[Movie 2014] The Admiral: Roaring Currents 명량

[czakhareina]

class="title_sec" style="font-size: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: top; color: rgb(39, 41, 42); line-height: 34px; font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, 돋움, Dotum, Helvetica, AppleGothic, sans-serif; background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"'Roaring Currents' surpasses record 15 mln viewers
A homegrown action film about a 16th-century Korean naval hero's astonishing victory over Japan exceeded 15 million in attendance on Tuesday for the first time in local Korean box-office history, the film's promoter said.

"Roaring Currents" hit the milestone at 1:30 p.m., the 21st day since it opened on July 30, 1st Look said, citing box-office figures from the Korean Film Council.

On Friday, it became the most-watched film movie at theaters in the country, breaking the previous record held by Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" of 13.62 million.

 Starring veteran actor Choi Min-shik, the historical drama tells the story of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) Admiral Yi Sun-shin's victory in the battle of Myeongnyang against Japan in 1597. In the decisive naval battle, Yi, who had 12 ships under his command, defeated more than 300 Japanese warships.

[Guest LadyAra]

Most Watched Film in South Korean History Lands in U.S. with Successful Opening Weekend

"The Admiral: Roaring Currents" Tops Big Blockbusters – "Guardians of the Galaxy", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" - in Per-Screen Average

Epic Historical War Film Becomes the Most Watched Film of All time in South Korea with over 14 Million Admissions

South Korea's record shattering epic – "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" - had an extremely strong opening this past weekend in the U.S., while back in Korea it became the most watched film in the counties cinematic history by tallying admissions of over 14 million.

Since its humble 30 screen opening this past weekend in the U.S., "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" has earned $687,000 pushing the film in top 20 at the box office. The per screen average for "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" was $18,744 placing it in 2nd, ahead of mega-blockbusters like "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Teen Age Mutant Ninja Turtles". The South Korean film is #4 among top engagements in the U.S. and Canada thanks in part to a slew of sold-out showings at the CGV Cinema in Los Angeles.

The success of "The Admiral" stateside follows dominance in its home country. This past weekend in South Korea, the film became the most watched film of all time, sailing to 14.22 million in admissions and taking the crown from James Cameron's "Avatar", which held the record at 13.62 million. In South Korea, a country with the population of 50 million, "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" opened July 30.

Prior to the debut of "The Admiral", the last time the U.S. saw such success from a Korean movie was "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... And Spring" (2004), from director Kim Ki-duk's , which opened in over 160 theaters with an opening weekend box office earning of $357,495. "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" is only playing in 30 theaters and has almost doubled that record.

Critical Acclaim:

"The sea battles are absolutely epic, more realistic and thrilling than John Woo's 2008 Red Cliff or even Peter Weir's 2003 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World", writes Martin Tsai of the LA Times.

The Hollywood Reporter's Justin Lowe writes "Admiral Yi is as likely to achieve mythic status on-screen as he has in historic accounts".
The Admiral: Roaring Currents is currently playing at 32 theaters including Fullerton,
San Francisco, New York, New Jersey, Boston, Virginia, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Hawaii, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Tempe, and more. The film will open in additional theaters on August 22nd at New York (College Point) and Anchorage. For showtimes please visit www.CJ-Entertainment.com or the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AsianMoviesNMore. [more]

[Guest LadyAra]

class="title_sec" style="line-height:34px;"'Roaring Currents' surpasses record 15 mln viewers

A homegrown action film about a 16th-century Korean naval hero's astonishing victory over Japan exceeded 15 million in attendance on Tuesday for the first time in local Korean box-office history, the film's promoter said.

"Roaring Currents" hit the milestone at 1:30 p.m., the 21st day since it opened on July 30, 1st Look said, citing box-office figures from the Korean Film Council.

On Friday, it became the most-watched film movie at theaters in the country, breaking the previous record held by Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" of 13.62 million.

 Starring veteran actor Choi Min-shik, the historical drama tells the story of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) Admiral Yi Sun-shin's victory in the battle of Myeongnyang against Japan in 1597. In the decisive naval battle, Yi, who had 12 ships under his command, defeated more than 300 Japanese warships.[more]

[Guest jjsjang]

I just saw the movie. Absolutely brilliant and worth all the rave reviews. When you take a beloved historical character like Lee Soo Shin and back it up with a great performance from Choi, in addition to a strong cast and script, it's a formula for success. Highly recommend it and hope it continues to smash records.

[Guest LadyAra]

class="title_sec" style="line-height:34px;"Actors guaranteed a fortune from “Roaring Currents”

The lead actors of Korean film “Roaring Currents” are expected to rake in billions of won just for the running guarantee, a local news outlet reported on Thursday.

“Roaring Currents,” launched in theaters on July 30, has reaped immense success, which is a rarity for an epic film. Starring actors Choi Min-sik and Ryu Seung-ryong, “Roaring Currents” is currently the highest grossing Korean film in theater, surpassing 15.1 million views and about 120 billion won in ticket sales.

The epic film replaced the previous record set by Korean blockbuster “The Thieves” (2012), which raked in about 93.6 billion won in ticket sales. “Roaring Currents” is also expected to catch up to “Avatar,” a 2009 U.S. sci-fi blockbuster with the highest record of 125 billion won in ticket sales.

Thanks to the success of “Roaring Currents,” the lead actors are expected to gain at least 3.3-3.9 billion won just for the running guarantee, according to the Daily Sports. In general, lead actors are paid about 13 to 15 percent of the net profit.

Besides the running guarantee, the two lead actors Choi and Ryu are expected to earn an additional guarantee of at least several hundred million won in total.

Directed by Kim Han-min, “Roaring Currents” portrays the famous Battle of Myeongryang in 1592 of the Joseon Era, fought at the dawn of the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598).

The film spotlights one of the nation’s most revered heroes, Adm. Yi Sun-sin, played by actor Choi Min-sik (“Oldboy”). Yi reaped an astonishing victory against the odds, defeating 330 Japanese warships with only 12 ships under his command. [more]

[Guest adikkeluangman]

Cho Jin Woong leaves a comment after 'Roaring Currents' surpasses 15 million views


Cho Jin Woong left a comment after 'Roaring Currents' surpassed 15 million views.
Actor Cho Jin Woong recently casted in movie 'Roaring Current' as a Japanese admiral named Wakizaka, who hates, fears, and admires admiral Lee Soon Shin, and how he got to cast in the movie is becoming a hot issue among many people.
Wakizaka is a prominent admiral of Japan, but Lee Soon Shin is the one and only enemy that he fears, and admires the most.
Cho Jin Woong told that he had a deep trust in 'Roaring Currents' from long time before the very first shooting. He told that he just had to cast in the movie no matter which character he plays because the movie is a tribute to the great admiral.
Cho Jin Woong decided his casting while going through concept images in director Kim Han Min's office, and it is said that he strongly recommended himself for the movie. After Choi Min Shik was decided for Lee Soon Shin part, Cho Jin Woong was decided for Wakizaka part.
Not only did he thoroughly prepare his Japanese lines, but he also cut all of his hair, and wore a wig for his wedding ceremony.
During media premiere of 'Roaring Currents,' Cho Jin Woong said, "This film was a pre-requisite film for my career," which means that he just had to cast in the movie no matter what it took him. Cho Jin Woong participated in the movie with fully sufficient knowledges about the movie, and deeply impressed many viewers with the depth of his acting, and charisma.
Cho Jin Woong said, "I would like to express a profound gratitude to all of the audiences for the huge number that they have made for the movie. I hope many people will remember admiral Lee Soon Shin, the battles that he conducted, and this movie for a long time."
Meanwhile, 'Roaring Currents' is getting played at every movie theaters in Korea.
http://en.starnnews.com/news/index.html?no=321667
Costumes for Admiral Yi and Gurujima been displayed at CGV Megabox COEX
The cutest relationship chart ever

[Guest adikkeluangman]

The main poster revealed.

[czakhareina]

[HanCinema's Take] The "Admiral" and his Impossible Fleet

I'm always intrigued when patterns emerge in space-time; plausible improbabilities that speak to universal truths, or magically mirror the collective's consciousness. These uncanny alignments aren't always meaningful, or random, but there's a persistent allure to be found in such synchronicity; as if, when aligned, a precious pinhole appears, a vague vantage point awaiting some some golden thread to pierce and grab the message in bottle before it's too late.
Last week a new Korea box office champion was crowned as Kim Han-min's "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014) cruised past Bong Joon-ho's hybrid hit "The Host" (2006), becoming the peninsula's highest grossing film of all time.
"Roaring Currents", Kim's second dynastic dip back in time, after the 7.5M stub success of "Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon" (2011),  currently has over 14.6M admissions; a hefty haul that's already well past the 13M claimed by Bong's beast. This glorious cinematic re-imagining of Battle of Myeongnyang (October 26, 1597) has, with Choi Min-sik as the ineffable  Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (1545-1598), became not only Korea's new flagship film, but a timely and twisted treatment of the terrible tragedy that hit the country back in April.
Around 300 people died in the MV Sewol's sinking. It was a nauseating event that shocked the country and sparked heavy criticism towards the surviving crew and captain, as well as the organisational procedures designed to protect and serve. To symbolise the nation's lost, a campaigned was started soon after that encourage the public to wear yellow ribbons, a open gesture of solidarity that was supported by the Pope Francis during a recent state visit.
Sewol's sinking was a heartfelt horror that terrorised the country and united through heartache and Han, but the curious capsizing also ignited concerns around maritime safety practices and procedures and, currently, the the surviving captain and crew on trail. On Friday it was reported that Kim Young-Oh (one of the fathers) had to be hospitalised after sinking into a 40-day hunger strike when news came in that his 16-year-old daughter was lost.
Imagine hearing the announcement to don your life jacket, only to then have to wait and wonder at the water rising. When some of the young survivors testified, they described how they waited for the water so they might float up to the Dutch door to escape; a level-headed solution that came from an elected class leader. They made it to the hallway, and then all the way to courtroom - "homicide through wilful negligence" are the charges against the surviving ferrymen, with death be a possible punishment.
Up to his own death Admiral Yi Sun-Shin enforced his own personal code of honour, repeatedly hiding his wounds/weakness from his superiors and crewmen in service to the task at hand: during his military exam Yi broke his leg after falling off his horse, but splintered it himself and soldiered on; in 1586 he received an arrow in the leg from a Manchurian marauder, but his comrades where non the wiser; and during the Battle of Noryang (1598), this legends final chapter, and despite being fatally struck by a stray bullet, he chose to conceal his injury to avoid demoralising his followers - dying quietly in his cabin while the war drums boomed on above. He embodied his own "three essentials of the warrior: humility, discernment, and courage", and showed an unbridled commitment to Korea's cause even when the political powers that be beckoned his destruction. 
After failing a rigged test of loyalty set for him by a cowardly consort, Yi was forced once again to the capital, this time in a cage carried by ox cart to account for his patriotic crimes. His life was filled with such timely tests; great pressures that revealed the character of the man as an (awe)inspiring "national symbol of honesty and self-sacrifice".
Kim's cinematic re-imagining of this courageous captain, in the wake of Sewol, has resonated with Korea's collective consciousness and continues to attract mindful mourners in record numbers. It's the type of mystical connection Carl Jung would've wondered about: a curious cinematic wake that looks back to the best to move forward from the fettered, a cathartic callback hidden in hype and Hollywood.
Kim has done this before though, except in "Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon" it was history itself that needed a worthy hero. Injo of Joseon (who reigned from 1623 to 1649, some twenty-five years after Yi's death) was the grandson of King Seonjo (whose reign started the year after Yi began studying the traditional Korean military arts - archery, swordsmanship, and horse-back riding), both of whom received militant moral guidance as either the anachronistic archer ("Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon") or anchorman ("The Admiral: Roaring Currents"). In "Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon" Park Hae-il plays Na-min, a war-torn warrior protecting his own kingdom with his futile King crumbles under invading Qing Dynasty.
Both Na-min and Yi are characters of conviction. Like Fleming's Bond, Kim's hero's are emboldened from something 'within' themselves; an internal motivator pointed positively towards an universal ethic. The difference is matter for space-time: both are (moral)messages in bottles, but where are Na-min is positively affecting the past, Yi's arrive on our present shores to assure and inspire. It is the ineffable Korean 'Han' cinematically realized and at play in Kim's two intuitive Joseon gems. 
Although Kim's "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" is currently leading the charge at the box office, it's not the only ship in the sea to emerge in the aftermath of Sewol. Last weekend second and third place fell to two other seafaring features, both of which take us aboard for real-world drama ("Sea Fog" by Sim Seong-bo) or a cross-pollinated period fantasy ("Pirates" by Lee Seok-hoon). These shipshape Signals tempt us woolgathering a golden thread through their alignment, to fantasise about the ferry through water-tight dreams of heroes and hopefuls.   
- C.J. Wheeler
Hancinema | August 24 2014

[czakhareina]

class="title_sec" style="font-size: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: top; color: rgb(39, 41, 42); line-height: 34px; font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, 돋움, Dotum, Helvetica, AppleGothic, sans-serif; background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"‘Roaring Currents’ pulls in 16 million viewers
A homegrown film about a 16th-century Korean naval hero’s crushing victory over Japanese naval forces exceeded the 16 million-viewer mark on Sunday for the first time in local box-office history, the movie’s investor-distributor said.

“Roaring Currents” reached the milestone at 8 a.m. on Sunday, the 26th day since it hit local screens, CJ Entertainment said.

The record came five days after it drew a cumulative 15 million viewers.

On Aug. 15, it became the most-watched movie at theaters in the country, breaking the previous record of 13.62 million viewers held by Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar.” 

Industry watchers said the movie is expected to exceed 17 million viewers.

Starring veteran actor Choi Min-shik, the historical drama tells the story of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) Admiral Yi Sun-shin’s victory in the battle of Myeongnyang against Japan in 1597. In the decisive naval battle, Yi, who had 12 ships under his command, defeated a fleet of more than 130 Japanese warships. 
credit Yonhap
August 24 2014

[czakhareina]

class="h1_content_viewTitle" style="margin: 25px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; -webkit-print-color-adjust: exact; font-style: italic; font-size: 30px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 37.5px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"Admiral Yi Sun-sin fever sweeps North AmericaThe smash hit “The Admiral: Roaring Currents,” a movie that has been watched by more than 1.5 million people in less than one month since its opening on July 30, has struck a chord with moviegoers across North America. 

The official English-language poster of the film “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” (photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment)

The film opened in 30 major North American markets on August 15, including Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, New Jersey and Virginia. It has since hit a record high, becoming the highest-grossing Korean domestic movie ever in the region. 

Local leading news outlets rushed to report the sensation the movie has created since its opening. For example, the Los Angeles Times daily said that, “The action scenes are intense, showing sophisticated visual effects with realistic period-era warships trading cannonball volleys.” 

“The lingering grief from April’s Sewol ferry sinking has left South Korean moviegoers eager to be reminded of this narrative of courage and triumph,” it added. 

The August 16 LA Times article introduces the heroic tale of “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” that has been a megahit in Korea.

The New York Times article “Inside a 16th-Century Naval Battle," published on August 14, features the film “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.”

Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter magazine mentioned, “Much of the naval action is realistically and thrillingly staged with blazing cannon fire and slashing swordplay that sufficiently diverts attention from the sometimes unrealistic special effects.” “Admiral Yi is as likely to achieve mythic status onscreen as he has in historic accounts,” it added. 

The Hollywood Reporter article features the smash hit “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” that has set records at the American box office since opening on August 15.

The movie, directed by Kim Han-min, tells the story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a navy commander of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1920). It focuses on the heroic tale of the 1597 Battle of Myeongnyang, in which Yi and his navy fought against an encroaching Japanese army off the sea of Myeongnyang, currently the coast near Jindo Island, Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province). 

The battle is a naval victory regarded as a national victory in Korean history, as Yi led his last 12 ships to an against-all-odds triumph over more than one hundred Japanese vessels. 

The 128-minute film is divided into two sections. The first half has a narrative of Yi’s planning for the battle, while the second focuses on the historic naval clash. 

Scenes from the film “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” (photos courtesy of CJ Entertainment)

“Now we are living in a totally different world than where Admiral Yi lived, but Yi’s spirit and his heroism in which you can see in the movie still gives us lessons and his courage still touches our hearts,” said Choi Min-sik who plays the hero in the film. 

Actor Choi Min-sik plays the heroic commander of the Joseon-era navy, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in the megahit “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” (photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment)

Actor Kim Myung-gon acts as the Japanese daimyo Todo in “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” (photos courtesy of CJ Entertainment)

Actor Cho Jin-woong plays the Japanese admiral Wakizaka in “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” (photos courtesy of CJ Entertainment)

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong stars in “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” as the cold-hearted Japanese samurai Jurushima. (photos courtesy of CJ Entertainment)

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
jiae5853@korea.kr
KOREA.NET

[Guest LadyAra]

class="title_sec" style="line-height:34px;"'Roaring Currents' earns over $1.18m in North America

A South Korean megahit movie about a 16th-century Korean admiral's astonishing victory over Japanese naval forces has earned more than $1.18 million after last week's release in North America, the movie's distributor said Monday.

The film, "Roaring Currents," posted the box-office haul in seven days after it was released in the region on Aug. 15 under the title "The Admiral: Roaring Currents," according to CJ Entertainment.

The figure is a record for a film directly distributed by a South Korean distributor, according to its officials. The previous record was $923,442 for the local drama "Gwanghae: the Man Who Became the King."

Thanks to favorable reviews by critics and moviegoers, the number of theaters screening "Roaring Currents" in North America rose from the initial 30 to 42 in the film's second week, CJ said.

In South Korea, the film surpassed 16 million viewers on Sunday.

It depicts a legendary naval victory over Japan led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597, the commander prevailed with only a dozen ships against Japan's 300 warships.

Meanwhile, "Snowpiercer," the English-debuting film by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, has topped $4 million in sales since it opened in the United States on June 27, becoming the top-selling Korean film ever in the U.S. box office. Released by a local distributor, the sci-fi action film is still being screened in American theaters. [more]

[Guest adikkeluangman]

I never saw this one before...

#Kimtaehun [Roaring Currents] slogan-line poster "Would our descendants know that we were in this much trouble"pic.twitter.com/DLWR2hRzTO

— JYPACTORS (@JYPACTORS) 

August 25, 2014

[czakhareina]

class="at_title" style="font-style: normal; padding: 0px 17.15625px; margin: 0px; font-size: 32px; list-style: none; line-height: 38px; letter-spacing: -0.04em; clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: 'Noto Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"'Battle Of Myeongnyang' Director Says He Was Introduced To Choi Min Sik By Director Yoon Jong Bin

The director of "Battle of Myeongnyang" Kim Han Min said he was introduced to Choi Min Sik by director Yoon Jong Bin.

On August 18, Kim Han Min said, "All the directors are top notch. I hope for a win-win situation. We all know each other well."

Kim Han Min mentioned that the movie, "Kundo: Age of the Rampant" would release a week apart from "Battle of Myeongnyang," but that's not something directors can control.

When asked what direction he led Choi Min Sik in the movie, "Battle of the Myeongnyang," he said, "I didn't give him much direction. We spoke plenty before filming the movie. Choi Min sik wanted to be the Lee Soon Shin that he pictured and I wanted to capture every detail of it."

"Battle of Myeongnyang" is based in 1597 of a battle in the sea with the lead of general Lee Soon Shin. Actors Choi Min Sik, Ryu Seung Ryong, Jo Jin Woong, and Jin Goo, as well as actress Lee Jeong Hyun are the main casts. 

 

© 2014 KpopStarz. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

[Guest LadyAra]

'Roaring Currents' Still Draws Herds of Moviegoers

The film "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" has attracted over 16 million viewers as of Sunday, fewer than four weeks after its release on July 30.

The war movie, based on the story of Korean history's most astonishing military victory by Admiral Yi Sun-shin, has already become the most commercially successful film in Korea, breaking several new records.

It is the only film ever to be viewed by over 15 million spectators in Korea.

A positive response from viewers continues to attract people of all ages, as the film is still enjoying explosive popularity nearly a month since its release. [more]

[maddymappo]

I just saw this film yesterday in NYC courtesy of Korean Cultural Org.   Unfortunately the theater has a small screen but even the theater on Times Square that is showing this film, showed it on a small screen.  I truly wanted to see this film on a really big screen to enjoy the scope of the battle scenes.  I am still very grateful to see it in NYC, and enjoyed the film very much.  
Choi Min-sik is wonderful as Admiral Yi Soon-shin, he really draws you into the film and holds your attention at all times.  His intense focus brings the fourth dimension to the experience.   The writers do an admirable (pun intended) job.  They have managed to bring into the story the people of Korea as a character in the film. Bravo.  I highly recommend it.

[Guest adikkeluangman]

VIP Red Carpet Released.


Lee Jong Suk

Suzy. I guess she went to give support to Ryu Seung Ryong for their upcoming movie.

YooChun 

Park Sung Woong

Lee Jin Wook

Yoon Joon Sang and Uhm Ki Joon

Kim Ji Hoon

Son Dam Bi
Lee Joon
Lee Young Ja and Oh Man Seok

g.o.d Park Joon Hyung and Danny Ahn

via 12vs330

[Guest LadyAra]

class="content-title"“Roaring Currents” Surpasses “Avatar” and Becomes the Biggest Grossing Movie in Korea

Historical blockbuster “Roaring Currents” has surpassed the record set by the American sci-fi movie “Avatar” and has become the biggest grossing movie in Korea.

“Roaring Currents” distribution company CJ E&M released on August 30 that “Roaring Currents” has grossed 128,481,090,010 won (approximately 126,552,588 USD) in 31 days since it opened in theaters. It has now become the biggest grossing Korean movie of all-time, surpassing “Avatar” which grossed128,447,097,523 won in Korea.

Previously, the movie set a record for reaching 10 million audience in the shortest period of time, of just 12 days. Then it managed to set another record for a Korean film, bringing out 16 million people to see the movie. Its ticket sales are far ahead of the tickets sold for the next two top-grossing films, “Avatar” and Bong Joon Ho‘s “The Host,” both in the 13 million range. [more]

[Guest adikkeluangman]

Part 2 of the Special Lecture

More pictures from VIP Premiere
Choi Min Sik

Choi Min Sik selfie with a fan and behind him is the director
Ryu Seung Ryong and Jo Jin Woong at the back
No Min Woo
Whole cast and director

Celebrities that also came to support : Lee Jong Suk

Park Yoo Chun

Suzy
g.o.d Park Joon Hyung and Danny Ahn
Lee Jin Wook
Uhm Ki Joon and Yoon Jun Sang
Lee Young Ja and Oh Man Suk
Park Sung Woong
Jung Suk Won
Kim Ji Hoon
Lee Jong Hyuk
Ock Joo Hyun
Joo Yeon
Go Seung Hee
Park Ji Yoon

[czakhareina]

'Roaring Currents' sets record sales in S. Korea

SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean historical film depicting a 16th-century naval hero who foiled a Japanese invasion has become the country's most profitable film one month after its box-office debut, data showed Saturday.

"Roaring Currents," which portrays Admiral Yi Sun-sin's dramatic victory over Japanese naval forces during Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), has reaped 128.48 billion won (US$126.71 million) in domestic sales as of Aug. 29, according to the Korean Film Council.

The previous record was 128.47 billion won set by Hollywood science fiction "Avatar" in 2010.

"Roaring Currents" has already set new records in local box-office history. The epic movie has drawn more than 16 million viewers as of Friday in a nation with a total population of 50 million.

CJ Entertainment, the film's distributor, said it hopes to rake in more profit from overseas releases.

The film, which was released in the United States under the tile "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" logged sales totaling $1.18 million within seven days of its release on Aug. 15, the company said, adding that it will be released in other countries.

mil@yna.co.kr
YonHap

'Roaring Currents' breaks the sales record of 'AVATAR'

Movie 'Roaring Currents' broke the sales record of 'AVATAR.'

According to Korea Film Council's data summary, movie 'Roaring Currents' reached sales of 128,481,090,010 KRW as of August 29th, and broke the sales record of 'AVATAR.'

Before 'Roaring Currents,' 'AVATAR' held the highest sales record(128,447,097,523 KRW).

'AVATAR' could raise its sales volume quicker than any films, because most people watched it as 3D, but 'Roaring Currents' easily broke the record even though it was not released as 3D film. 'Roaring Currents' recently became the most watched film in Korea, and now, it achieved the title of highest sales.

'Roaring Currents' also demonstrated how a well made content can give positive effects to other industries, like publication, tourism, tourism, food, financial, and toy production.

A representative of CJ E&M said, "'Roaring Currents' will be officially released in a great number of other countries soon, and the total sales amount will keep rising. All of the profits made from 'Roaring Currents' will be used for the better future of Korean film industry."

Meanwhile, movie 'Roaring Currents' is a movie about admiral Lee Soon Shin and the Battle of Myeongnyang, which is regarded as one of the most legendary wars that happened during Joseon dynasty.

/Reporting by Lee Mi-Ji en@starnnews.com
StarNNEws

[czakhareina]

class="block space-min-bottom" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 8px; font-size: 24px; line-height: 23px;"‘The Admiral’ Review: Choi Min-sik Mixes Blood and Water Into an Exciting Wartime Cocktail
Foreign Objects By Rob Hunter on August 19, 2014

Admiral Yi Sun-shin (Choi Min-sik) was a revered Korean military commander, but after a Japanese plot involving false intelligence left him looking like a traitor he was relieved of duty and tortured by the men he had previously served and fought beside. The government’s attitude changes though when a second Japanese invasion heads towards their shores in 1597. The invaders sink most of the Korean navy and aim their forces for the capital, Joseon, leading a reluctant king to reinstate Yi as their last hope of fending off the enemy.

He has his work cut out for him as only twelve ships remain in his ocean-going arsenal, a number that pales beside the 300+ Japanese vessels heading their way, but with the right strategy and the right location one man can fend off thousands. Well, that’s his working theory anyway.

The Admiral — also known as the far more accurate and descriptive Roaring Currents outside of the U.S. — is a new South Korean film that tackles a legendary true tale from the Joseon Dynasty period, and it does so with historical detail and cinematic flair. In a way it splits those two attributes evenly into two halves of the film, and while both have their strengths they’re equally balanced by somewhat minor issues.

Yi is known for his strong use of strategy, but his most successful gambit involves structurally-reinforced “turtle” ships that withstand assault and impact when they ram the enemy. The problem facing him now though is an absence of those ships. None of the twelve in his fleet fit the bill, and a race against the clock to build one ends in disaster due to sabotage from within. That incident is fueled by the doubt and lack of conviction felt by his men as the Japanese sail closer, but even as his own superiors begin to question the king’s faith in Yi he stands strong in his belief that victory favors the strategically prepared.

The dangerous and constantly shifting waters of Myeongnyang Strait is where he prepares that strategy and where he and his men face off against the Japanese navy. Included among the invading fleet are ships led by another legend in his own right, Kurushima (Ryu Seung-ryong in a wonderfully ominous and charismatic performance), an intense and bloodthirsty “pirate” brought in specifically to deal with Yi. Cannons, rifles and bows fire across the waves, swords slice through the sea air and soon the waters are roiled with splintered wood and spilled blood.

Director Kim Han-min‘s film honors the characters, both real and imagined, by spending time on both sides at various levels before the battle commences. We see men making poor decisions alongside others offered no choice in the matter and see the result of both in the bodies that pile up at the survivors’ feet. One particularly gruesome scene sees the Japanese military’s habit of beheading the enemy brought vividly to life as a boat arrives on the Korean shore loaded with hundreds of heads belonging to Korean soldiers. The chaos, sadness and defeat that engulfs the remaining men and families is as effective as a bomb blast.

While these side stories and characters are brought to life in minor fashion — including Yi’s son and a scout with a deaf/mute wife waiting at home — the film belongs to Yi. Happily Choi inhabits the character fully bringing a powerful fury to the man while still allowing him to show the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. “If you desire life you will surely die,” he tells his men in the film’s Braveheart moment. “And if you fight to the death then you shall surely live.” It’s rah-rah material, but it works both in the film and on the audience.

The film’s greatest strength aside from Choi is the battle scenes in part because there really are so few sea-set war films made these days. Much of the large scale action is accomplished and assisted with CGI — something that works as often as it doesn’t — but Kim also had a handful of life-size ship replicas made allowing for some fantastic closer-in action. Cannon blasts send wood chips and bodies scattering, and boarding parties see desperate man to man fights flailing violently, falling between ships and littering the decks. It’s all accompanied by a fantastically rousing score as well that keeps attention and excitement high.

Some sketchy CGI interrupts the fun on a few occasions, but it’s the script that feels more unfortunate at times. The film introduces far too many players, especially on the Japanese side, without giving them enough to do. The end result is a parade of faces that leave viewers struggling to recall what their specific beef is here. It’s a minor struggle to be sure, but it’s there. The film also heavily implies that both Korean and Japanese people have bionic vision and hearing. Most of us can’t recognize a face across a room, but these folks are doing so across thousands and thousands of yards of open water.

The Admiral feels a bit cluttered in its first half as numerous players on both sides move in and out of frame, but the final sixty minutes are thrilling, wonderfully dramatic and move the film towards the top of the (unfortunately short) list of sea-set war films.

The Upside: Choi Min-sik gives a powerful and charismatic performance; impressive action and production design; richard simmons-kicking monks

The Downside: First half feels overly complicated at times; some dodgy CGI; Asian bionics

On the Side: The film recently passed the records for most tickets sold in South Korea with over fourteen million admissions. This beats the previous best for Korean films (Bong Joon-ho’s The Host) and films overall (Avatar).

credit film school rejects