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From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025), directed by Len Wiseman, is a breathtaking addition to the adrenaline-fueled John Wick universe. With a stellar 8.8/10 rating, this action-packed spin-off introduces a fierce new hero, Rooney, played by the electrifying Ana de Armas. Blending balletic precision with bone-crunching combat, Ballerina delivers a thrilling, emotionally resonant story that expands the John Wick mythology while standing tall as a standalone masterpiece. In this 2000-word review, we dive into the film’s narrative, performances, technical achievements, themes, and its place in the John Wick franchise, making it a must-watch for action fans and cinephiles alike.

A New Hero in the John Wick Universe

Set in the shadowy ᴀssᴀssin underworld that fans of the John Wick series know and love, Ballerina follows Rooney, a ballerina-turned-ᴀssᴀssin portrayed by Ana de Armas. The story centers on her quest for revenge, driven by a deeply personal tragedy that fuels her relentless pursuit of justice. Unlike the stoic John Wick, Rooney’s journey is infused with emotional vulnerability, blending grace and grit in a way that feels fresh yet familiar within the franchise’s high-octane world.

The film’s narrative seamlessly ties into the John Wick saga, with subtle nods to the High Table, the Continental, and the intricate rules governing the ᴀssᴀssin society. For fans, these connections are a treat, offering glimpses of familiar faces like Keanu Reeves as John Wick in a memorable cameo, alongside other franchise staples. However, Ballerina doesn’t rely solely on its ties to the main series—it carves its own path, making it accessible to newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with Easter eggs and lore expansions.

The plot unfolds with a тιԍнтly paced rhythm, balancing heart-pounding action sequences with quieter moments that explore Rooney’s emotional turmoil. Her backstory as a ballerina provides a unique lens, with her training reflected in the fluidity and precision of her combat style. This fusion of dance and violence is a hallmark of the film, setting it apart from other action movies and reinforcing its connection to the John Wick aesthetic.

Ana de Armas Shines as Rooney

At the heart of Ballerina is Ana de Armas, whose performance as Rooney is nothing short of spectacular. Known for her roles in Knives Out and No Time to Die, de Armas brings a magnetic intensity to the character, blending elegance with lethality. Her portrayal captures Rooney’s duality—a woman who moves with the grace of a dancer but strikes with the ferocity of a seasoned killer. De Armas’s physicality is remarkable, as she performs many of her own stunts, lending authenticity to the film’s jaw-dropping action scenes.

Rooney is a complex character, driven by vengeance but haunted by the cost of her actions. De Armas excels in conveying this inner conflict, particularly in scenes where Rooney grapples with the moral weight of her choices. Her chemistry with supporting characters, including a brief but impactful interaction with Keanu Reeves’s John Wick, adds depth to the narrative. Reeves’s cameo is a fan-favorite moment, but de Armas ensures that Rooney remains the focal point, never overshadowed by the franchise’s iconic lead.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from actors like Norman Reedus and Anjelica Huston, who bring gravitas to the ᴀssᴀssin underworld. Each character feels integral to the story, whether they’re allies, adversaries, or morally ambiguous figures navigating the John Wick universe’s treacherous landscape.

Stunning Cinematography and Action Choreography

One of Ballerina’s greatest strengths is its visual storytelling. The cinematography, led by director of pH๏τography Peter Deming, is a feast for the eyes, with neon-lit cityscapes and moody interiors that evoke the John Wick franchise’s signature style. From rain-soaked alleys to opulent ballrooms, every frame is meticulously crafted, immersing viewers in a world that feels both gritty and glamorous.

The action choreography is where Ballerina truly shines. Len Wiseman, known for his work on the Underworld series, brings his expertise to the film, delivering fight scenes that are both brutal and balletic. Rooney’s combat style is a mesmerizing blend of martial arts, gunplay, and dance-inspired movements, with each sequence choreographed to reflect her training as a ballerina. The camera work is fluid, using long takes to showcase the precision and athleticism of the performers.

Standout action scenes include a breathtaking sequence in a subway station, where Rooney takes on a group of ᴀssᴀssins with a combination of knives, firearms, and improvised weapons. The choreography is relentless yet graceful, with every strike and spin executed with surgical precision. The film’s sound design enhances the impact, with crisp sound effects that make every punch and gunsH๏τ resonate.

The production design also deserves praise, with sets that capture the opulence and danger of the John Wick universe. The Continental H๏τel makes a welcome return, its luxurious interiors contrasting with the violence that unfolds within its walls. Costume design, particularly Rooney’s sleek yet practical outfits, reinforces her duality as both a dancer and a killer.

Themes of Vengeance and Redemption

Beyond its action-packed surface, Ballerina explores profound themes of vengeance, redemption, and the cost of justice. Rooney’s quest for revenge is not a straightforward path—her actions have consequences, both for herself and those around her. The film asks viewers to reflect on the morality of vengeance, questioning whether retribution can ever bring true closure.

Rooney’s journey is one of self-discovery as much as it is one of violence. Her training as a ballerina symbolizes discipline and control, but her descent into the ᴀssᴀssin world tests her ability to maintain that balance. The film’s emotional core lies in her struggle to reconcile her past with her present, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.

These themes are woven into the narrative with subtlety, never overshadowing the action but adding depth to the story. For audiences seeking more than just thrills, Ballerina offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to seek justice in a world governed by chaos.

A Seamless Addition to the John Wick Franchise

Ballerina succeeds as both a spin-off and a standalone film, expanding the John Wick universe while introducing a fresh perspective. The film’s ties to the main series are evident in its world-building, with references to the High Table and the Continental providing continuity for fans. However, its focus on Rooney ensures that it feels distinct, avoiding the trap of being a mere extension of John Wick’s story.

The film also sets the stage for potential sequels or further spin-offs, with hints of unresolved conflicts and new characters who could carry the franchise forward. For fans eagerly awaiting John Wick: Chapter 5, Ballerina serves as a satisfying bridge, keeping the universe alive with its high-energy storytelling and rich mythology.

Technical Achievements and Production Value

From a technical standpoint, Ballerina is a triumph. The editing is sharp, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps viewers engaged without feeling rushed. The film’s runtime, clocking in at just under two hours, feels perfectly balanced, allowing for both character development and relentless action.

The score, composed by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, complements the film’s tone, blending orchestral elements with electronic beats to create a soundscape that’s both haunting and pulse-pounding. The music enhances the emotional weight of key scenes while amplifying the intensity of the action.

The film’s attention to detail extends to its practical effects, with minimal reliance on CGI. This commitment to authenticity is evident in the stunt work, which feels raw and visceral. The training undergone by de Armas and the stunt team is apparent in every frame, making Ballerina a showcase of physical performance and technical precision.

Why Ballerina Stands Out in the Action Genre

In a crowded action movie landscape, Ballerina distinguishes itself through its unique blend of style, substance, and emotional depth. The John Wick franchise has long been praised for its innovative action choreography and world-building, and Ballerina builds on that legacy while introducing a new hero who feels both relatable and larger-than-life.

The film’s focus on a female protagonist is a refreshing addition to the franchise, offering a perspective that complements John Wick’s story without replicating it. Rooney’s journey is empowering, showcasing a woman who is both vulnerable and unstoppable. This balance makes Ballerina appealing to a wide audience, from action aficionados to those drawn to character-driven narratives.

Who Should Watch Ballerina?

Ballerina is a must-watch for fans of the John Wick series, offering a thrilling expansion of the universe with familiar elements and new surprises. Action movie enthusiasts will appreciate the film’s meticulously crafted fight scenes and stunning visuals, while those seeking deeper themes will find plenty to ponder in Rooney’s journey of vengeance and redemption.

The film is also accessible to newcomers, as its standalone story doesn’t require extensive knowledge of the John Wick franchise. Whether you’re drawn to Ana de Armas’s captivating performance, the balletic action, or the neon-soaked aesthetic, Ballerina delivers on all fronts.

Final Verdict: A Triumph of Action and Emotion

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025) is a triumph, earning its 8.8/10 rating with a potent mix of heart-pounding action, emotional storytelling, and technical brilliance. Ana de Armas shines as Rooney, a hero who dances through the chaos of the ᴀssᴀssin underworld with grace and ferocity. Len Wiseman’s direction, paired with stunning cinematography and choreography, makes Ballerina a standout in the action genre and a worthy addition to the John Wick franchise.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Ballerina is a cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the big screen. Its exploration of vengeance, redemption, and the cost of justice resonates long after the credits roll, making it one of 2025’s top movies. Don’t miss this electrifying spin-off that proves the John Wick universe is as vibrant and thrilling as ever.

Keywords: John Wick, Ballerina 2025, Ana de Armas, action movies 2025, John Wick spin-off, movie review, action choreography, vengeance movies, ᴀssᴀssin movies, Len Wiseman, Keanu Reeves cameo, top movies 2025.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

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November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.