Roaring Currents continues to smash records
by awcoconuts
Roaring Currents is on its way to breaking every Korean box office record possible. Greatest opening? Check — 680K people went to see it on opening day. Highest mid-week attendance? Yes, the movie handily broke earlier records, with 980K folks seeing it on a weekday. Greatest number of tickets sold in a single day? Yep, that too: 1.25 million.
The film exceeded 1 million in ticket sales in the first two days, surpassed 2 million in three days, 3 million in four days, and so on and so forth until it surpassed Avatar, which previously held the all-time box office record with 13.3 million tickets sold; in the 18th day of its release, Roaring Currents accumulated over 15 million in ticket sales.
The previous first place domestic film (and now in third place overall) was 2012’s The Thieves, which ended its run just shy of 13 million admissions. Moreover, the ever-climbing number for Roaring Currents shows no sign of slowing, as weekday attendance is still high and advance ticket sales remain strong.
If you’ve been living under a rock, the action-filled blockbuster depicts Korean hero Admiral Lee Soon-shin (played by Chungmuro favorite Choi Min-shik) in the famous Battle of Myeongryang, during which he is said to have fought off 330 enemy warships with just 12 ships of his own. The grand-scale film about a beloved war hero brought to life by one of Korea’s most talented actors had everyone guessing this would be the smash hit of the summer, but I’m not sure anyone knew it would break so many records, and so soon.
Positive word-of-mouth (the tightly woven plot is said to stir deep emotions, and director Kim Han-min proved his chops in his previous film, Bow The Ultimate Weapon) and a strong ensemble performance (by Ryu Seung-ryong, Jo Jin-woong, and Jin Gu, to name a few) have also helped keep the buzz around the film going, and although Roaring Currents just opened in the U.S. on August 15, I’m willing international distributors to extend and expand the film’s run. It just seems like the type of movie you want to see on the big screen, and while I haven’t seen it yet, I’m trying my best to make it happen soon!
Via Osen
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Tags: Choi Min-shik, Jin Gu, Jo Jin-woong, Ryu Seung-ryong
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1 Ivoire
August 19, 2014 at 3:26 PM
I keep reading about this movie, seeing comments about it here and there. Thank you for the update.
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mai
August 19, 2014 at 6:53 PM
Rave reviews! When will the currents bring this to southeast asia?
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changhyun
August 19, 2014 at 11:16 PM
Yup, with the country divided over the Sewol Ferry tragedy and a lot of qualms with leadership (Park Geun-hye's approval rating has tanked) a lot of Korean citizens feel very lost and disenchanted with how the country is being run.
That's why the story of the most famous war general in Korean history is so moving, I watched the movie this Saturday and it makes you feel so patriotic and I had serious goosebumps a couple scenes in. Very sad and heartwarming and awe-inspiring all at the same time, great performances all around.
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Ivoire
August 20, 2014 at 11:43 AM
@ AJ, WOW! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I will definitely keep an eye out for this movie.
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2 zakin89
August 19, 2014 at 3:34 PM
*sigh* I'll probably have to wait till it's subbed somewhere online... Or maybe a DVD/Blue-Ray release for my region! Though I want to watch it so badly! I LOVE Choi Min Sik and the rest of the cast is just as awesome =)
It sucks so much at times like these to live in Austria/Europe. Sometimes Germany gets Korean movies in cinemas but never close enough to me (and I actually have just a 30 minute car ride to the next German town with a big cinema :P) T_T
Austria barely gets Korean movies -.- Last one was 'The Housemaid' though at least this one was played as a subbed version! I seriously hate all the film dubbing we get here because especially with Asian movies it destroys the feeling of a movie completely!
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Cindy
August 19, 2014 at 4:21 PM
Same problem here:-( Although I´m actually residing in Germany, I can´t find a theatre where the movie is playing. Do you have any further information or a link to a site that indicates which theatres in Germany are showing this movie?
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zakin89
August 19, 2014 at 5:26 PM
I don't think that there's a German release planned :( Which is a shame because I think that this one might actually do well.
Sorry if my comment was confusing I meant it as a general thing that Germany gets K-Movies more often than Austria^^ Though even in the case that Germany gets a release it mostly in the big cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt etc... I'd need Passau to get some K-Movies for once :D
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windsun33
August 19, 2014 at 5:53 PM
Here in Phoenix AZ it is showing at the IMAX and two regular theaters, so kind of surprised it is not in Germany.
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Newbie
August 19, 2014 at 11:38 PM
Well, the German movie market is ruled by (dubbed) American movies. There is the occasional German or French movie, but America it is. We've got a vivid repertory cinema scene, but my guess is, that Roaring Currents is not a movie for this audience.
We'll have to wait for a DVD release, as lots of Asian movies are available on DVDs here (e.g. Old Boy, 3 Iron, A Company Man, Ahjussi, My Sassy Girl, The Raid etc.)
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fab
August 20, 2014 at 3:43 AM
In the Netherlands we a have a couple film festivals that bring Asian movies to the theatres(and thank God they never dubbed them- always subbed!). In Amsterdam they organize biennially an actual Asian cinema Festival.
No such festivals in Germany?
But unfortunately just like in Germany the majority of theatres are ruled by Hollywood blockbusters- I stopped watching those in a while now.
Newbie
August 20, 2014 at 7:09 AM
I just know, that the large Japanese community in Düsseldorf organizes a Japanese movie week every year. And of course there is the Berlinale which usually offers lots of Asian movies too.
Come to think of it, it might be, that the Asian community in Düsseldorf offers movie nights just like Indian travelling cinemas do it for Hindi movies. But I fear those would be unsubbed and undubbed.
Just like you I stopped watching American movies. Last I saw was the latest Star Trek and all previews were end of the world or zombie CGI spectacles without a real story. Boring. Hollywood lost me for good. Not that Star Trek was a lot different. Lol.
Shadow-chan
August 21, 2014 at 11:57 AM
@Fab: There actually are at least two Korean film festivals in Germany, one in Berlin and one in Frankfurt. The one in Berlin actually shows movies from the Bus an Film Festival.
But well, unfortunately I can't just drive to Berlin like that... :/
But I think there's actually one in Düsseldorf as well (which is closer to me), but I'm not sure whether they show recent movies... They don't at the Japanese film festival :/
Newbie
August 19, 2014 at 11:40 PM
I just checked filmstarts.de, but there is no release date available.
http://www.filmstarts.de/kritiken/230052.html
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ama
August 20, 2014 at 3:09 PM
You might want to check this site once/if there's a release date for Germany: http://www.kino.de/filme/laender/suedkorea/
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3 Sleeplesspanda
August 19, 2014 at 3:34 PM
I have only heard amazing things about this movie. Such as how well they depicted both the general and the human side of the Admiral and that his loyalty and love for his country helped him over come the tremendous stress and loneliness his mission placed on him.
This has been at the top of my must see list unfourtunately I'm 7hrs away from a movie theater showing it! :((
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JO
August 19, 2014 at 7:10 PM
This is definitely a movie you want to see in theaters. That being said, I felt that it was a nice movie but not spectacular, so don't get too hyped. I think it particularly resonated with people in Korea particularly due to all the tragedy and foibles by the government.
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kooriyuki
August 20, 2014 at 10:23 AM
Interestingly, there're a few reviews (ie http://www.modernkoreancinema.com/2014/08/review-strong-effects-play-second.html) out there that doesn't seem so impressed with this movie, despite all the records it's breaking.
I'd still love to watch this; sageuks are all time favourite!
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Dr. Hwata
August 20, 2014 at 12:16 PM
The reason why this movie, known in the West as The Admiral, does not thrill movie critics is twofold: (1) It is jingoistic (think Michael Bay and search for a film by him that has ever earned critical praise); and (2) Despite epic battles and all the attendant roaring entertainment, the movie lacks character interests.
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4 news
August 19, 2014 at 3:36 PM
Roaring Currents just opened in the U.S.? Thanks, I'm going to watch it tomorrow! Bow The Ultimate Weapon is one of my all time favorite movies, so I must check out his latest movie.
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5 trotwood
August 19, 2014 at 3:46 PM
Here is a link that shows all the theaters currently showing The Admiral: Roaring Currents (with English subtitles) in the states. I am going to be driving for over an hour and a half to see it, but I keep glowing reviews, and it has Choi Min Suk!!!
http://www.cj-entertainment.com/movies/140624-001/the-admiral-roaring-currents#
I am usually not close enough to anywhere that shows newly released Korean movies, so I am really excited.
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Cocoboo
August 19, 2014 at 5:36 PM
Thanks for the link! I was surprised that there was one in my state, but it's still 2 1/2 hours away. OTL
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iamdeb
August 19, 2014 at 6:51 PM
Thank you! I can't believe I'll be able to watch this and Boyhood at the same movie theater. It's right across from my brother's place too.
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alexis
August 19, 2014 at 7:01 PM
Thank you!! I didn't think it was possible but I saw a theater in my area playing it! (it's not even a big city, so I'm very pleasantly surprised)
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6 trotwood
August 19, 2014 at 3:50 PM
Here is a link to the distributor site that includes all the theaters showing The Admiral: Roaring Currents (with English subs) in the United States.
I will be driving for an hour and a half tomorrow to go see this movie because I never know when they are going to stop showing foreign films. Usually, I am no where near where they are showing Korean films. I am very excited. It's Choi Min Shik on my big screen!!!
http://www.cj-entertainment.com/movies/140624-001/the-admiral-roaring-currents#
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Gidget
August 19, 2014 at 4:51 PM
Thanks for the link. There's a theatre reasonably close by, so a couple of hours and a ferry ride from now I'll be happily buying popcorn and settling in to watch. So excited!
(BTW Thanks Awcoconuts. Guess I'm one of those critters who's been living under a rock. Luckily this site doesn't let me stay there for long.)
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halo120
August 21, 2014 at 12:05 AM
Hi Gidget. Do you happen to reside in Washington state? I ask because you mentioned riding a ferry. If you do (and I do too), did your theatre list the movie? When I clicked on the link to the theatre closest to me, it does not list this movie being on the schedule on the stated date according to the website link.
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jensredshoes
August 19, 2014 at 6:20 PM
I was lucky enough to go see this film on the 15th and it was amazing. I live in the Chicago southwest suburbs and rarely see Korean films being offered in theatres here. the time I hear about them, they're gone. Thank you AMC Theaters for making us fans really happy! It was my first Korean film in a theatre with other excited viewers, not on my computer alone at home. :)
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changhyun
August 19, 2014 at 11:17 PM
Haha, hey fellow (almost) Chicagoan! That's where I saw it too :)
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jensredshoes
August 20, 2014 at 12:15 PM
Wow, so awesome to hear from a "neighbor". ;)
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moofubaby78
August 20, 2014 at 10:03 PM
Big thanks to AMC indeed! Luckily there's one in Atlanta that shows some Korean films and I'm so happy they got this one. It is AMAZING! Definitely worth it if you can make it to a big screen...but totally enjoyable not matter the screen size ;)
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7 hahahhaha
August 19, 2014 at 3:54 PM
If I'm not mistaken Choi Min Shik is also part of the CJeS...woooow...they are doing great this year!..especially having...starting from the album and concerts of the JYJ to this, then this will be followed by Yoochun's Sea Fog...i'll be anticipating for the next movie in line:)
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lyla
August 19, 2014 at 4:35 PM
he is really a great teacher along with sul kyung go..i love how yoochun and jaejoong tell how all the big actor hyung in their company teach them to be a good actor ... and we know the result both of them now improved so much...esp jaejoong with his recent drama "triangle"..
Choi Minsik told Kim Jaejoong, “Nowadays, when a drama gains a little popularity, they will say that the actor [of that drama] is good at acting. How come? I had a countless number of projects – play, drama, and movie. But after every project, I always feel dissatisfied because my acting is the same with this or that previous project.”
He also advised as a big sunbae, “It’s natural that you can’t act now. Even the sunbae, who has 10, 20 years of experience more than you, can’t act either. Acting is something you have to learn until you die. Don’t feel burdensome. Just practice like crazy by yourself.”
Kim Jaejoong explained, “After meeting Choi Minsik sunbae, I thought, instead of taking lessons and carrying the burden of applying what I learned into the movie and drama, I should just try to interpret in my own way first. If I didn’t meet sunbae, I would have worked with great burden.”
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8 Pyromaniac
August 19, 2014 at 3:55 PM
Thanks for the update~!!
I want to see this one. but I don't think it will be on the big screen..... need to wait for it to appear on the internet or something.
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9 yeri
August 19, 2014 at 4:45 PM
It also just became a definite lock to sweep all the film awards.
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10 dfwkimchi
August 19, 2014 at 4:53 PM
Going to see the movie at a Dallas suburb AMC theatres tomorrow night with Korean friend! So excited!
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11 ilikemangos
August 19, 2014 at 5:21 PM
Ah yes, i've been wanting to watch this epic film. Lucky for me, there's a theater 5 minutes away from where i live that's showing this film. Can't wait.
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12 zamboanguena
August 19, 2014 at 5:28 PM
Why am I crying reading about this? OMG!!! I want to watch this SOOOO BADDDDDD!!!
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13 Cocoboo
August 19, 2014 at 5:39 PM
This film sounds amazing. Glad it's getting a lot of buzz. I really want to see it, but I'll patiently wait for online subs one day.
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14 Noh
August 19, 2014 at 6:18 PM
Choi Min Shik it's like korean Robert deNiro
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Kiara
August 19, 2014 at 6:27 PM
I love Robert DeNiro but I have to say that Choi Min Shik is a legend and the better actor but that is just my opinion so don't shoot me :).
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ananke
August 19, 2014 at 7:21 PM
I won't shoot but it's better to say they are on a par with each other... It seems a disservice to both of them to argue one above the other: Both are the best of the best. Leave it at that.
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Gabby
August 20, 2014 at 4:56 AM
Currently turning out better performances does not mean he's an overall better actor. When Choi Min-shik has filmography that can rival the complexity, nuance, range, and flat-out quality of De Niro's earlier work which have stood the test of time - Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Heat, The Godfather Pt. II, Brazil, The Deer Hunter, The King of Comedy, Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America, Raging Bull - then we can talk about Min-shik being better.
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15 Kiara
August 19, 2014 at 6:22 PM
Totally worth the hype and YES go watch this EPIC movie at the theatre. I watched it last Friday and I'll watch it again this weekend.
Admiral Yi!!! ...what I can I say. He definitely earned his place in history as one of the world's greatest admirals.
Btw I think Admiral Yi had 13 ships vs 133 Japanese ships during The Battle of Myeongnyang. Not sure where the 330 Japanese ships came from.
Both Korean and Japanese records reported different numbers so I guess the real numbers is somewhere in the middle lol.
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alexis
August 19, 2014 at 7:05 PM
The thing that sparked my curiosity about Admiral Yi was seeing his statue in Seoul on Running Man :)
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SuziQ
August 19, 2014 at 10:15 PM
When I went to Busan in June, there is a big statue of Admiral Yi there too.
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pigsnout
August 19, 2014 at 11:27 PM
It was 133 battleships and 200 supply ships for the Japanese, so the total fleet was around 330 like awcoconuts says.
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Kiara
August 20, 2014 at 6:53 AM
I see, but if we are counting non battle ships too than Yi also had more than 13 ships but still out numbered.
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16 TG
August 19, 2014 at 7:22 PM
Anyone in NYC want to see it this weekend?
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17 LillyLee
August 19, 2014 at 7:33 PM
This like 300 with the Spartans. Guys are going to watch this over and over and over again. Hope I can see it soon also.
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18 mto
August 19, 2014 at 8:12 PM
saw it in nyc without any expectations. was happily surprised by it. subtitles were discreet and the action while at times graphic was appropriate for the story and the speed zipped along for one that clocked over two hours. some of the costumes were over the top and at times humorous. but the most moving parts of the movie was more deeply felt in the theater by evoking the Seweol ferry disaster -- the "roaring currents" was the same treacherous waterway that sunk the ferry.
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19 dramabird
August 19, 2014 at 9:18 PM
I think I'm going to try and watch this on Thursday or Friday! They have it up here in Vancouver (Canada) :) :)
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20 ana
August 19, 2014 at 9:44 PM
Ryu Seung-ryong's career is so freaking amazing right now! Another box office record breaking movie.
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21 SuziQ
August 19, 2014 at 10:05 PM
Definitely a must see in the movie theaters if possible. Saw it last Friday at an audience packed AMC theater in California. The movie was very entertaining. Very action packed and had wonderful CG battle scenes.
Been a fan of Choi Min Shik since the Old Boy movie. He was excellent in this movie as the Admiral. I was surprised to see two of my favorite Kdrama actors, No Min Woo who didn't have much of a speaking part and Kwon Se In who played the Admiral's son.
I only thing is I wish there was more character development about his adversary, Kurushima and the other Japanese naval commanders.
I love historical sageuks, and I have been watching some Japanese taigas over the years which involves the same time period about the rivalry between the Toyotomi and the Tokugawa clans. It is an interesting and a very turbulent period between Japan and Korea.
It is understandable after seeing this movie why this was the turning point in Korean history and why Admiral Lee Soon Sun Shin is so revered.
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SuziQ
August 19, 2014 at 10:07 PM
Oops typo..Lee Soon Shin.
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22 iwoney
August 19, 2014 at 10:46 PM
I watched this movie on opening day. I was very surprised, it was very good. It was so moving the scenes were graphic, the actors portrayed their roles realistically. The movie got me curious that I went home and researched the history and background about the admiral.
It appears that the movie has been made well to show the heroic pursuit of attaining victory against one's enemy.
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23 greentea
August 20, 2014 at 1:59 AM
[Battle of Myeongnyang] with Seol Min-seok
http://youtu.be/4Aj82M44iFo
http://youtu.be/_gNNrIH96dA
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24 greentea
August 20, 2014 at 2:01 AM
[Battle of Myeongnyang] with Seol Min-seok
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25 Gabby
August 20, 2014 at 4:41 AM
I've heard that "patriotic" doesn't quite capture the film's tone - non-Korean reviewers have described it more like jingoistic (the Japanese are portrayed as cartoonish villains not just as enemies/opponents, and the heroism of its Korean characters borders on sensationalized overkill - basically the Korean characters are perfect and brave and the Japanese are inherently evil). The reviews/plot synopses I've read make Mark Wahlberg's Lone Survivor look subtle, but hopefully people who've gone to see it can report back otherwise. Because jingoistic, war-glorifying pieces are not my bag.
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Kiara
August 20, 2014 at 7:34 AM
Well, its a movie, it's over-exaggerated just like most national hero's auto-biography (written by the winners). It would be the same way if the Japanese were making a movie based on Admiral Togo.
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jensredshoes
August 20, 2014 at 12:42 PM
I don't think the story portrayed the Japanese as "inherently evil" I don't remember that being said or suggested, but at that moment they had been trying to invade another country. The movie shouldn't apologize for not showing them in a sympathetic light. And if the two other Japanese admirals were shown as arrogant and foolish - it's because their own, what emperor?, believed them to be. So much so that he sent someone else to do their job because they didn't take their adversary seriously. At lease that's what I saw in the film... actually saw it, not read about it.
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jensredshoes
August 20, 2014 at 12:51 PM
One more point you made (Gabby) - the "heroism of its Korean characters borders on sensationalized overkill". The Koreans were shown as having no courage or will to continue their fight in such a hopeless situation. It was basically suicide. I can't blame them. So, in the film, Admiral Yi had to burn the naval barracks giving his fleet no choice but to move ahead. Still, I recommend you go see it and form your own opinion. :)
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trotwood
August 20, 2014 at 4:24 PM
I would suggest that you watch the movie yourself before making comments based on what other people have said. I actually did not think that the Japanese were portrayed as cartoonish villains. I actually felt for the Japanese pirate played by Ryu Seung-ryong who was called in to basically do the dirty work but was in it for revenge for his brother. I also don't know how people could say that the Korean side was completely portrayed as all good 24-7 when much of the Admiral's problems occur because of mutiny or borderline mutiny within his ranks and not getting support from his own king.
War movies or historical movies may not be interesting to a lot of people. However, I think this one was well done and deserves the praise that has been heaped on it as well as the popularity. I am always happy when quality movies are also popular because we all know that a lot of bad movies are also in the record books.
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Kiara
August 21, 2014 at 8:04 AM
"...not getting support from his own king "
This battle was not between Japan and Joseon. It was between Japan and Admiral Yi.
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jensredshoes
August 22, 2014 at 9:45 AM
I think what Trotwood meant was that the king wanted to disband the naval efforts and send the remaining men to battle on land. He didn't support Admiral Yi continuing the sea battle.
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26 yenny
August 20, 2014 at 7:55 AM
I was looking for other BC theaters and came up with this link to the North American sites - looks like there are quite a few more than CJ Entertainment lists...it must be succeeding!
http://www.hancinema.net/the-admiral-roaring-currents-premieres-in-the-north-america-on-august-15-71828.html
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27 AnnieW
August 20, 2014 at 10:15 AM
I've been wanting to see this movie since it went into production, preferably in a theater.
Unfortunately CJ Entertainment, the distributor, chose not to screen it in Florida; which means I'll have to wait for the DVD. And who knows how long that will take?
Grrrrrr
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28 dreamcloud
August 20, 2014 at 4:04 PM
Really happy Admiral Lee Soon Shin is getting an audience overseas... his story (I mean the real story) is so amazing. If you say you know about Korean history but don't know about him, you really don't!
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29 dearly
August 20, 2014 at 7:32 PM
From the trailers, this looks like an epic movie. Sort of reminds me of Red Cliff. I've read that Roaring Currents is split into 2 parts: 1st half focus on the Admiral's plan and the 2nd half is on the actions. I wish they would screen it in Sacramento. It would be alot closer to me. I don't want to drive 2 hours to S.F.
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30 Ahrim
August 20, 2014 at 10:12 PM
After watching the film during the opening week, i have to say, it was amazing. The film was well directed, and The cast was incredible. Even though the film was quite long, the film had me on the edge of my seat, taking me through a roller coaster of emotions. Trust me when i tell you that was not an easy feat. I watched a late night screening at 1:30AM, sitting on a giant sofa with my feet up. Okay, I was practically lying down. ㅡㅡ;; What can I say? Korean theaters. Haha.
If you are deciding whether this film is worth your time, my two cents: Go watch it!
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