[Seulssine] 'Hansan' The Standard of Yi Sun-sin Movies... Beyond 20 Million, Will It Reach 30 Million?

[Lee Isul's Wise Cine Review]

Movie 'Hansan: The Emergence of the Dragon' Opens on the 27th
17.61 Million 'Myeongryang' Director Kim Han-min's New Work, Starring Park Hae-il
51-Minute Naval Battle Scene
The Victory of That Day Overwhelms the Screen

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The blue sea in front of Hansando unfolds refreshingly across the screen. There's no need for a separate summer getaway. The sound of the waves, and in the middle of the vast ocean, Joseon's ships facing the Japanese troops spread out like cranes with wings extended. A tense standoff. A tight tension between the ships floating on the sea wraps around the theater air like fog. Following the record-breaking audience hit "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014), director Kim Han-min returns after 8 years with a sharp edge. This is 'Hansan: Rising Dragon', which purely captures what everyone hopes for in an Admiral Yi Sun-sin movie and what they most want to see.

In April 1592, after the outbreak of the Imjin War, the Japanese quickly seize Hanyang. Harboring ambitions to advance to Ming China, they gather massively at Busanpo. Admiral Yi Sun-sin (played by Park Hae-il), Jeolla Left Navy Commander, agonizes over how to save Joseon from a defensive position. After the turtle ship was damaged in a previous battle, he contemplates new tactics. In July of that year, at the sea in front of Hansando, he achieves an overwhelming victory against the invading Japanese forces with a well-prepared strategy. This is the Battle of Hansan Island (閑山島大捷), where the Joseon navy led by Jeolla Left Navy Commander Yi Eok-gi and Gyeongsang Right Navy Commander Won Gyun defeated the main Japanese fleet. Along with the Battles of Jinju Fortress (晉州城大捷) and Haengju (幸州大捷), it is considered one of the three major battles of the Imjin War.

The film begins like a spy drama, explaining Joseon's situation and showing relationships between characters. About an hour later, the Battle of Hansan Island unfolds in a spectacular and dynamic way. The structure of the intense battle scenes in the latter half is similar to "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014). However, "Hansan: Rising Dragon" stands out with higher quality CG than its predecessor. The sea, created without actual water, and the intense battles within it provide thrilling excitement.

The highlight of the film is the 51-minute-long naval battle scene. Facing the ruthless Japanese forces, Joseon unfolds desperate strategies that will determine the nation's fate. It is refreshing and exhilarating. You can see the director's effort to create a very entertaining "Yi Sun-sin movie." It is clean and concise without any unnecessary elements. The battle is spectacular. The rhythm of tension as attacks and counterattacks are exchanged, crises arise and are overcome, standoffs occur, and finally an overwhelming victory is achieved unfolds smoothly.

The turtle ship (龜船) is another protagonist of the film. When it appears cutting through the blue sea, the audience can only surrender. It differs from previous portrayals of the turtle ship in films. Instead of focusing on its brave and grand external appearance, this film emphasizes its actual use and maneuverability in naval battles. The completed visual is fascinating, and it performs valiantly. It plays a one-man army role in battle, making it impossible to take your eyes off.

Park Hae-il portrays the wise general (智將) Yi Sun-sin with calm and restrained acting through the Battle of Hansan. Although he is five years younger than Choi Min-sik’s Yi Sun-sin in "The Admiral: Roaring Currents," his interpretation as a righteous and wise leader is impressive.

"This war is not a fight between countries, but a fight between righteousness and unrighteousness." This line supports the story until the end. The director said he wanted to convey strength and courage through Yi Sun-sin’s overwhelming victory. How will the story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, returning after 8 years, resonate with domestic audiences?

Attention is also focused on the box office performance of the Yi Sun-sin trilogy following "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" with "Hansan" and "Noryang." The powerful "Hansan," which has already surpassed 20 million viewers combined, is expected to break 30 million. It will be interesting to see how it performs at the box office. Running time is 129 minutes. Rated 12 and over. Opens July 27.