The Admiral: Roaring Currents

My only issue with this film is multi-layered. Anyone who has spent enough watching Korean films knows that there's a very distinct style that Korean directors tend to share. I can't exactly explain it, but it comes out a lot in their big budget movies. If yousaw Age of Shadows or even Netflix' Okja, you'd get a feel for what they do differently than we do. If you enjoy Korean cinema, you almost definitely enjoy that difference. The problem with The Admiral is that it's not Korean enough. While the story is well-developed for a blockbuster-type of film, it doesn't feel like it was filmedby a Korean. As a result, it feels almost Hollywood-esque, which isn't always a bad thing. But I think it takes away from the personality of this film. It's why a film like Mother or Taegukai stands out and The Admiral, while fun and interesting, doesn't leave the same kind of lasting impression. If you love South Korean cinema (at least... you know... the good ones...), then you might like this film, but if you like this film, it might not be true that you'll like other Korean films. There's just a lot more to Korean filmmaking -- at least by the masters like Park Chan-wook or Bong Joon-ho. Even directors like Kim Ki-duk, Kim Jee-woon, and Park Hoon-jung have a fair share of good films, too! My issue with this film is that it might make you think it's like other Korean films. It's not, and it's not as good as many of its brethren.

First and foremost, this one of the most intense war flicks I've seen in a while, if you enjoyed 300 (both of them), you'll enjoy this just as much. it's based on the true story of admiral yi and his fleet of 12 ships vs the Japanese navy's fleet of 330 ships in the battle of myeong-nyang during the imjin war. roaring currents has a great story, great performances, nonstop action, and plenty of blood and gore too. the first half sets things up for the main event and there are skirmishes plus a one on one fight during the first half, but once it gets to the battle itself, it becomes nearly 48 minutes of "holy crap, you better hold on tight!!!" straight up carnage and it leaves you gripping your seat and/or couch since it's so incredible lol. anyway, i very strongly recommend this one

The admiral is truly admirable! Hehehehe. This movie has a great story combined with incredibly talented actors. To everyone involved in this film, YOU ALL DID A GREAT JOB!!!!

Korean version of the 300. But more realistic and based in real battles that happened in Korea. History. If you are into history pieces with good action. I recommend it.

This is one of the most amazing movies I've ever seen! My dad and I watched it and it was incredible!

An awesome combination of action, history and incredible story telling. This great epic should be nominated for several film categories … Excellent CGI, costumes, writing, etc. I tried to find this movie at several of my local Redbox’s but to no avail. I am VERY GLAD I purchased this movie!

I’m a military history and war movie buff and this ranks as one of the best ever. Yi Sun-sin, virtually unknown outside of Korea, has to be considered one of the greatest military commanders of all time for what he achieved during this Imjin War between Korea (then called Joseon) and a newly united Japan from 1592 to 1598. This movie is specifically regarding a naval battle known as ‘Myeongryang’ in 1597 when things were looking very bleak for Korea in its conflict with Japan. Yi Sun-sin, hopelessly outnumbered with his troops demoralized and full of fear, somehow takes a small fleet of 12 ships against an onslaught of 330 Japanese ships and again emerges victorious in a dramatic fashion. This is truly a great all-around movie - not just a great war movie. The acting is superb, the action scenes are realistic, the story is well-paced, the special effects are proficiently employed and the movie is emotionally charged. Yi Sun-sin was not only a genius military strategist and tactician but he was also a great human being - virtuous, loyal, honest, inspiring, and genuinely caring for the people of the Korean (Joseon) nation he has committed himself to defend against the invaders. A great movie is more than entertainment for 2 hours. It leaves you thinking about it for days and weeks after you viewed it and inspires you in many ways. Not only do you want to watch it again but it makes you delve deeper into the story, the characters, the setting, the environment, the culture and the history. This is such a movie. Although not a conqueror like other brilliant and famous military geniuses and leaders such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan and Napoleon, Yi Sun-sin has to be ranked up there with the very best in the annals of military history for consistently winning (23 battle victories with 0 defeats) against what seemed like insurmountable odds - especially this amazing battle that the movie is about.

This is a must watch movie.

awesome

After living in South Korea for over 14 years and hearing the legend of "Myeongryang" and visiting the historical sites I found this movie to be a very good representation. The movie does embellish a little in small parts, overall this movie was well worth seeing it.