The Admiral: Roaring Currents

The Admiral: Roaring Currents is a record-breaking Korean historical war film that recounts the legendary Battle of Myeongnyang, one of the most remarkable naval victories in history. At the center of this heroic tale is Admiral Yi Sun Shin, portrayed by the acclaimed actor Choi Min Shik, who leads just 12 Korean ships against a massive fleet of 330 Japanese warships during Japan’s invasion in 1597. Despite being outnumbered and facing a crew shaken by fear, Yi Sun Shin defies expectations with unmatched naval tactics, unwavering spirit, and sheer strategic brilliance. With actor Ryu Seung Ryong playing Japanese commander Kurushima Michifusa and Jo Jin Woong as Wakizaka Yasuharu, the film presents high-stakes tension from both sides of the sea. The swirling currents of Myeongnyang Strait become not only a setting but a weapon in the admiral’s hands. The film masterfully blends large-scale naval battle scenes with intimate character moments, portraying Yi Sun Shin as a stoic but deeply human leader. His presence inspires unity among fractured forces, turning the tide of the war and cementing his legacy as one of Korea’s greatest military minds. The Admiral: Roaring Currents delivers intense action, historical depth, and emotional resonance in equal measure. Directed by Kim Han Min, the film became the highest-grossing South Korean movie of all time upon its release, attracting over 17 million viewers. With its stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and patriotic storytelling, The Admiral stands as a defining example of Korean historical cinema that continues to captivate both domestic and international audiences.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 명량
🌎 Also Known As: Myeongryang, Roaring Currents, Battle of Myeongnyang
🎭 Genres: Action, Historical, War, Drama
🏷 Tags: Naval Battle, Based on True Story, Joseon Dynasty, Military Strategy, Patriotism, Legendary Commander
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Han Min, Jeon Cheol Hong
🎬 Directors: Kim Han Min
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: July 30, 2014
📺 Original Network: Theatrical Release
⏰ Duration: 2 hr. 8 min. (128 minutes)
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Admiral Yi’s Strategic Speech: Before the battle, Admiral Yi Sun-sin delivers an inspiring speech to his outnumbered crew, instilling courage and determination, setting the emotional tone for the film.
Ambush of the Japanese Vanguard: Utilizing the narrow strait’s treacherous currents, Admiral Yi orchestrates a surprise attack on the advancing Japanese fleet, showcasing his tactical brilliance.
Climactic Duel Between Admirals: The intense face-off between Admiral Yi and the Japanese commander, Kurushima Michifusa, highlights their contrasting leadership styles and personal vendettas.
Civilian Fleet’s Intervention: In a poignant moment, local fishermen and civilians join the naval battle, symbolizing national unity and collective resistance against the invaders.
Final Victory and Reflection: After the overwhelming victory, Admiral Yi stands solemnly amidst the wreckage, reflecting on the sacrifices made, adding depth to his character.

Filming Locations

Set Construction in South Korea: To authentically depict the 16th-century naval environment, filmmakers constructed full-scale replicas of period-accurate ships in coastal areas of South Korea, utilizing the natural seascape to enhance realism.
Controlled Water Sets: While the actual Myeongnyang Strait was pivotal to the historical battle, certain scenes were filmed in controlled water sets to safely capture the complex naval engagements and tumultuous sea conditions.
Yeosu’s Historical Backdrop: Land-based scenes were filmed in Yeosu, a city rich in naval history, providing an authentic backdrop that resonates with the film’s historical context.
Utilization of the Yellow Sea: Some naval sequences were shot in the Yellow Sea, chosen for its expansive horizons and dynamic water conditions, adding to the film’s visual grandeur.
Indoor Tank Filming: For safety and control, certain storm scenes were filmed in large indoor water tanks, allowing for precise choreography and special effects integration.

Visual Design and Costumes

Authentic Armor Replicas: The costume department meticulously recreated Joseon-era naval armor, ensuring historical accuracy and providing actors with a tangible connection to their characters.
Distinctive Japanese Attire: Contrasting the Korean forces, the Japanese invaders’ costumes were designed with attention to detail, reflecting their unique armor styles and hierarchical distinctions.
Realistic Battle Damage: Costumes and ship designs incorporated progressive battle damage, visually narrating the escalating intensity of the conflict.
Symbolic Color Palettes: The film employs a strategic use of color, with Admiral Yi’s fleet adorned in subdued tones symbolizing resilience, while the Japanese forces are depicted in more ornate colors, highlighting their invasive opulence.
Detailed Prop Designs: Beyond costumes, props such as weapons, navigational tools, and ship interiors were crafted to reflect the technological and cultural nuances of the era.

Themes and Messages

Leadership Under Adversity: The film explores Admiral Yi’s unwavering leadership and strategic genius in the face of overwhelming odds, emphasizing the qualities of resilience and determination.
Unity and Collective Resistance: Highlighting the collaboration between the navy and civilians, the narrative underscores the power of unity in overcoming formidable challenges.
Patriotism and Sacrifice: Through its depiction of selfless acts and national pride, the film delves into the profound sacrifices made for the country’s sovereignty.
Moral Integrity vs. Corruption: The contrasting portrayals of Admiral Yi’s integrity against political adversaries reflect themes of honor versus corruption within leadership.
Human Spirit’s Resilience: Beyond the battlefield, the story reflects on the enduring strength of the human spirit when confronted with despair and hopelessness.

Interesting Facts

Record-Breaking Box Office: The film became the most-watched and highest-grossing film in South Korean history, attracting over 17 million viewers.
Historical Accuracy in Ship Design: The production team conducted extensive research to accurately recreate the ships, even consulting with historians to ensure authenticity.
Extended Battle Sequence: The climactic naval battle spans over an hour of screen time, making it one of the longest continuous battle sequences in film history.
Director’s Trilogy Vision: Director Kim Han-min envisioned this film as part of a trilogy exploring Admiral Yi’s major battles, with subsequent films depicting the Battles of Hansan Island and Noryang.
Innovative Filming Techniques: To capture the chaotic essence of naval warfare, the filmmakers employed a combination of practical effects and CGI, setting new standards in Korean cinema for depicting large-scale maritime battles.

Awards

The Admiral: Roaring Currents has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. Below is a comprehensive list:

Grand Bell Awards (Daejong Film Awards), South Korea (2014):

Best Film – Winner
Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Winner
Best Planning (Kim Han-min) – Winner
Best Technical Award (Yun Dae-won for Special Effects) – Winner
Best Director (Kim Han-min) – Nominee
Best Cinematography (Kim Tae-seong) – Nominee
Best Editing (Kim Chang-ju) – Nominee
Best Lighting (Kim Kyung-seok) – Nominee
Best Music (Kim Tae-seong) – Nominee
Best Sound Effects (Choi Tae-young) – Nominee
Best Costume Design – Nominee

Baeksang Arts Awards (2015):

Grand Prize (Daesang) (Choi Min-sik) – Winner
Best Film – Nominee
Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Nominee
Best Supporting Actress (Lee Jung-hyun) – Nominee

Blue Dragon Film Awards (2014):

Best Director (Kim Han-min) – Winner
Best Film – Nominee
Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Nominee
Best Music (Kim Tae-seong) – Nominee
Best Technical Award (Yun Dae-won for Special Effects) – Nominee
Best Cinematography (Kim Tae-seong) – Nominee
Best Editing (Kim Chang-ju) – Nominee
Best Lighting (Kim Kyung-seok) – Nominee
Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Film – Winner

Buil Film Awards (2014):

Best Film – Winner
Best Cinematography (Kim Tae-seong) – Winner
Best Art Direction (Jang Choon-seob) – Winner
Best Director (Kim Han-min) – Nominee
Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Nominee
Best Supporting Actress (Lee Jung-hyun) – Nominee

Korean Association of Film Critics Awards (2014):

Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Winner
Technical Award (Jang Choon-seob for Art Direction) – Winner
Critics’ Top 10 – Winner

KOFRA Film Awards (2015):

Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Winner

Korean Film Actor’s Association Awards (2014):

Top Star Award (Choi Min-sik) – Winner
Top Director Award (Kim Han-min) – Winner

Chunsa Film Art Awards (2015):

Technical Award (Choi Tae-young for Sound) – Winner

The SACF Artist of the Year Awards (2014):

Beautiful Artist Award Grand Prize (Choi Min-sik) – Winner

Asian Film Awards (2015):

Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Nominee

Max Movie Awards (2015):

Best Film – Winner
Best Actor (Choi Min-sik) – Winner

These accolades underscore the film’s critical acclaim and its significant impact on the South Korean film industry.

Real-Life Loves on Set

During the production of “The Admiral: Roaring Currents,” there were rumors suggesting a romantic relationship between singer-actress Lee Jung-hyun and the film’s director, Kim Han-min. Lee Jung-hyun promptly addressed these speculations, stating on her personal Twitter account that the rumors were “groundless” and that she viewed Kim as a fatherly figure. An insider from Big Stone Pictures, the production company behind the film, also confirmed that there was no romantic involvement between them, noting that Kim laughed upon reading the false news articles.

Beyond this, there are no public records or credible reports indicating that any real-life romantic relationships developed among the cast or crew during the making of “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.”