The final in the Trilogy of Korean War films Noryang: Deadly Sea makes its Blu-ray Debut thanks to Well Go USA.
The Film
Writer/Director Kim Han-min’s third and final entry into the life of Yi Sun-sin the historical military mastermind picks up where The Admiral: Roaring Currents left off. The conclusion to the Seven-Year Imjin War as it nears an end.
Yi Sun-sin (Park Hae-il) has seen the windfall of the Wae (e.g., Japanese) army, and is the time to strike. The admiral thinks the only way to end the War and save his people is to completely eradicate the Wae forces. Though Chen Lin (Jung Jae-young), the governor of the Ming Dynasty – and supposed alley – feels this isn’t necessary and refuses to help in completing the war and would rather let them retreat. Yi Sun-sin knowing the Japanese brutality and plans knows that they will be back unless they can send a message showing unification and equal brutality to their enemy.
The film isn’t entirely dependent on seeing the first two in the trilogy but it sure helps. Writer/Director Kim Han-min has concocted a truly epic finale for his epic story. Running a muscular 153 minutes wastes really no time. The film has set the stage efficiently with the alliances, the stage, the goals, and everything to allow for one to be washed over by the 2-hour battle at sea. There is an adroitness that Kim approaches everything within the first act of the story that is directed to not just action and physical geography but an emotional one as well.
Noryang: Deadly Sea delivers the kind of smart tactical sweeping action that Peter Jackson so beautifully brought to the screen with his Adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. Director Kim understands that it isn’t just the action but the personal and emotional stories that matter as much if not more than the visuals. Luckily, both are equally balanced and the result is a film that visually rivals the books of Patrick O’Brien and his seafaring nautical epics.
The Transfer
The transfer provided to Well Go USA is flawless. The digitally shot film looks crisp and sharp on Blu-Ray. The handsome image has no issues with handling the color reproduction or contrast and black levels. Nothing but a clean radiant image.
The Extras
They include the following;
- Character Highlights
- Theatrical Trailer
Character Highlights (2:23) – this EPK-style featurette goes over the various characters giving people context for the various players in this sweeping epic’s conclusion. This is a great primer for anyone who may feel intimidated by the film and the multiple characters. Korean with English Subtitles.
Theatrical Trailer (1:28) – Korean with English Subtitles
The Final Thought
Well Go USA continues to release the very best in South Korean Genre films. Noryang: Deadly Sea is no exception. Highest Possible Recommendations!!!