The Yi Sun-sin Trilogy ~ Watch All Three Movies on ROKU
The Yi Sun-sin trilogy is an incredibly popular and epic South Korean historical war film series. Finally, all three (3) films are available to watch on the same streaming platform, ROKU. . The trilogy is about the three (3) major naval battles led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin Wars (1592–1598).
- “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” (2014)
- “Hansan: Rising Dragon” (2022)
- “Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023)
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(1) The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
Depicts the Battle of Myeongnyang (1597). “Do not look back when the only course is in front of you.”
MAIN CHARACTER:
LINKS OF INTEREST:
‘The Admiral: Roaring Currents’: Film Review | The Hollywood Reporter
Review: ‘The Admiral: Roaring Currents’ a thrilling look at sea battle | Los Angeles Times
TRAILER: Rotten Tomatoes Trailers. “The Admiral: Roaring Currents Official US Release Trailer (2014) – Choi Min-Sik War Drama HD.” YouTube, 14 Aug. 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=7PBIHkKi0wM&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD.
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(2) Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022)
Covers the Battle of Hansan Island (1592). “The righteous against the unrighteous.
MAIN CHARACTER:
LINKS OF INTEREST:
‘Hansan: Rising Dragon’ Review: Naval Gazing | The New York Times
Movie review: Hansan: Rising Dragon | Great Ming Military
‘Hansan: Rising Dragon’ (REVIEW) A Riveting High Seas Epic! | Silver Screen Analysis
TRAILER: Lotte Entertainment (International). “Hansan: Rising Dragon.” YouTube, 8 July 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYZ5xlS1MPI.
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(3) Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023)
Chronicles the Battle of Noryang (1598), the final battle. Yi Sun-sin was fatally wounded, shot by a Japanese arquebus (a matchlock firearm). BUT THEY WON! “Do not announce my death.”
MAIN CHARACTER:
LINKS OF INTEREST:
Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023) Movie Drinking Game & Review | MovieBoozer
Korean history tied to the Shogun era: Noryang: Deadly Sea Movie Review | The Review Geek
Noryang Deadly Sea Review: A Satisfying Conclusion To A Strong Trilogy | Society Reviews
TRAILER: Well Go USA Entertainment. “NORYANG: DEADLY SEA.” YouTube, 12 Dec. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPRkiVU39I4.
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REAL HISTORY TO HELP VIEWER APPRECIATE THE TRILOGY:
In Korean history, Yi Sun-sin was a legendary naval commander known for his strategic brilliance and the use of turtle ships (aka Geobukseon, Korean warships used during the Joseon Era against the Japanese naval forces). His military strategies helped defend ancient Korea against Japanese invasions during the late 16th century. His military record is impressive: 23 naval battles, undefeated, against overwhelming odds.
His most famous victory was the Battle of Myeongnyang. These were the odds: 13 turtle ships repelled 130 (or 330?) Japanese ships. Sadly, Yi Sun-sin was killed by a stray bullet during the Battle of Noryang, the final major battle of the Imjin War in 1598. He remains one of Korea’s most revered historical figures, celebrated for his leadership, tactical brilliance, and unwavering dedication to his country.
REFERENCES:
“Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) History.” Antique Alive, https://www.antiquealive.com/Blogs/Geobukseon_Turtle_Ship.html. Accessed 21 May 2025.
Lau, Jackie. “Battle of Myeongnyang 명량대첩 (1597).” Stories Preschool, https://www.storiespreschool.com/battle_myeongnyang.html. Accessed 21 May 2025.
Contributors to Military Wiki. “Battle of Noryang.” Fandom, Inc., https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_of_Noryang. Accessed 21 May 2025.
Cartwright, Mark. “The Japanese Invasion of Korea (otherwise known as the ‘Imjin Wars’), 1592-8 CE.” World History Encyclopedia, https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1398/the-japanese-invasion-of-korea-1592-8-ce/. Accessed 21 May 2025.
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