The Admiral: Roaring Currents

Admiral Yi Sun-sin faces a nearly impossible task when his fleet is ordered to defend the nation during the Imjin War with only 13 ships against a vastly larger Japanese force. The film follows Yi Sun-sin as he steadies the crew, weighs risks, and crafts strategic plans under pressure. With a numbers gap that should guarantee defeat, he relies on bold formations, timing, and the crew’s discipline to buy time and create openings. The narrative centers on leadership, sacrifice, and the human cost of war, portraying how small acts of courage can alter the course of a single battle. The film also foregrounds the toll on families and sailors who endure the strain of war. That focus holds you close.

Directed by Kim Han-min, The Admiral: Roaring Currents draws on the historical Battle of Myeongryang and Yi Sun-sin's leadership. Released in 2014, it was produced on a 9.5 million dollar budget and showcases Korea's cinematic ambition with grand naval sequences.

The film grossed about 138,342,258 worldwide on a budget of 9.5 million dollars, marking a major commercial success and underscoring the appetite for large scale Korean war cinema. Its worldwide appeal helped bring attention to Korean productions globally and persistently.

Among Korean war epics this film stands out for its maritime set pieces and Yi Sun-sin's resolute leadership. It reinforced national pride while introducing audiences to Korea's cinematic scale and willingness to tackle historical battles with digital and practical effects. Its period detail extends to costumes, ships, and weathered textures worldwide.

Critics praised the film for its brisk pacing and Choi Min-sik's portrayal of Yi Sun-sin, highlighting leadership under pressure, loyalty among sailors, and strategic ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds. The drama foregrounds duty, resilience, and collective courage, offering a counterpoint to modern warfare with human-centered storytelling for viewers.