6 years after the Japanese invasion broke out. Admiral Lee Sun-shin was relieved of command, branded a traitor, placed under arrest and taken to Seoul in chains to be imprisoned and tortured.
(The Joseon fleet led by Yi's successor General Won Gyun, was ambushed and decimated by the Japanese navy.)
(Emboldened after their victory at Chilchon, the Japanese admirals took this opportunity to begin their invasion.)
(In the fall of August 16 and August 25. )
(With the Joseon navy taken out of the scene, the Japanese believed that they now had access and began advancing northward.)
(After being reinstated, Admiral Lee Sunshin rallied his troops, regrouped and strategized.)
(He acquired 12 warships and gathered the survivors of the battle in Chilchon.)
(The plan was to send a fast warship near the Japanese naval base and lure.....)
(....a fleet of 300 Japanese ships... one by one.)
Myeongnyang (The Admiral:Roaring Currents)
Jindo Island, Southwest corner of the Korean peninsula
So then,
When do you plan to have us join the army, Admiral?
What do you mean?
(Gyeongsang Naval Commander: Bae Seol) Why, His Majesty's command, of course. We are vastly outnumbered and the Japanese know it. They will be on the offensive and will attack.
We have been commanded to join forces with the army, so I'm asking you when we are doing that.
That is not an option for us.
What?
Listen Admiral,
the Japanese fleet already exceeds 200 and many of our soldiers have already run away.
- We've already lost even before it started.
(Junra Naval Commander: Kim Euk Cho) - The past ten days, about 50 soldiers have run away....
already....
You have to make a decision today about this, Admiral...
The further we delay, the further we allow the inevitable. We don't even know when this enemy would show up and that could be tonight!
Where can we go? How can we fight? We are basically cornered here.
Does anyone of your officers here have some bright ideas? Do we stand a chance?
Do we?!
Do you want to sit here and die?! Don't be afraid to speak up to your commander!
Admiral... please, explain it to us...
Aside from that single turtle ship of yours, do we have any other plans?
Watch how you speak to the Admiral. You fool!
How dare you! I am your commanding officer! So shut the hell up and listen!
Commanding officer? The hell you are! You should be ashamed of yourself!
You deserted your post and ran for your life at the battle of Chilchon!
Listen to me, Those twelve ships are here right now because I ran away!
If you don't know better, keep your stupid mouth shut.
Sir.... you know how pointless this battle is...
I was at Chilchon, I saw it myself...I saw what savages and how evil they are!
100,000 of our men have died in that battle!
Do you desire the entire Joseon's navy be wiped out?
You're all dismissed, officers.
- Admiral! - Your commanding officer has just ordered you to leave!
Let's go. It is crucial for us to repair the ships and check on our soldiers.
Now!
Haenam, Uhran Port (Japanese Navy base)
We must capture Korea's king and finish this war.
We can't make the same mistake and let him escape again like six years ago.
We must be faster than the storm when we attack.
-Let's do it quickly! -Yes, General.
We can't let the king of Korea be captured firstly by Genral Konishi.
I curious why His Excellency (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) is sending me a new officer...
and keeps telling me to just wait...
- Is that Wakizaka's flagship? - It is.
It seems like they're returning from spying the enemy's camp.
How often is this?
Including the surprise attack last night, I believe... about three times.
But I'm curious as to who this new officer that is keeping you wait?
I'm told, he's someone crucial for our victory in this battle.
It appears that, there is no one better to bring down Lee Sunshin than him.
Byukpa Port, Admiral Lee's Fleet
The Joseon navy has insufficient numbers and lost its advantage against our enemy, it would be better for you to abandon ship and have your men join the ground forces under General Kwon Yul.
What is he doing with his sword?
-I overheard them saying they were going to kill us all! -Of course they will!
Father! Father!
You bastard!
(Wakisaka Yasuharu)
I swear, I will kill you!
No!!!
I apologize for using shooting your prisoner with my sniper.
It was a bit hard to see.
Are you the one that the chancellor sent?
They're Iyo Navy from Ehime...
Navy? Everyone knows they are pirates.
Let's go!
(Junsa)
Jindo Byukpa Port (Joseon Naval Base)
-Dispatch Imminent-
The Japanese are acting suspicious. And their ships have already exceeded 200.
(Messenger: Im Junyeong) They are filling their ships with supplies and stolen horses.
And if anyone dares to fight back, they kill them and cut their noses off. They are also using kids for target practice.
It's what they do when they invade a region.
Is it true that 250,000 Japanese soldiers are coming from Jeonjoo?
Yes.
Many of them are saying that our navy is useless
and that they will soon be storming the capital city with their full force.
If we let them pass...
....then the capital will surely burn.
Send this letter to Junsa and make sure you bring back his reply.
Yes, Admiral.
The roof is finished! The roof is finished!
The roof is finished!
Sweetheart
Another talisman?
I've done this hundreds of times.
Don't worry too much. Anyway, I'll keep it safe.
I'm off.
Go home. Take good care of yourself!
Joseon Army Base (General Kwon Yul's Camp)
(General Kwon Yul) - He's refusing to follow orders again?
He believes it is the right thing to do.
If he disobeys direct orders from His Majesty again, this time, there will be no forgiveness for him!
Namwon and Jeonjoo fort have fallen already to the enemy's hand...
Japanese army is invading from the south...
And their navy is trying to go around the South Sea and attack the capital. If that happens, What will happen then?
With measley 12 ships, what does he think he can accomplish?
Then why are you asking us to join you?
How dare you! Do you not know Admiral's health is in bad shape right now?
Who made him that way?
Why you... do you have any idea what is happenning over here?
That fool Kato Kiyomasa is right at our doors.
We need every man fighting here for me and not for someone with a tainted reputation!
Stop him!
Please General, give us weapons and men.
Right now the Joseon Navy needs your help!
If you obey the order from our Maejsty, everything will be fine.
Will you truly completely ignore Admiral Lee's desperate request?
How insolent! Arrest him!
- Drag him out of here! - General, please!
General!
The Admiral told me to tell you this...
If you abandon the sea, you abandon Joseon!
General!
(Kurushima Michifusa) I've been waiting for half a day. Is this how you treat your guests?
We've been focused with planning our strategy that we forgot to come here and welcome you.
Please forgive us.
Well then...
Shall we hear the strategies that you have prepared...
...pirate king?
How can we capture King Seonjo?
On our way to Joseon, I was able to take a look at their waterways.
If we go around Jindo on a morning tide,
We can reach our army and supply them by night...
and will all that, we'll still be able to get to their capital.
It will only take a day and a half to get to Seoul.
That's a great plan!
But Lee Sunshin is not an average captain.
We should pass through the largest channel in front of Jindo
Take their capital...
And after that, I suggest we regroup with our groundforces and destroy Lee Sunshin together.
Why do you think Hideyoshi sent me Wakizaka?
What the hell did you just say? How dare you mention our chancellor by name!
You arrogant bastard!
With this hand, i will crush Lee Sunshin.
Or would you reather let Konishi take their capital first?
I apologize for our behaviors.
Please, sit down, Kurushima.
I swear by this sword that i will feared by the whole world.
With one swing, I will paint the world in blood.
Mother....
It's me, Father.
It's really great that we are here together.
(Yi Hwoe) Yes...
Father...
Go on tell me.
This seems like the perfect time, isn't it? Why don't you retire now?
because of this war, we haven't been able to bring grandmother home...
Give your men over to General Kwon Yul and tell the King Seonjo you are too sick to fulfill your duties.
I can see that you are angry at the King.
He tortured you and tried to kill you. Aren't you upset?
Father...
We only have 12 ships left...
Is that even enough to even call ourselves a navy at this point?
Even if against all odds, we win...
The King will surely abandon you.
What do you fight for?
Loyalty. I fight for loyalty.
To whose loyalty? To that... shameless king?
Someon once said...
"A warrior follows his king...."
"...and the king follows his people."
But not the king.
There is no country without its people. Without people, there is no king.
But people just want to survive. We can't expect anything from them.
Finish your meal. Don't let it be wasted.
- Stay back! - Stay back!
Admiral....
This will be the fate of everyone
Is...isn't that Captain Baehong Suk?
Oh god, Captain Bae...
- What do we do? - What can we do?
Holy shit!
Get them out of here!
Get out of here!
Kurushima Michiyuki 25 years old
Are you the one who sent the heads of the prisoners over to their side?!
I also sent their noses and ears.
Do you wish to die?
Why would you cause things to escalate by upsetting the enemy?
If they are worthy opponents, then why not?
But...
Are they worth it?
I said this once, Lee Sunshin is not an ordinary captain!
I suppose the rumors I hear are true then,
Many of your men secretly worship Lee Sunshin?
So it seems to me that your defeat at the battle of Hansan
has got your balls shriveled?
What the fuck, you bastard!!!
I'll tell you one more time...
Why do you think your boss sent for me?
It's because I am different than those of you who fear the great Lee Sunshin!
Don't be too quick to pull out your weapon
or your head will be the first one to roll.
Since my brother Michiyuki had become the chancellor's dog and joined this war,
He paid it with his life.
I believe he protected me from the chancellor
by volunteering to take my place in this war.
But he died at the hands of Lee Sunshin.
The chancellor is old now.
To think of it, he has until next year.
That's why he is so eager to end this war.
Joseon, which the chancellor desires so much...
will be mine soon.
That's why....
Lee Sunshin must die.
Do you understand, Haru?
This is the only way
to avenge my brother.
What's going on?
Isn't that Oh Sanggu?
He must have been caught running away!
Yeah that's him!
The Admiral's coming!
He was caught trying to run away.
The people who fought side by side with me for years are all died...
I buried their heads today...
I'm so terrified...
I feel like it will soon be my turn...
Will we all to die like them?
Are you done?
The military rule should be strict!
Do I make myself clear?
We're all screwed...
He's not going to change his mind.
Fine then..
I'll find a way.
(Myeongryang Strait, Blood Island)
This strait is narrow and shallow. That is why the current is quite violent here.
That's where it gets its name from. (Ooldolmok means the corner where water leaves crying)
Is this the place?
But Admiral,
If our enemy decides to come here, it must mean that this place is useful for them.
Look at the strong currents.
They will have our ships surrounded in no time.
It doesn't seem to be a very wise decision.
That is why we need a turtle ship
If a turtle ship can destroy the Japanese in the frontline,
and the rest of our ships can fire cannons at them...
It takes half a day for the current to change. Will turtle ship be able to withstand the attacks until then?
When the tide changes, the current changes with it, it becomes mild.
But the sound....
is quite unusual.
These days, the sound is like a grown man's cry.
Problem is the whirlpool.
It usually does not sound like that during high tide but...
...when the high tide comes and it makes sounds like that...
There will always was a big whirlpool.
It's going to be the great high tide in about two days...
Do you hear that?
To me, it sounds like the dead sodiers' cries.
Is that turtle ship your only plan?
The plan is not our issue here.
The issue is....
...the fear growing among my men.
Is there truly no way to deal with this?
What should we do if we can't overcome it?
Is threatening them with punishment the only way
to overcome fear?
Would that work?
Then...
do you think...
I can use that fear...
Use...use fear?
Admiral...avenge us...
Admiral...
Please avenge us...
Avenge us...
You're alive...
I'm glad you came.
Captain Choi...Captain Lee...
Please avenge us, Admiral...
Please avenge us...
Here...
Have a drink...
Have a drink and stay for a while...
Hey...
Where are you going?
Captain Lee.. Captain Choi...Hong Suk...
Please wait...
Why are you in a hurry...? Where are you going?
Father!
The ship is on fire!
Admiral!
It's Captain Baesul's men!
It's on fire!
Save the ship!
He's over there!
Do you want to live?
Lee Sunshin will get us all killed!
I've found a way for us!
Don't throw away your lives. It's not worth it!
So hurry up and esc--
Get more water!
Admiral please.
It's dangerous, sir!
No! this can't be!
Let me go!
No!
No...no!
It's our turtle ship...!
Father!
It's all over now.
We were almost there..!
I was going to defeat them with that ship...!
No...!
My lord!
Lee Sunshin's turtle ship was burned down.
What?
We sent some of our spies over on a mission on when we spotted fire from his camp...
we confirmed that his turtle ship was burned down to the ground.
That was the last one, wasn't it?
Correct.
Lee Sunshin no longer has any turtle ship.
Now we don't have any obstacles ahead of us.
I can feel the power in your caligraphy sir!
This will be our motto.
Let's go!
Junsa...Junsa where are you...
Cleaning the lands even before occupying it...
Help me!
Catch him!
Catch that bastard!
Hey, help me!
Hey, don't go! Help me!
Walk faster!
One is missing!
Find him!
Walk!
Faster!
I'm useful. I can row really well...
What the hell is he saying!
What the fuck?
Soo bong!
You little...
I'm sorry..I'm sorry!
Please don't kill me!
Calm down!
The whirlpool...
My turtle ship...
Father! We have Junsa's message!
Japan plans to attack by tomorrow morning. They have gathered about 330 battle ships.
Unfortunately, the new officer you asked me to look into is someone I do not know.
All I was able to get was that his name is Kurushima Michifusa and that he comes from Ehime, where it is very much like here.
Good news is that Wakizaka Yasuhiro will be leading the second battalion
I hope this information helps you.
I will join you as soon as I return.
We will go to Haenam.
Sir?
We can't fight here.
The Japanese are coming from behind. We are going to leave for Haenam.
Let's go to war!
General Konishi has a message.
Why, he's hurrying me.
I am sure we will capture their king first.
We are ready to go.
Tonight, Joseon looks extremely beautiful.
I like Joseon.
My Lord.
Report.
We are ready to go.
We've chosen Joseon prisoners to be placed in the lower deck
and we also have prepared ample supply of gunpowder as well.
Lee Sunshin will not survive this.
Let's go!
We don't even have any turtle ship! And what the hell is this one-line-formation?
Is he crazy or something?
Right! Can't you hear that sound? We'll die for sure.
We must find something else!
What is this plan of yours?
Are you suggesting that we try and kill him like what Baesul did?
No, that is not what I mean...
Damn, I'm just anxious. We can't even send a message to Lord Kim.
Let's go.
Go where?
I'll will convince the Admiral.
If I can't, I'll die tonight.
Your Majesty...
If you dismiss your navy now,
I am afraid our enemy will go around the Yellow sea and march straight to the capital city where you are.
My only worry is this:
I still have 12 ships left to fight with.
If we all combine our strengths...
We can surely fight them off.
As long as I live, they will not...
They will not dare to invade us again.
Admiral...I have something to tell you.
This is suicide.
This is a suicide!
I know you say we can fight by luring them to Blood Isle...
but without our turtle ship, it seems unlikely that we could win against them.
Please rethink this action and consider the future.
Admiral!
Is this really what you think?
If you can't reconsider, then please end my life here.
I'd prefer to die by your sword.
If this is what you really think
then, all right.
Assemble the men in front tonight.
Yes, sir!
Have you two brought what I asked for?
Yes, Admiral!
Pour it!
What are you waiting for? I said pour it!
-You heard what the Admiral said! -Yes, sir!
-Burn it all! -Yes, sir!
Admiral! Please don't!
Admiral! Please !
Admiral, this is not the way!
Stay back!
What a shame it is
that many of you wish to live!
We as soldiers
cannot and should not fear death!
Do you think, we can survive if we avoid this battle?
Do you believe you will be safe if you hide?
Listen to my words
I am burning this place so that we could die out there on the sea, Fighting!
There is no place to go,
no place to hide,
Do not fear death!
If you wish to live you will find death...
If you wish to die, you shall find life!
There is a proverb that says:
"If one man does his duty he can defeat thousands."
Is that not our situation?
Father...
How do you intend to use this fear?
So this is Captain Bae's son?
Yes sir.
He's the one who brought Junsa's message instead of Im Junyoung.
He luckily escaped because Junsa found him.
This is your father's.
Will you take it?
What is your name, son?
They call me Soobong, sir.
Your father and I fought side by side for six years in this war.
I will not forget you or your father.
I have a wish, sir
Tell me.
I want to be part of your crew. I want to help you.
Promise me to stay out of harm's way, I will grant your wish.
Thank you sir.
This is crazy...
(Port of Haenam)
Mother...
This may be the last day of my life.
I hope and pray that my death will not be meaningless.
Admiral.
You did well.
I am Haeyi. We are here to help.
You have my gratitude. Your presence gives me strength.
Admiral!
Welcome back.
Sound the attack.
Sound the attack!
We are setting off now!
(Myeongnyang Strait 8AM)
Begin the One-Line-Formation
The currents are strong. Row harder!
Remain in control! Row harder!
We can't have our ship fall back! Row harder!
Get rid of it.
- What is that? - What the hell is that thing?
The other ships are falling back!
Soobong, I think we are on the wrong ship!
You didn't know this was the main fleet?
That's what I'm saying! Why is the main fleet going forward?
I will raise the communication flag and tell them to come back!
Let them be.
But sir...
Release the ship's anchor into the water and get ready for a possible close combat.
Release the anchor!
How come Lee Sunshin is not raising a command flag?
Look at his men. Even if he put up one, would they listen?
Send the first battalion.
First battalion! Charge!
Turn the ship to the right side and get the cannons ready.
Prepare the cannons!
Stop the ship and turn it to the right! Hurry up!
Captain Nah! Captain Song!
Aim all our cannons at the front line.
Aim all our cannons at the front line!
Aiming!
Snipers ready!
Fire!
It's speeding up!
Archers ready!
Fire now!
Fire!
Speed up and turn the ship to the left!
Fire!
Watch out!
Now!
Lee Sunshin is attacking the ones in the front
Kurushima's men are in chaos.
He's neither moving nor backing down.
What is he waiting for...?
How about we join forces and attack together?
No. Let's wait.
Fear does not draw any distinctions. It can equally have an effect on both sides.
They too, are afraid of me because I defeated them countless times.
Fear does not draw distinctions....
Is that it? Is that how you will use fear?
By transforming that fear into unshakable courage....
Send the second battalion and push harder.
Second battalion, charge!
Kurushima is pushing hard.
He claims to be an expert.
Let's wait and see.
Just wait and see.
Victory will be ours. We will crush them.
The current is moving in our favor.
Admiral, the current is turning our ship around that it is interfering with our aim.
Cut the anchor,ride the current towards the Blood Isle.
Yes, sir.
Caught you.
Fire!
Bring me the pole!
Row harder! We cannot let the ship get hit!
Admiral, let's raise the flag up and call them over!
We won't last long without their help!
Captain, change the artillery to smaller cannons.
Then prepare for close combat.
Soldiers, prepare for close combat!
Charge!
Now!
Fire!
Charge!
Kurushima is winning!
Lee Sunshin tried to delay as long as he could.
But it looks like it's over.
Fuck it, we're all fucking dead!
Admiral!!!
Admiral!
Take the rest of the cannons on this deck and move them downstairs! Aim them at the enemy ships' lower deck.
can you do that?
We might die trying...
Just tell me you'll get it done!
yes Admiral!
I'm counting on you!
Stack multiple cannons and aim at their ships!
Yes sir!
Hurry up and go get the gunpowder and cannons from the armory!
Soobong, no! It's dangerous!
Move all of these!
Hurry up!
Admiral! We are ready!
Soldiers get down!
Everyone get down!
Is that how you will use fear?
If you can turn that fear into unshakable courage...
That courage will be infectious...
But father...
How can you turn fear into courage when they are so scared out of their minds?
I will have to die...
Could it be really over?
Whoa!
The main fleet is alive and well!
They're alive!
Kill them all!
Damn those motherfuckers!
Wait, I wanna kill them too!
Let's go kill some Japanese!
Speed up, gentlemen!
(Myeongryang Strait, 2PM - Mild current)
It's the whirlpool.
Lee Sunshin...
There's a reason why you refuse to leave that Isle.
My lord, the current has changed and now the whirlpool has become ferocious.
That's why on his side, the current is mild.
From where he is, it will be easier to aim at us. Do you see that?
Whoever gets that island, will win this fight.
The battle would be over in a heartbeat.
Before he can completely settle his ship there, speed up towards his ship!
Sir, it's their main fleet.
Call our captains over.
Yes, sir.
You're mine now!
Admiral!
Captain Ahn!
I should be punishing you accordingly for disobeying me.
But since we are at war right now, You must focus on fighting the enemy.
You must protect Blood Isle.
Do I make myself clear?
Yes, Admiral!
Captain Song, we must move to Mokjoong port.
Absolutely, sir!
Move towards Mokjoong port!
Perfect timing, sir.
The explosion will be massive.
Lee Sunshin's pathetic attempt to lure us will not work.
Our main fleet will continue on towards the island as you commanded.
Sir!
There's a strange boat coming towards our way!
Bring in the archers.
- Yes, sir!
Fire!
We must hurry! Pump it out!
Hurry!
What the hell?
Oh my god, I'm free!
Im Junyoung?
Junsa!
Gunpowder?!
He says that ship is full of gunpowder!
But Junyoung is on that ship!
Why are they not answering?
Reload!
Sir, there is no answer!
My dear, wave something so that they can see this...
You cannot let this ship reach our Admiral!
Do it now!
There you go.. that's my girl.
Start waving something!
Sir, look over there!
There's a strange boat going towards our main fleet!
- Prepare to fire ! - Yes sir!
Aim!
Fire away!
You did well...
I am glad I saw your face one last time
See you on the other side...
Admiral, their main fleet is approaching fast!
They're coming at us!
Row faster!
Lee Sunshin, you're finished!!!
Close combat!
Board their ship!
Kuroda!
Hurry up and get our ship ready!
Shall we back him up?
Everyone, we need your help!
Soobong! Soobong!
I'm coming for you Lee Sunshin!
Sir! Our ships have come to our aid!
Kimura!
Hurry up and follow them!
Sir, we can't! Our ships are trapped in the whirlpool!
Aim!
Fire!
We must call for support!
You don't understand, do you?
There will be no support coming.
Should we send our support?
Lee Sunshin...
You...
Are you Japanese
or are you Korean?
Lee Sunshin!!!
Admiral, I'm sorry but our ship cannot hold on much longer...
Admiral! We will get you out of there!
Admiral! Our officers are coming!
We must hurry before they get into formation!
Why aren't you speeding up?
The current has changed.
I know that! Tell them to row harder!
It's all about speed at this point!
Speed is the only way to win!
Speed up!
Don't let go!
When the hell can I get off this ship?
It worked!
Sir!
Listen up!
No way
We're gonna crash!
What is this, a suicide mission?
What the fuck!
Please hold on...please!
That crash...!
It's the turtle ship!
Was that his plan all along?
They're running away!
Fire away!
Lee Sunshin...
Retreat!
Let's go back.
The current is back to normal.
We got 23 Japanese soldiers here!
17 here!
We got 3 Japanese officers and 9 soldiers!
Even if they wanted to invade us, they can't! We're too good!
- Eat some of this - I'm eating already!
You know, earlier I gave one of them Japanese bitches death glare then they shit their pants!
I'm cool like that...
I wonder if our descendants will ever understand how much shit we had to go through for them?
If they don't, then they're assholes.
Now that we're alive and well, let's go see our wives and kids
Have some water!
Why, isn't this taro?
It's good to be alive and eating...!
Admiral!
What shall we do...
With all this hatred between us...
Father
How on earth did you think of using the whirlpool as a weapon?
Father..
You said something?
I was asking you about the whirlpool. It happened exactly at the perfect moment.
Heaven helped us.
If that is true, then couldn't it also have turned out really bad for us?
Yes, that's true...
If it wasn't for the people who came to save me.
You think people helped us? Not the whirlpool?
What do you think? Which do you think was more of a miracle?
(1592 AD July)
Hansan Island
That thing over there
What the hell is that?
Battle of Myeongryang