The Admiral: Roaring Currents

2014 • 109 minutes

About this movie

1597. Joseon Dynasty. Korea has been under relentless Japanese attack for six years. On the eve of the nation's defeat, Admiral Yi Sun-Shin is reappointed as the Chief of Naval Operations and assembles a group of soldiers to defend the nation in The Battle of Myeong-Nyang. With just 12 battleships and an army of doubtful soldiers at his command, the Admiral faces an overwhelming opposing Japanese fleet of 330 ships. It is an event that will go down in history as one of the greatest naval battles the world has seen and Korean history's most astonishing military victory. 2014 CJ E&M CORPORATION, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Ratings and reviews

This film was recommended/referenced in a (translated) Korean novel that I read. From the novel, I learnt that this battle - the Battle of Myeongnyang won by Yi Sun-sin - was a famous victory in Korean history. I was interested in watching this film, and it did not disappoint in the least when I finally got around to watching it. I loved the quality of storytelling, acting and effects in this. It depicted the Battle of Myeongyang in an exciting, epic way, without overdramatising the action as Western films tend to. It held my attention throughout and I could feel my heart beat faster watching how the Battle of Myeongnyang unfolded in this and how the tides changed. Definitely recommend!

What a shame the western world can't make movies of this kind. It would be better if I didn't have to try & read subtitles while watching the action. But well worth buying.

My favourite Korean film of all time, moving, inspiring and heart wrenching.