The Pirates

The film opens as Joseon is on the brink of founding. A Chinese envoy carries the Ming Emperor's royal seal, only to be swallowed by a colossal whale during a sea mishap. A generous reward is posted for anyone who can retrieve the seal from the whale's belly, and the race is on. Two rival groups join the chase: a rough band of mountain thieves led by Jang Sa-jung and a rowdy pirate crew led by Yeo-wol. Both sides press through traps and tides to seize the treasure, setting up a fast paced contest to reach the prize first.

Directed by Lee Suk-hoon, The Pirates comes from an original screenplay by Chun Sung-il and Choi Lee-Young. The film pairs Son Ye-jin and Kim Nam-gil in a high seas caper that blends humor with fantasy.

The Pirates grossed about 64.4 million dollars worldwide against a 13 million dollar budget, reflecting solid performance for a Korean action adventure with fantasy elements.

Its breezy mix of pirates and period fantasy gave audiences a lively alternative to typical historical epics. Standout sequences on stormy seas and the tug of rival crews between Yeo-wol and Jang Sa-jung linger in fans' memory and helped boost repeat viewings.

Reviewers praised the brisk pace, witty banter and the novelty of a pirate fantasy during a historical backdrop. The story treads rivalry trust and pragmatism as two crews chase a coveted prize while learning to cooperate when it matters, delivering a satisfying payoff.