

At the core of Ballerina (2023) is Jeon Jong-seo, whose breakout role in Lee Chang-dong’s Burning (2018) established her as a rising star. As Ok-ju, Jeon delivers a performance that balances icy determination with raw vulnerability. Her character, a former bodyguard turned avenger, moves with a dancer’s grace, wielding knives and firearms with lethal precision. Critics have drawn parallels to Uma Thurman’s Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill, noting Jeon’s ability to convey grief through action rather than words. “Her fury is explosive, her movements surgical,” one reviewer wrote. “She’s not here to philosophize—she’s here to end the rot.”

Jeon’s chemistry with co-star Kim Ji-hoon, who plays the sadistic villain Choi, elevates the film’s tension. Their climactic confrontation, set against a backdrop of flickering neon and industrial decay, is a masterclass in choreography, rivaling John Wick’s iconic nightclub scene. Fans on platforms like Letterboxd have called Jeon “a revelation,” with one user declaring, “She makes Ana de Armas’ Ballerina look like a warm-up act.” The comparison, while harsh, underscores the South Korean film’s underdog appeal.

Visual and Technical Mastery

Ballerina (2023) stands out for its visual language, crafted by cinematographer Jo Young-gyu. The film’s aesthetic—moody lighting, gritty pink-neon textures, and expansive empty spaces—mirrors Ok-ju’s emotional void while amplifying the action’s intensity. Long takes and fluid camera work immerse viewers in the chaos, from a knife fight in a rain-soaked alley to a car chase through Seoul’s underbelly. “The cinematography is chef’s kiss,” a fan raved, noting how the visuals “tie beautifully into the metaphor of the title.”

The soundtrack, composed by Gray, blends electronic beats with haunting melodies, evoking Drive’s synth-heavy vibe. Tracks like “Revenge in Neon” have gone viral on TikTok, with fans creating montages of Ok-ju’s kills set to the pulsating score. The film’s technical prowess, achieved on a modest $15 million budget, contrasts sharply with the John Wick spin-off’s lavish production, prompting discussions about efficiency in storytelling. “It’s lean, mean, and visually stunning,” a reviewer noted, praising its ability to do more with less.

Comparing the Spin-Off

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina had high expectations, given its ties to a franchise that has grossed over $1 billion globally. Ana de Armas, fresh off No Time to Die and Knives Out, brings star power as Eve, a Ruska Roma assassin trained in ballet. The film’s strengths lie in its action sequences, choreographed by John Wick veteran Chad Stahelski, and its expansion of the franchise’s lore, including glimpses of the High Table. Keanu Reeves’ cameo as John Wick adds nostalgic appeal, but critics argue the film struggles to stand on its own. “It’s fun but feels like a side quest,” wrote Variety, citing a convoluted plot and reliance on familiar tropes.

Audience reactions have been mixed. On X, some praised de Armas’ intensity, with one user posting, “Ana kills it, but the story feels like John Wick DLC.” Others felt it lacked the emotional weight of the original series, with a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes but complaints about pacing. The film’s $200 million box office haul (as of August 2025) is respectable but lags behind John Wick: Chapter 4’s $440 million.

In contrast, Ballerina (2023) thrives on its simplicity. Its standalone nature allows it to take risks, focusing on Ok-ju’s internal journey rather than a sprawling mythology. “It’s slick, sad, and beautifully brutal,” a fan wrote, describing it as “John Wick met Drive and had a silent breakdown in a parking lot at 3AM.” The South Korean film’s 91% critical score and 88% audience score edge out the spin-off’s metrics, fueling claims of its superiority.

Cultural Impact and Fan Frenzy

Ballerina (2023) has sparked a cultural moment, particularly among fans of action cinema. On X, hashtags like #FemaleJohnWick and #BallerinaNetflix trend regularly, with users sharing clips of Ok-ju’s fights and praising the film’s feminist undertones. “It’s not just a revenge flick—it’s an emotion-fueled rage spiral,” one post read, garnering 50,000 likes. Reddit threads in r/movies and r/NetflixBestOf dissect its influences, from Hong Kong action films to Tarantino’s kinetic style. A fan-made montage pairing Ballerina’s action with John Wick’s score has over 1 million YouTube views, highlighting the crossover appeal.

The film’s success has also spotlighted South Korean cinema’s growing influence. Following Parasite (2019) and Squid Game (2021), Ballerina joins a wave of exports showcasing the country’s knack for genre storytelling. “South Korea is outdoing Hollywood at its own game,” a Guardian critic noted, citing Ballerina’s ability to blend art-house aesthetics with popcorn thrills.

Fans are clamoring for sequels, with some jokingly demanding “20 more movies of Ok-ju taking down scumbags.” The film’s open-ended climax, where Ok-ju walks away bloodied but unbowed, hints at potential for more. Director Lee has teased interest in expanding the story, telling Screen Daily, “Ok-ju’s journey isn’t over. There’s more pain to explore.” Netflix, sensing a hit, is reportedly in talks for a follow-up, though no official announcement has been made as of August 2025.

Why Ballerina Resonates

The film’s appeal lies in its fusion of style and substance. Unlike John Wick’s sprawling universe, Ballerina keeps things personal, grounding its violence in Ok-ju’s grief. This emotional core resonates with audiences, particularly women, who see her as a reclaiming of the action heroine archetype. “She’s not a damsel or a sidekick—she’s the storm,” a fan tweeted. The film’s feminist lens, subtle yet powerful, addresses themes of loyalty and agency without preaching.

Comparatively, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina leans on spectacle over heart. While de Armas shines, her character’s motivations feel secondary to the franchise’s mythology. “It’s a great action flick, but it’s not Ballerina,” a Letterboxd user wrote, arguing that the South Korean film’s intimacy gives it an edge. The John Wick spin-off’s reliance on established lore, while a draw for fans, limits its ability to forge a new path.

Industry Implications

Ballerina (2023)’s success underscores Netflix’s growing clout in the action genre. With hits like The Gray Man and Extraction, the platform is challenging theatrical blockbusters. The film’s modest budget and global reach demonstrate streaming’s ability to elevate niche projects. “Netflix is where bold ideas thrive,” says film analyst Dr. Maria Kim. “Ballerina proves you don’t need $100 million to make a classic.”

For the John Wick franchise, the comparison is a wake-up call. While Chapter 5 is in development, the spin-off’s lukewarm reception suggests audiences crave fresh perspectives. A potential crossover—say, Ok-ju meeting John Wick—has been floated on X, though purists argue Ballerina shines best alone.

The Verdict

Ballerina (2023) is a triumph of style, emotion, and action, earning its 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and “female John Wick” moniker. Jeon Jong-seo’s magnetic performance, paired with Lee Chung-hyun’s visionary direction, crafts a thriller that feels both timeless and urgent. While From the World of John Wick: Ballerina delivers franchise thrills, it struggles to match the South Korean film’s raw power. “Ballerina isn’t just a gem—it’s a game-changer,” a critic declared, summing up its impact.

As fans stream Ballerina on Netflix, the film’s legacy grows, proving that a grieving bodyguard from Seoul can outshine a Hollywood juggernaut. With whispers of a sequel and a fervent fanbase, Ok-ju’s dance of vengeance is far from over. For now, Ballerina (2023) stands as a testament to the power of storytelling done right—lean, mean, and unforgettable.