"A Ballerina is currently dominating Russian and CIS box-office cinema"
In the world of cinema, two films titled "Ballerina" have been making waves, each offering a unique take on the classic ballet theme.
"Ballerina" (2023): A South Korean Revenge Thriller
Directed by Lee Chung-hyun, the first "Ballerina" (2023) is a South Korean production that premiered on June 5. This film is a stylized revenge thriller set in a violent world, following the story of Jang Ok-ju, played by Jeon Jong-seo. Ok-ju was once a bodyguard, but now she seeks vengeance for the death of her best friend Min-hee, a ballerina, portrayed by Park Yu-rim.
The narrative unfolds as Ok-ju uncovers the criminal activities of Choi, played by Kim Ji-hoon, the antagonist responsible for Min-hee’s death. As she hunts down those involved, she is guided by Choi’s incriminating notebook. The film explores their deep bond, themes of exploitation, and liberation, with symbolic elements like fish imagery representing freedom achieved through revenge.
"Ballerina" (2025): A John Wick Spin-off
Fast forward to 2025, and a separate film titled "Ballerina" is set to release. This film is a spin-off within the John Wick universe and features Ana de Armas as Eve. Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick. The film follows Eve’s journey in assassin traditions parallel to the John Wick story, with a plot centered on her seeking revenge and facing a bounty on her head after completing her mission.
Success in Russia and Beyond
Meanwhile, in Russia and CIS countries, the "Ballerina" directed by Len Wiseman has been the most successful film from June 5 to 8. The film, which is the fifth installment in the "John Wick" franchise, grossed 141 million rubles over the weekend.
The Russian film "Kraken" came in third place in the weekend’s box office rankings, while "Lilo & Stitch," a live-action remake of the 2002 animated film of the same name, took second place. "The Tender Man" and "Karate Kid: Legends" also made it to the top five weekend earnings.
In a significant move, Lionsgate, a major film distributor, has announced it will "move forward in Russia on a case-by-case basis," marking a change in its policy regarding film distribution in Russia, which it suspended in 2022. The change is attributed to "the passage of time and changing sentiments." Lionsgate plans to release "Ballerina" in Russia through the local distributor "Atmosfera Kino."
Maya Kealoha stars in the film "Lilo & Stitch," while Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Anjelica Huston, Keanu Reeves, and others are supporting actors in the "Ballerina" directed by Len Wiseman. The story of the "Ballerina" film revolves around a girl named Eva who is taken in by a criminal organization where she is trained as a ballerina and an assassin.
In the world of cinema, these two "Ballerina" films offer a fascinating contrast, each with its unique storyline and cast, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.
The "Ballerina" (2023) and (2025) films, both capturing the global spotlight, showcase a blend of business and entertainment, with the former delving into the South Korean cinema scene as a stylized revenge thriller, while the latter brings fresh perspective to the action-packed John Wick universe.
Despite their differences, both films etch a strong foothold in the movies-and-tv industry, resonating with audiences worldwide and pushing the boundaries of the traditional ballet theme.
