[Movie 2014] The Admiral: Roaring Currents 명량

The Admiral : Roaring Currents


PROFILETitle: The Admiral : Roaring Currents (English title) Also known as: Battle of Myeongryang, Whirlwind Sea (literal title)Revised romanization: Myeongryang - Huiori BadaHangul: 명량 - 회오리 바다Director: Kim Han MinGenre: Historical | Action | DramaWriter: Kim Han Min, Jeon Cheol BongProducer: Kim Min Ki, Kim Ju Kyung, Jeong Byoung WookCinematographer:Release Date: July 30, 2014Run time: 128 minute Production Company: Big Stone PicturesDistribution : CJ EntertainmentLanguage: KoreanCountry: South KoreaLink : Website | Facebook

PLOTMovie depicts the Battle of Myeongryang which took place October 26, 1597. The battle involved Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, who had only 12 ships under his command, against the Japanese navy which had over a hundred ships.

CASTChoi Min Sik as Admiral Yi Sun ShinRyu Seung Ryong as Kurujima (The Pirate King)Jo Jin Woong as Wakizaka (Japanese General)Jin Goo as Lim Joon YoungLee Jung Hyun as JungKwon Yool as Yi HoeKim Myung Gon as Todo (Japanese Commander)No Min Woo as Haru (Kurushima's Assasin)Kim Tae Hun as Kim Joong GulRyohei Otani as Joon SaPark Bo Gum as Soo BongLee Seung Jun as Ahn WiKo Gyung Pyo as Odook yi
Additional Cast Members: Lee Hae Young as Song Hee Rib Jang Joon Nyoung as Na Dae Yong Kim Won Hae as Bae Sul Yoo Soon Woong as elderly man Kim Kim Gil Dong as Hwang Bo Man Joo Suk Tae as Katsura Choi Deok Mun as Song Yeo Jong Park No Shik as Kim Uk Choo Kim Ku Taek as Bae Hong Suk Ha Soo Ho as Executive Officer Kim Eung Ham

VIDEO with ENG SUBInternational Teaser Trailer

Main Trailer: 

- Character Clip - Joseon Navy- Character Clip - Admiral Yi- Character Clip - Japanese Navy- Film Making Clip
MISC
NOTES1. Filming began January 28, 2013 and finished July 21, 2013.2. "Roaring Currents" sold 4,759,288 tickets at the South Korean box office in its first 5 days of release. Movie is the first film to ever surpass 4 million tickets sales in South Korea. In addition, on August 3, 2014, "Roaring Currents" sold 1,253,653 tickets which is the highest ever single day total at the South Korean box office up to that date.3. On August 10, 2014, "Roaring Currents" surpassed 10,000,000 million tickets sales and became the 12th film to pass that threshold at the South Korean box-office. "Roaring Currents" also surpassed 10 million tickets in 12 days, which is the fastest to date.4. On August 16, 2014, "Roaring Currents" became the all-time best selling film in South Korea. By 11:30AM, "Roaring Currents" sold 13.62 million tickets surpassing "Avatar."5. On August 19, 2014, in its 21st day since release, "Roaring Currents" became the first ever film to surpass 15 million ticket sales at the South Korean box-office.

AWARDS
2014 Buil Film Awards : Best Picture   Best Cinematography: Kim Tae Sung   Best Art Direction: Jang Chun Sub
2014 34th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards : Best Actor - Choi Min Sik Technical Award (Art) - Jang Choon SeopKorean Association of Film Critics’ Top 10 films
2014 51st Daejong Film Awards (Grand Bell Awards) : Best PictureBest Actor - Choi Min SikBest Technical Awards - Yoon Dae Won, Kang Tae KyunPlanning - Kim Han Min
2014 35th Blue Dragon Awards : Best Director - Kim Han Min Biggest Grossing Movie Award
2015 6th KOFRA Film Awards : Best Actor - Choi Min Sik   FESTIVAL 2014 Busan International Film Festival : Korean Cinema Today - Panorama
The Most Watched Film of All time in Korea

Choi Min-sik, Ryu Seung-ryong pose for ‘Roaring Currents’
The official poster of the historical film “Roaring Currents,” starring actors Choi Min-sik and Ryu Seung-ryong, was released on Thursday, portraying the historical sea battle of Myeongnyang between Joseon-era Korea and the Hideyoshi shogunate. 

Actors Choi Min-sik (top) and Ryu Seung-ryong.

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong.
In the poster, the two heroes are dressed in the armor of the two countries in 16th-century fashion.
Choi plays the legendary Korean admiral Yi Sun-shin, who fends off some 300 battleships with only 13. Ryu plays Gurujima, the Japanese admiral of the Hideyoshi shogunate, who leads the Japanese invasion of Korea. 
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140619001227-----Choi Min Sik and Ryu Seung Ryong's New Film 'Roaring Currents' Holds Production Conference


[by Sunghee Park] On June 26, new film ‘Roaring Currents’ held a production conference at Apgujeeong CGV in Sinsa-dong, Seoul. 
‘Roaring Currents,’ directed by Kim Han Min, is about the battle of Myeongryang. Admiral Yi Sun-shin lures 330 Japanese ships into a deadly trap, creating Korean history’s most astonishing military victory with only 12 turtle ships. 
Meanwhile, new film ‘Roaring Currents,’ starring Choi Min Sik, Ryu Seung Ryong, Jo Jin Woong and Jin Goo, is set to hit theater on July 30. (photo by bntnews DB)
https://ph.celebrity.yahoo.com/news/choi-min-sik-and-ryu-seung-ryong-s-014245001.html-----Joseon's war hero back on screen
Veteran actor Choi Min-sik stars as Joseon admiral Yi Sun-shin in the upcoming movie "Roaring Currents." / Courtesy of CJ E&M
Choi Min-sik's 'Roaring Currents' retraces 16th century marytime battle against Japan
By Baek Byung-yeul
Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598), seen as a statue at the Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul and on the front of 100 won coin, is not just a war hero of Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
Yi, who repelled Japanese invaders in numerous maritime battles during the Imjin War (1592-1598), still commands the respect of many Koreans for his services in defending his country.
Among many astounding war exploits accredited to him, a battle of Myeongryang in 1597, which defeated more than 330 Japanese fleets with only 12, has left a impression with most Koreans because the victory had a decisive effect on terminating the Imjin War in the following year.
Veteran actor Choi Min-sik, better known for his leading role in 2003 thriller "Old Boy," talked about the uneasiness he felt in portraying the great admiral Yi Sun-shin in the upcoming film, "Roaring Current," which particularly focuses on the Myeongryang battle.
"When I first read a synopsis of the film, I knew that I would face a thorny path," the 52-year-old told reporters at a theater in Apgujeong-dong, southern Seoul, Thursday.
At the press conference, announcing the completion of "Roaring Currents," actors in leading roles and the director presented their thoughts and episodes of shooting the film.

Director Kim Han-min, third from right, and cast of upcoming movie, "Roaring Currents" including actors Choi Min-sik, third from left, and Ryu Seung-ryong, second from right, pose at a theater in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul on June 26.
Choi said he decided to feature as the great admiral after listening to the director Kim Han-min's thoughts on history. "I met Kim for the first time at a restaurant in South Jeolla Province, and after having an in-depth conversation with him, I was determined that this film would probably be suitable for our generation."
"I was curious about how this great man could have such a sturdy faith in his country. Therefore I have been agonizing for how to portray his uprightness, attitude toward the war and military spirit," he said.
Choi also added that he had a "gut" or traditional shamanistic ritual for good luck before shooting with his film crews.
"This was matter of having courtesy to the forebears. Including the battle of Myeongryang, lots of people from both sides including Japan and Korea died during the seven-year-long war," Choi said. 
Director Kim said he had no choice but to cast Choi for his fourth directional film."Choi is the only actor who came to my mind. Considering his career and the admiral's age when the battle happened, there would be no replacement for him," Kim said.
Kim could win recognition through his previous 2011 box office hit, "War of the Arrows," portraying a fictional character of Joseon archer who is engaged in a chase with China's Qing Dynasty troops during the Manchu War in 1636.
Kim said the upcoming two-hour-long film spends about a half of the total length, only for portraying the naval battle.
"As it takes the biggest part, I cannot tell how the battle will be portrayed in detail. But I had paid special attention to depict the strong tidal current of the battlefield," Kim said.
"Also, the battle of Myeongryang was progressed while the Joseon people actually watched the fight on the distant mountain near the waters, according to the historical record. I want to ask the audience to watch how this record is reenacted on the big screen," the director added.
"Roaring Currents" also stars actor Ryu Seung-ryong as Choi's Japanese counterpart.
Ryu, who rose to stardom through last year's biggest hit movie, "Miracle in Cell No. 7," garnering more than 1.2 million audiences, also featured as China's Qing Dynasty general in the "War of the Arrows."
"As this movie shows the victory of Korean side against the Japanese navy, acting a Japanese general would be difficult for Japanese actors to portray Japanese vanquished general," Ryu said.
Ryu said speaking Japanese was one of the hardest parts when acting."I feel kind of comfortable when acting at the ‘War of Arrows,' speaking Manchu language, which has become obsolete word these days. But in the ‘Roaring Currents,' I had to speak in Japanese, which more than 100 million people use," he said.
"Roaring Currents" will go on screen nationwide from July 30.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/07/141_160132.html

Character Still
Jin Goo
Lee Jung Hyun
Kwon Yool
Park Bo Geum
Ryoo Seung Ryong
Jo Jin Woong
Kim Myung Gon
No Min Woo

Official Character Poster
Choi Min Shik
Jin Goo
Lee Jung Hyun
Kwon Yool
Park Bo Geum
Kim Tae Hoon
Lee Seung Jun
Otani Ryohei
Ryoo Seung Ryong
Jo Jin Woong
Kim Myung Gon
No Min Woo

June 21. 2014
Choi Min-shik dons Admiral Lee Soon-shin’s armor in Roaring Currents
by awcoconuts l dramabeans.com
Blockbuster film Roaring Currents (literal translation: Battle of Myeongryang, Whirlwind Sea) looks ahmaaazing, and I will be so bummed if it doesn’t live up to its hype. In it, veteran Hallyu star Choi Min-shik (who needs no introduction, but from New World, Oldboy, Shiri and No. 3, to name a few) has tackled the iconic role of Korean hero and legend Admiral Lee Soon-shin, and the retelling of the famous Battle of Myeongryang.
Koreans are educated about the great Lee Soon-shin from a young age, but the short version of the Battle of Myeongryang is: In 1597, in the sixth year of Japanese invasions, Admiral Lee lured a fleet of roughly 330 Japanese ships into a dangerous strait, and with only 12 ships of his own, he was able to turn the tide of the war and emerge victorious from an epic battle of naval warfare.
The source article states that Roaring Currents is the first project to tackle the Battle of Myeongryang (I guess they’re not counting Immortal Lee Soon-shin, the long-running, low-budget KBS drama that starred Kim Myung-min as the celebrated naval commander ten years ago), and the movie will be directed by Kim Han-min, who proved his historical action picture prowess two years ago with Bow, the Ultimate Weapon (also known as War of the Arrows).
The film already caught my eye with its capable director, but with one of the nation’s most charismatic and respected actors, Choi Min-shik, on board, I’m eagerly anticipating the movie’s release. The actor said, “Taking on the role of Admiral Lee Soon-shin seems like fate.” In order to embody the great icon, Choi spent six months filming fierce battle scenes in both the dead of winter and the middle of a summer heat wave, and he attacked his action sequences with unparalleled fervor — no easy feat, as he did so while bearing 20 kgs (roughly 44 lbs) of massive armor.
Choi worked tirelessly on his portrayal of the much revered hero, wanting to demonstrate the vulnerability behind the courageous exterior. “He was a military officer, a person and a parent, and I wanted to show his human side: the fear and loneliness the valiant admiral must have felt but had to hide amidst the chaos and the insurrection.” Choi went on to say, “All Koreans have the utmost admiration for Admiral Lee, and I knew I had to give more than I’d ever given before.”
The use of some experimental techniques means that we’ll see battle scenes in Roaring Currents that are unlike anything we’ve seen in other Korean movies, and the naval warfare sets were produced and filmed in the actual ocean. The quality of the production and the big budget are evident in the glossy trailer, and with Ryu Seung-ryong (another fave), Jo Jin-woong and Jin Gu rounding out the cast, I don’t know how I’ll hold out until its release date on July 30th.
Via Sports Chosun

July 4, 2014
Teaser released for ‘Roaring Currents’
By Jin Eun-soo, contributing writer INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily



The video teaser for director Kim Han-min’s new costume drama “Roaring Currents,” which depicts the Myeongnyang Battle in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), was released yesterday, and made the list of the most-searched terms across major domestic search engines. 
The Battle of Myeongnyang took place in the sixth year of the Imjin War (1592-1598), when Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his 12-ship fleet forged a remarkable victory against 330 Japanese warships.
The one-minute, 20-second clip shows actor Ryu Seung-ryong as Japanese commander Gurujima boosting his sailors’ morale before a battle with Joseon troops. It also shows veteran actor Choi Min-sik as Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his 12 naval forces preparing to fight the “impossible” fight. 
With an ensemble cast, which includes Ryu, Choi and Jo Jin-woong, the movie is expected to have strong ticket sales potential. Director Kim already pulled in an audience of more than seven million for his last historical film, “War of the Arrows” (2011). Movie critics have high hopes for “Roaring Currents,” which opens on July 30. 

July 3, 2014
“Roaring Currents” Reveals 12 Character Posters: Yi Sun-shin Choi Min-sik vs. Enemy Ryu Seung-ryong
Source: KOFICE


Twelve character posters of the movie “Roaring Currents” have been revealed. Distributor CJ Entertainment released posters of Choi Min-sik in the role of Admiral Yi Sun-shin and his Japanese foe Gurujima played by Ryu Seung-ryong. “Roaring Currents” is an action war movie based on the Japanese Invasion in 1597 during which Admiral Yi’s 12 war vessels defeated the Japanese fleet of 330 at the Battle of Myeongryang.
The poster shows Admiral Yi Sun-shin (Choi Min-sik) standing in the middle of the battlefield in 1597. Choi Min-sik looks powerful and commands attention in his new role as the most respected hero of Korea. The poster conveys Admiral Yi’s fearless determination that drove him to an impossible battle at a time when the entire nation was convinced of defeat. His famous words appear as the copy:  “Those who seek death shall live and those who seek life shall die.” It foretells the intensity and depth of his story.
Expectations for the stellar cast of supporting actors are also high: Mincho Jin Gu who defends the seas off Joseon, Lee Jeong-hyeon, Kwon Yul, Kim Tae-hoon, Park Bo-geom, Lee Seung-joon, and Otani Ryuhei. Ryu Seung-ryong plays the role of Japanese General Gurujima, a natural strategist whose temerity and brutality will stop at nothing for victory. His poster conveys that relentless charisma and has people curious to see how the actor will portray his role.
The rivalry between Yi and Gurujima is clearly evident in the poster where Gurujima, with his face hidden under an intimidating mask, stands in the middle of the battlefield with the copy “I will capture Yi Sun-shin without fail” written across the poster. The suspense is enhanced by the power-hungry Japanese troop that includes General Wakisaka (Cho Jin-woong) who was painfully defeated by Admiral Yi and Gurujima’s faithful subordinate Haru (Noh Min-woo).
Directed by Kim Han-min (“War of the Arrows”) and starring an A-list cast of Choi Min-sik, Ryu Seung-ryong, Cho Jin-woong, Kim Myeong-gon, Jin Gu, and Lee Jeong-hyun, “Roar of Currents” is the most-anticipated movie of this summer. It will come to theaters on July 30.

July 4, 2014
Sea-themed movies set to make their maiden voyagesThese films testify just how far Korean cinema has come
By CARLA SUNWOO Korea JoongAng Daily


Left to Right: Three narratives against the backdrop of the ocean, “Roaring Currents,” “Pirate” and “Haemoo,” will tackle different genres and eras of Korean history. Provided by CJ Entertainment, Lotte Entertainment and NEW
Summer is fast approaching, but this year is set to be a cool one as three local flicks take on the high seas. From a historical account to a period comedy to a modern drama, these films, with their intricate sets and use of star power, are a testament to just how far Korean cinema has come. 
Each movie featured detailed replicas of ships, which were placed on rotating structures simulating the movement of the ocean. And as well as the plight of filming on water, all three features had their own obstacles. But only time will tell if the budget and effort invested were worth it. 
“Roaring Currents” 
Based on the historical Battle of Myeongnyang, “Roaring Currents” is the heaviest of the three films. The battle led by Joseon Admiral Yi Sun-sin, which took place in 1597 off the coast of Jindo County, is one of the greatest triumphs in Korean history. 
Accordingly, the film promises a spectacle, as viewers will witness warfare between 13 Korean ships and 330 Japanese vessels. 
Playing Admiral Yi is none other than Choi Min-sik of “Old Boy” fame - one of today’s most respected actors. 
“It’s a story that all Koreans know, and I was curious to see how they’d commercialize it,” said Choi about getting on board the project that has captivated director Kim Han-Min since childhood.
For Kim, asking Choi to be his lead was a no-brainer. “To take on such an accomplished character, there was no one else who came to mind other than Choi,” he said. 
The real battle for the filmmaker lay in realizing the battle scenes, which make up almost half the film. Choi described the process akin to war itself and said that the set was rife with injured staff.
The film opens July 30.
“Haemoo” (Sea Fog)
Critics are expecting big things from “Haemoo,” which is directed by Shim Sung-bo, co-writer of Bong Joon-ho’s “Memories of Murder.” With Shim at the helm this time and Bong as the producer, the film raised eyebrows when K-pop star, JYJ’s Park Yu-chun, was cast as one of the main characters. 
The plot centers on a group of down-on-their-luck fishermen. While out at sea, Captain Chul-ju (Kim Yoon-suk) and his six men find their ship overtaken by stowaways.
As a fog descends on them, against the backdrop of the deep blue sea, Shim plays on primal fears and testing human limits. The film boasts a talented lineup, including Kim Yoon-suk, Moon Sung-geun, Kim Sang-ho and ingenue Han Ye-ri.
The youngest sailor is Dong-sik, or JYJ’s Park. Taking the leap from TV dramas to the big screen, Park said he was honored to be a part of “Haemoo,” although he said it did come at a cost. “I got reprimanded by Kim Yoon-suk a lot,” he explained, “and I remember when he first saw us he said to me, ‘how am I going to work on a ship with you lot?’?” 
Park also confessed to “being addicted to medicine for seasickness” while shooting. But over time, as he mastered the raging water, the singer won over his co-stars. 
“I thought he’d be just this pretty boy, but then I got to know him and we decided that he’s a real man,” said Kim.
The film opens Aug. 13
“Pirates”
The lightest of the three films, “Pirates,” which boasts big names like Son Ye-jin, Kim Nam-gil, Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Kyung-young, is a period piece that will have viewers in stitches.
With 120 staff overseeing 3,000 costumes, the film was ambitious and took a year to complete. Director Lee Suk-hoon said his work, loosely based on the Great Seal of Korea going missing during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) was “a fusion of history and imagination.” 
For the lead Son, rather than historical or comedic appeal, she couldn’t turn down the irresistible female pirate lead, Yeo-wol. 
“I’ve never tried an action film, and in what small portion of action there was in my previous comedy or melodrama works, I found it so hard,” said Son. When shooting got underway in the middle of winter, Son admitted she wanted to cry and that all she can remember now is “how cold it was.” 
“But this character is unprecedented in Korea, so I thought I should get on board before I get older,” Son said. 
The film opens Aug. 6 

The new trailer can be watch at the official website.http://www.12vs330.co.kr/

So far it not been subbed yet, like the first teaser in the first post. Will post it here once it available. 
I'm not a movie-person but I love to watch historical story. I'm practically watched programs on National Geographic and History Channel that contained dramatize story-line because I simply loved it. 
I so want to see this in my own local cinema but since the distributor is CJ not sure if it will be happened any time soon.
The HD version of Admiral Yi Sun Shin.

July 7, 2014
Historical films set to cool off summer‘Kundo: Age of the Rampant,’ ‘Roaring Currents’ and ‘The Pirates’ will open in theaters in July and August
By Ahn Sung-mi The Korea Herald

Joseon era (1392-1910), $17 million, star-studded casts and historical films are some of the defining words of the Korean film industry for the summer of 2014.
It is no coincidence that three large-scale period movies will open in theaters in July and August, only weeks apart from each other. “Kundo: Age of the Rampant” will be the first to open on July 23, followed by “Roaring Currents” on July 30 and then “The Pirates” on Aug. 6. These films are part of the box-office trend in which historical films are a summer blockbuster staple in Korea. 
The three films have many characteristics in common. For each, gargantuan amounts of money, ranging from $13 million (“The Pirates”) to $17 million (“Roaring Currents”), were spent on production. This amount may seems trivial in a Hollywood context, where “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” topped the list of most expensive movies with $300 million in 2007. However, in the Korean context, a movie costing $17 million falls in the top 10. 
Also, the films are all set in the Joseon era. 
“Joseon is the closest era to modern Korea today, extending to the current generation,” said Jeon Chan-il, a film critic. “Historical films don’t just remain history, but they transcend time and speak to the people of today. That makes the historical film genre more attractive, and stories on Joseon all the more compelling because of its proximity to us in time when compared to other eras.”
It was not long ago that the genre of historical films began yielding box-office hits. In 2011, “War of the Arrows,” a period movie which came after a long hiatus following 2005’s “The King and the Clown,” marked the beginning of the historical film craze. “War of the Arrows” was the highest-grossing Korean film of the year with a total of 7.5 million viewers. In 2012, “Masquerade” attracted 12.3 million viewers, and last year the “The Face Reader” drew 9.1 million viewers. 
Following this trend, the three upcoming historical films have created much hype and anticipation. Whether their race will turn out to be a “win-win” or “survival of the fittest” match remains to be seen.

“Kundo: Age of the Rampant.” (Showbox/Mediaplex)
‘Kundo: Age of the Rampant’
“Kundo: Age of the Rampant” is directed by Yoon Jong-bin and his favorite actor, Ha Jung-woo (“Love Fiction,” “The Chaser”), also known as Yoon’s persona in their past three films together. As Yoon and Ha have enjoyed stardom with their collaborations, “Kundo” will serve as a test of whether the pair is able to achieve more success. 
“Kundo” is set in mid-19th century Joseon, in the 13th year of King Cheoljong’s reign. Dol Moo-chi, played by Ha, is a butcher representing the lower class of the caste system at the time, who stands up against the raging corruption and exploitation of the ruling class. Dol is angered by the unceasing oppression, which provokes him to organize a group of bandits named Kundo to fight for the oppressed.
In this Robin Hood-type story, heartthrob Gang Dong-won joins the cast to play Jo-yoon, a nobleman’s son who fights against Dol. 

“Roaring Currents.” (CJ Entertainment)
‘Roaring Currents’
“Roaring Currents” is directed by Kim Han-min, following his recent success with the historical action film “War of the Arrows.” Choi Min-sik (“Oldboy,” “I Saw the Devil”) stars in the film as one of the most revered admirals in Korean history, Yi Sun-sin.
The film tell the story of the historical Battle of Myeongryang during the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598), in which Adm. Yi used strategy to destroy 133 Japanese warships with only 12 ships under his command. This battle is regarded as one of Yi’s greatest victories. 
“Roaring Currents” has already caught people’s eyes with the story of Yi Sun-sin and scenes that are filmed at the actual battle site. Iconic actor Ryu Seung-ryong (“Miracle in Cell No. 7,” “All About My Wife”) joins as Gurujima, the Japanese admiral who fights the epic battle against Yi. 
‘The Pirates’
Popular actress Son Ye-jin (“A Moment to Remember,” “My Wife Got Married”) and Kim Nam-gil (“Queen Seondeok,” “Bad Guy”) reunite following the recent TV drama “Shark” in which they played a couple. In “The Pirates,” they meet as rivals.
The film, directed by Lee Seok-hoon (“Dancing Queen”), takes place on a pirate ship, centering on the story of a royal seal that went missing during the Joseon era. Based on the true story of the missing seal, the movie fuses history and imagination in recounting the search for the artifact.
The movie features two groups, one of pirates, headed by Yeo-wol (Son Ye-jin) and the other of bandits, headed by Jang Sa-jung (Kim Nam-gil), who desperately try to hunt for a whale that swallowed the seal. 
Ahead of the three releases, attention is being focused on which will draw the largest number of viewers. 
“It’s hard to say which film will win the race, but if we look at past box-office patterns, we will get the best win-win outcome when two films compete with one another,” Jeon added. “Because they can complement each other. But when it comes to three films, it is not too easy for all of them to be successful. One of them will be more of a hit than another, and the other will be less of a hit.
“It’s a matter to be determined more by the quality of the movie with elements of fun and not that serious of a plot,” he said.
As a fierce ticket war will begin in theaters this summer, audiences will face a wide array of film choices. The end of the summer, will show which actors, directors and major distributing agencies will smile in the end.

Myeongryang Main Trailer

ROARING CURRENTS - Official Int'l Main Trailer: 

Source: CJ E&M

Wow what large ships. Take a look at the details and I think this is for the battle scene later.
Korean ship

Japanese Ship
via 12vs330

Source: CINE21

July 22, 2014
Choi Min-sik in 'Roaring Currents'

Actor Choi Min-sik (L) poses with actor Ryu Seung-ryong at an event in Seoul on July 21, 2014, to promote the new film "Roaring Currents," the story of Korean Adm. Yi Sun-shin defeating more than 300 Japanese warships with only 13 ships in one of the world's most dramatic naval battles during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1957 by luring the Japanese into the currents of Myungryung Strait off the southwestern coast. (Yonhap) (END)

July 22, 2014

Lee Jung-hyun in 'Roaring Currents'

Actress Lee Jung-hyun attends an event in Seoul on July 21, 2014, to promote the new film "Roaring Currents," the story of Korean Adm. Yi Sun-shin defeating more than 300 Japanese warships with only 13 ships in one of the world's most dramatic naval battles. During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1957, Yi lured the Japanese into the currents of Myungryung Strait off the southwestern coast and demolished most of the Japanese warships, resulting in the end of the seven-year war initiated by the Japanese invasion. (Yonhap) (END)

Oh, so the VIP Premier was held yesterday. No wonder I saw tweets from g.o.d members that went. 
Pictures of director while filming.
via 12vs330

class="tit_detail" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 17px 0px 13px; border-style: none none solid; border-bottom-width: 3px; border-bottom-color: rgb(73, 79, 95); outline: 0px; font-family: Arial, verdana, dotum, AppleGothic, 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, gulim, Arial, helvetica; vertical-align: top; line-height: 36px; width: 740px; font-size: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important;"Collaboration Between Actor ‘Choi Min-sik’, and Director ‘Kim Han-min’ in [Roaring Currents] is Basic but Powerful

[Roaring Currents] is a movie version of Korea’s famous commander Lee Soon-shin fighting with 330 ships of Japanese navies with only 12 navy ships. It handles about the story after Lee Soon-shin’s torture from the king and he’s comeback to the Korean army regardless of past tortures. During that time, commander Won-gyun took many of Chosun’s navy troops to previous battle with Japan but he returned with defeat and some few leftover navy troops. Hence, Lee Soon-shin started to fight Japan’s navy with only 12 ships solely.

King of Chosun ordered Lee Soon-shin to make all the rest of the navy to recruit to military army but Lee Soon-shin requested to the king “For me, there are still 12 ships left. Please let me fight them in sea.” But even his subordinates were shaking with fear because of Japan’s grand navy scale of ships more than 300. To be worse, Japan’s commander was one of the elite subordinate of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who seeked for Lee Soon-hin. Lee Soon-shin, seemingly fighting alone, noticed the intense tidal current happening in sea so he decided to make this place the battle field. As numerous ships are approaching to him and his troops, Lee Soon-shin led his subordinates and stood brave in the middle of the sea.

 
[Roaring Currents] is simple. The movie only focuses about one single event: Myung-ryang naval battle. It talks about Lee Soon-shin’s loneliness early in the movie while the later part talks about only Myun-rang naval battle. There’s no new interpretations about the battle nor commander Lee Soon-shin. There’s no time for that.

 
The good and evil is also accurate. The movie fantastically described how miracle happens in a battle between one single righteous man in a single boat and large troops of enemies.

 
Frankly, director Kim Han-min tried to take the movie [Roaring Currents] with the story of people who actually are recorded in history and people who are not recorded cooperating and fighting with the enemy. The historically famous person Lee Soon-shin is obviously the main character of [Roaring Currents] but on one side of it, the director tried to make Japan’s double agent ‘Jun-sa,’ spectator ‘Lim Jun-young,’ his wife ‘Mrs. Jeong,’ sailor ‘Kim Joon-gul,’ etc and other citizens to participate in the fight too.

 
[Roaring Currents] is say that an extraordinary hero named Lee Soon-shin and citizens of Chosun saved the country from Japan. However, the huge naval battle had to take about a half of the movie so it is expected that director couldn’t include both Lee Soon-shin and the citizen’s stories. Well, it’s the choice of the director after all.

 
Director Kim Han-min skipped the part of many people’s introduction in the early stage of movie since it can be boring. Rather than that, he went straight to commander Lee Soon-shin’s point of view. Consequently, the citizens appear like a flower that is beautiful but unknown. The naval battle in contrast comes out significantly without letting audiences time to breath. These battle scenes are the power and presence reason of [Roaring Currents].

 
[Roaring Currents]‘s atmosphere is dark. It has to be dark since it talks about a hero’s loneliness and the intense battles. The tragic beauty is all over the movie but what can it be done? All of these things are historically true. People can criticize for making a war spectacular but what can it be done? It’s historically true. People can also say that the movie is too similar to history but what can it be done? It is sadly the truth that numerous people out there are misunderstanding Korean history by not being able to differentiate Japanese Invasion of Korea and Chosun-wa war while they also think commander Lee Soon-hin dies in this Myung-rang naval battle. What can it be done even if you hate patriotism? All Koreans will realize that something hot feels in their chest. People’s heart warms because of citizens who helps Korean navies sail toward enemies and their tear falls because of the hope of victory.

 
Director Kim Han-min once told. Through the fought citizens, he replaced there to say “Will our descendants ever know this hardship we suffered?” Through commander Lee Soon-shin, he replaced there to tell “The presence of citizens was our luck of victory.” This is possibly why he made movie [Roaring Currents].

 
Honestly, the production process of [Roaring Currents] was not easy. Even though it was the post work of director Kim Han-min, who became successful director with movie [War of the Arrows], investments were hard. Also, the fact of making the movie talking about the naval battle for half of the plot was a challenge too.”

 
Director Kim Han-min took the challenge, and the challenge was successful. There are some naval CGs that tend to be awkward but the great battle is more than enough to get rid of that. Director Kim Han-min constructed the battle by several parts like Lee Soon-shin’s lonely battle, his fight between Japan’s commander ‘Gurujima’(Ryu Seung-ryong), citizens’ strenuous effort, bravery of Korean navies etc. Historically, it is told that Lee Soon-shin made a military flag stand in order to cheer up the frightened navies. With the basis of that, the movie added more imagination towards it. Since there are little stories about citizens, people might be disappointed with the flow of the movie but the battle itself will be rough and fierce.

 
If director Kim Han-min showed the entertainments of dynamic chasing actions in [War of the Arrows], this time he showed entertainments of static action in [Roaring Currents]. This must be a inherent skills of him.

 
Choi Min-sik of Lee Soon-shin is definitely great. He dominates the movie from the start to the end. The music and the movie taking itself emphasizes the tragedy of battle. They gave large efforts in movie arts as it is almost like seeing Kurosawa Akira’s past works.

 
The movie is released in July 30th. Only for 15 years or above. If you see [Roaring Currents], you without a doubt try to become a true leader. Commander’s loyalty heads towards faithfulness while faithfulness goes towards citizens. Audiences will fully remember this sentence even when they leave the theater.

 
Reporter: Jeong Hyung-hwa
Translator: Yoon Pyung-hae
Chief Editor: Son Ji-ho
KOFAN | July 23 2014

July 23, 2014
Kim Han-min's 'Roaring Currents'

Director Kim Han-min poses at a Seoul studio on July 23, 2014, for an interview with Yonhap News Agency. Kim has directed "Roaring Currents," the story of Josean Dynasty Adm. Yi Sun-shin defeating more than 300 Japanese warships, using only 13 ships in one of the world's most dramatic naval battles during Japan's invasion of what is now known as the Korean Peninsula in 1597. (Yonhap) (END)

Choi Min-sik in 'Roaring Currents'

Actor Choi Min-sik poses at a Seoul studio on July 23, 2014, for an interview with Yonhap News Agency. Choi starred in "Roaring Currents," the story of Josean Dynasty Adm. Yi Sun-shin defeating more than 300 Japanese warships, using only 13 ships in one of the world's most dramatic naval battles during Japan's invasion of what is now known as the Korean Peninsula in 1597. (Yonhap) (END)