“Hansan: Rising Dragon” is the opening film of the 21st Florence Korea Film Fest

The 21st Florence Korea Film Fest opens with the war kolossal “Hansan: Rising Dragon,” directed by Kim Han-min, the second film in the trilogy about the battles of Admiral Yi Sun-sin that began with the 2014 film “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.”

The film recounts the exploits of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, during the Imjin War in July 1592, in which Admiral Yi Sun-shin formed a joint naval force, together with Admirals Lee Eok-gi and Won Gyun, that defeated the main fleet of the enemy invaders. This battle was extremely important because it succeeded in stopping the enemy fleet and to invigorate the spirits of Joseon’s army, which had been discouraged by repeated defeats on land.

After a great historical film like War of the Arrows in 2014. Kim Han-min opened the trilogy dedicated to Admiral Yi with “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” in which he brought to life the great story of Admiral Yi, a great leader in Korean history at the helm of Joseon’s destiny. This high regard for Admiral Yi and Kim’s great directorial skill shines through once again in Hansan: Rising Dragon, which follows the events leading up to the Battle of Hansan Island, which gave a much-needed victory to the army

The first film in the trilogy devoted to the exploits of Admiral Yi brought 17,600 viewers to theaters, earning more than $138,000, and surely this second part will attract just as much attention, thanks in part to a phenomenal cast.

In the lead role of Admiral Yi our special guest Park Hae-il, an extraordinary actor who has worked in numerous films including directed by Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho and Palme d’Or winner Park Chan-wook. In Park Hae-il’s finco, as Commander Eo Young-dam, one of the most beloved and esteemed actors in the Korean film scene, already our guest, Ahn Sung-ki.

The antagonist of the great Korean generals is General Wakizaka, the Japanese general is played by rising star of Korean cinema Byun Yo-han who after his appearance in the hugely successful historical drama “Mr. Sunshine” caught the attention of film directors, making him one of the most promising actors in the contemporary Korean film scene to date.

“Hansan: Rising Dragon” is having its world premiere right at the Florence Korea Film Fest, while its planned release in Korean theaters is this summer.

A phenomenal film that promises great battle scenes and equally great performances will open our pump-press review; also in the theater to introduce the film on opening night Thursday, March 30, is director Kim Han-min, who will meet with the audience after the film.

Not to be missed is the masterclass devoted to actor Park Hae-il in which director Kim Han-min will also participate.