The Film
Historic epics have been a Hollywood staple since its earliest days, but the films have largely focused on familiar stories, which is why we've seen numerous tellings (and retellings) set in ancient Greece or Rome. Only recently have other nations around the world begun to tell the stories that have largely been forgotten - unless you happen to take very specific college-level history courses or have a penchant for such things.
Case in point is the film industry in South Korea, which is now telling its country's history through film. History they say is told by the winners, and in the case of South Korea it probably has much to tell. The most recent offering is The Admiral: Roaring Currents, which chronicles the Battle of Myeong-Nyang in 1597 where a dozen Korean battleships led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin fended off a Japanese fleet of 330 battleships.
With its naval setting, crews in armor and a "David vs. Goliath" matchup it is easily comparable to 300: Rise of an Empire. However as a naval hack-and-slash it would be more accurate to put it in the context of the sea epics from the Golden Age of Hollywood and broadside it along Captain Blood or The Buccaneers. The story is simple and straightforward and it is never hard to see who are the heroes and villains, and yet it isn't so overdone as recent sea faring epics such as the aforementioned 300 or the recent Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
While largely unknown outside of Korea this battle was a key in the historic foundation of Korean nationalism. It is thus no surprise that the film won the Best Picture award at the Buil Film Awards, while the film's star Choi Min-sik was honored as Best Actor at the Asia Star War. It has since become the highest grossing film of all time at the South Korean box office.
The Picture
The 1.85:1 1080p presentation looks fantastic and really does bring out the rich colors of the Japanese and Korean armor. The CGI elements are well rendered but it is easy enough to distinguish what is real and what is virtual. Shot on green screen it does have the slightly artificial look of a film shot that way and this shows through relatively clearly on the Blu-ray. Yet the film's makers relied enough on real settings that The Admiral: Roaring Currents sails safely to the land of suspension of disbelief rather quickly.
The picture is free of any noticeable flaws, while again the color palette is well utilized. If anything the picture may too good as some of the wigs and make up on the Japanese samurai are revealed in their modern fakery. Despite these minor errors this is one Blu-ray that is filled with eye candy and is treat to watch.
The Sound
The Admiral: Roaring Currents is an action film that sounds good with roaring cannons, crashing waves and the screams of sailors. Yes it manages to not quite overload the senses. In fact the film deserves credit for providing the pounding sounds of war without leaving the viewer shell shocked in the process. The 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack, which is available in both Korean and English, also manages to allow the ambient sounds to filter through. A lossless mix would have been preferred but this lossy one sounds pretty good.
If there is a complaint in the audio it is that the English dubbing is horrific. Unlike most foreign language films this one has English as the default and the English track lacks any of the feel for the dialog, almost to the point that it was just read without understanding the emotion that is playing out. Fortunately it is easy enough to switch to the native Korean with English subtitles, which helps the viewer "feel" the words as much as hear them being uttered.
The Extras
It is in the bonus materials where the Blu-ray comes up short, offering only a short "making of" featurette. For a film with such a notable story to tell the filmmakers should have sought out some information on the actual battle and its historic significance it played in the Japanese invasion of Korea and the aftermath.
The extras also include a teaser and full trailer, but this one deserved more.
Final Thoughts
This film is truly an epic in every way. Its telling of an underdog force fending off villainous invaders easily translates to the exotic location of late 16th century Korea, and is full of colorful villains (both in their costumes and actions). It looks and sounds great on Blu-ray and this one ranks up with such naval epics as Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World, and tells a story from that far side of the world that is hardly known.
Product Details
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