Title: Ana de Armas wields a fierce 'Ballerina' in the gritty realm of 'John Wick'
"Girls, FIGHT LIKE JOHN WICK's Brutal Battles"
Casually meeting up with director Len Wiseman, the mind behind the beloved action films of the "Underworld" series, and lead actress Ana de Armas (renowned for "Knives Out" and "No Time to Die"), it's clear that "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina" isn't a watered-down spin-off. Instead, it's a gritty, self-assured film that boldly explores uncharted territory in the "John Wick" universe while staying true to its roots.
Straight talk with ntv.de:
With skepticism often looming over spin-offs, it's refreshing to know that Wiseman relishes the challenge. Addressing the ntv.de team, he explained, "I love it when fans are skeptical! When I'm not directing myself, I'm just as wary. So it's a pleasure when I can convert the doubters."
When asked about his approach to the franchise, Wiseman humorously mused, "It's not a deliberate process. My style just emerges naturally, as I'm inspired." Showing off his visual flair, "Underworld" looks starkly different from "Ballerina," but that refinement is simply a testament to each project's unique storytelling.
The conversation took a captivating turn as the dynamic duo delved into the film's focus on an unorthodox action heroine, played by the talented Ana de Armas. In a perfect blend of strength and vulnerability, her character, Eve, breaks the rules of the underworld and seeks vengeance after her family is mercilessly slaughtered.
Striking the right balance was essential to the film's creative team. de Armas shared her vision, "I made it clear to Len: I adore the project, and I see immense potential in the story; however, I don't intend to merely be the female version of John Wick. I aimed to stand equal, giving it my all."
Luckily, all parties shared a united vision for the film, understanding that it is not just a carbon copy but a unique story in its own right, carefully crafting a memorable character for the fans.
Despite the femme fatale attributes, de Armas navigated the world of action with aplomb. Pushing against stereotypes, she asserted, "I told Len: 'Please don't treat me any differently just because I'm a woman.'"
However, she also recongized similarities with her character and John Wick, stating that the heart and passion for revenge is what ties them together. Providing a powerful reinterpretation, de Armas turned the derogatory phrase "Fight like a girl" into a source of strength, fueling Eve's journey as she discovered her inner warrior.
teaming up with ballet - sweet and feminine on the surface, but beneath the graceful exteriors lay the raw essence of training, discipline, and perseverance. As viewers, we bear witness to the extraordinary capabilities of these strong women, flipping traditional expectations on their heads with a touch of badass humor.
Unleashing emotional and physical intensity, the fight scenes in "Ballerina" are anything but choreographed. The raw, instinctive quality lends itself to a refreshing edge, allowing for a more human representation of the character's battles. Echoing de Armas' sentiments, Wiseman explains, "We wanted to depart from the techniques of John Wick, establishing Eve's unique fighting style and emotional undercurrents within the action."
Film fans can breathe a sigh of relief—there's more to come from the John Wick universe. A planned sequel may tease Eve's potential duel with the Ruska Roma, keeping the action rolling in this dark and dangerous world.
In the realm of action films, "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina" proves to be a unique exploration, featuring Ana de Armas as the unorthodox action heroine, Eve. As she succumbs to a quest for vengeance, her character breaks the underworld's rules and stands as an equal in the franchise, challenging stereotypes while showcasing her raw talent in the entertainment genre
In a bid to separate herself from John Wick, de Armas puts forth a strong and vulnerable performance, embracing a fighting style that's distinctly hers, within the "movies-and-tv" universe of action, violence, film, murder, manslaughter, Keanu Reeves, and the cinematic world of "John Wick".
