Netflix’s 91% rated action gem is John Wick meets Kill Bill | Films | Entertainment

A Netflix action thriller has been hailed by critics as a superior ‘female John Wick’ that outshines the Keanu Reeves franchise.

This year saw Ana de Armas headline the eagerly awaited film set within the beloved action series’ universe.

The Bond and Knives Out star portrayed a ballerina-turned-assassin seeking vengeance for her father’s murder.

Yet in 2023, another film sharing the identical title landed on the streaming platform.

This production bore striking resemblances in both narrative and concept, prompting many viewers to brand it a ‘female John Wick’ well before audiences received the official studio version.

This South Korean masterpiece follows Ok-ju, who mourns her closest friend’s death – someone she failed to save. As a former bodyguard, she embarks on a mission to honour her beloved companion’s final request: delicious retribution.

The film achieved a remarkable 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes upon its debut. Critics praised both the spectacular action sequences and the movie’s stunning visual appeal, reports the Mirror.

One reviewer declared: “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, drawing parallels to the Keanu Reeves saga, noted: “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!”

Many fans echo this sentiment, with one sharing 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 went on to say: “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.”

Another viewer remarked: “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.”

Ballerina is streaming on Netflix.