How could one lead 12 ships against the enemy’s fleet of 330, and stand victorious in the end?
That’s the question director Kim Han-min started with, as he set out to make the epic film, The Admiral: Roaring Currents, which is roaring through theaters in South Korea and now in North America. The film’s distributor, CJ Entertainment, just released some behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the movie, which includes exclusive interviews with writer-director Kim, the cast led by star Choi Min-sik (of Oldboy fame), who plays title character Admiral Yi Sun-shin, as well as key figures in the crew, such as the production designer, costume designer and stunt director.
The Admiral tells the story of the legendary 16th-century naval battle led by Joseon Dynasty’s Admiral Yi against the Japanese—a battle where the odds were stacked against the Koreans who were clearly outnumbered. It’s a film that’s resonating with audiences, as the film surpassed 16 million viewers in South Korea on Sunday, according to Yonhap. Meanwhile, it has earned more than $1.18 million in North American theaters, after its Aug. 15 opening here, according to distributor CJ Entertainment.
In the making-of video, various members of the cast and crew talk about how it was an “honor” to be involved in a film about this real-life heroic figure from Korean history. “If Joseon was defeated in the battle of Myeongnyang, it’s possible Korea would not have existed at all,” remarks actor Ryu Seung-ryong, who plays Capt. Kurushima in the film. “In that sense, Admiral Yi is the savior of the country.”
“It was a mystery to me,” says actor Choi Min-sik, “how could a mere man’s thrust and conviction be so firm and solid?”
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at The Admiral: Roaring Currents.
