The Admiral: Roaring Current is a 2014 Korean action, drama, history, military, and war movie directed by Kim Han Min. The film is based on the life and career of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a national hero of Korea who defended his country against Japanese invasion during the Seven Years War.
The film opens with a scene set in 1957 where Yi Sun Shin (Choi Min Sik) was detained for insubordination. Four years later, he was summoned by the king to save the country from being invaded for a second time by the Japanese. The Japanese forces, under the command of Kurushima Michifusa (Ryu Seung Ryong) and Wakizaka Yasuharu (Cho Jin Woong), aimed to first occupy Korea that was then ruled by the Joseon Dynasty.
Yi Sun Shin had to face many challenges, including a shortage of troops and the loss of his turtle ships (Gobukseon) that were burned by his own soldiers who defected to the Japanese side. Yi Sun Shin, knowing that his army was vastly outnumbered, devised a brilliant strategy. He led his forces to the Myeongnyang Strait, an area with the strongest underwater currents in the Korean Peninsula.
There, Yi Sun Shin’s 12 ships went up against over 330 Japanese ships. The ensuing battle was bloody and brutal, with both sides fighting fiercely for victory. The battle seemed to be going poorly for Yi Sun Shin’s forces until the “heavenly current” appeared. This powerful undercurrent swept away the Japanese ships, while Yi Sun Shin’s flagship narrowly escaped being destroyed.
The film is divided into two phases: the background and the battle. The first phase sets the stage for the war and introduces the state of Korea, which was in turmoil while Yi Sun Shin’s forces struggled alone since the King refused to provide assistance. Mentally, his soldiers were also under pressure, which made them desperate. The climax of their desperation was when their turtle ships, powerful vessels, were lost.
The second phase depicts the naval battle between Yi Sun Shin’s forces and the Japanese, which was also the movie’s climax. The war strategy employed by both sides included archery, cannon fire, and close combat. The film portrays the despair of the Korean soldiers who were pursued by the Japanese army under the command of Kurushima, which caused them to leak out critical supplies. This fear and hopelessness overwhelmed them, and they couldn’t think clearly.
The visual effects, the plot, and storytelling of The Admiral: Roaring Current is an incredible masterpiece. Every detail is finely crafted, and the movie is visually stunning. The naval battles, especially, are bloody and terrifying, giving viewers an intense experience and empathy for the characters.
In conclusion, The Admiral: Roaring Current is a masterful film that sees Director Kim Han Min delve deeply into the historic event of Korea’s fight for independence, with a particular focus on the character of Admiral Yi Sun Shin. The movie provides a powerful retelling of the story, and its visual elements are breathtakingly realistic. With a gripping storyline and superb performances, it is a film that will be enjoyed by generations to come.
