A Swashbuckling Masterpiece: Reaffirming the Enduring Charm of the Korean Film “The Pirates”
Re-watching the South Korean cinematic gem “The Pirates” recently was an absolute pleasure, reaffirming its status as an exceptionally entertaining and highly recommendable film. It’s time to set sail and plunge once more into this thrilling world of maritime adventure and comedic antics!
About “The Pirates”
Released in South Korea on August 6, 2014, “The Pirates” (original title: 해적: 바다로 간 산적, also known as “Pirates: Going to the Sea”) is a grand-scale historical action-comedy directed by Lee Seok-hoon and penned by Chun Sung-il. The film transports audiences back to the early years of the Joseon Dynasty, weaving a rollicking tale around a lost royal seal—an artifact crucial to the kingdom’s legitimacy.
When this invaluable seal is swallowed by a colossal whale, an unlikely alliance is forged. A rugged group of inland bandits, led by the charismatic Jang Sa-jung (Kim Nam-gil), and a fierce band of sea pirates, commanded by the formidable Yeo-wol (Son Ye-jin), find their paths crossing. Both factions are vying to recover the coveted seal, leading to a spectacle filled with epic battles, witty banter, and unexpected heroism. The ensemble cast, featuring notable talents like Lee Kyoung-young and Yoo Hae-jin alongside its powerful leads, truly elevates the viewing experience.
The Making of an Epic Adventure
Inspiration from History
The film’s imaginative premise is rooted in a fascinating piece of Korean history: the real disappearance of the royal seal around 1403. Director Lee Seok-hoon ingeniously used this historical enigma as a springboard, crafting a captivating narrative that blends factual intrigue with high-octane fiction and robust comedy, demonstrating how history can spark magnificent cinematic storytelling.
Grand Scale Production
This ambitious project spared no expense in bringing its grand vision to life. The production team invested substantially in crafting authentic elements, including two imposing pirate ships, each an impressive 32 meters in length, alongside another seafaring vessel, ensuring cinematic realism for its marine adventures.
Filming officially commenced on August 15, 2013, in Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. The very first shot captured the pivotal moment where Kim Nam-gil’s bandit leader, Jang Sa-jung, learns that the whale carrying the royal seal promises not just riches, but immense glory, setting his crew on an exhilarating course towards the open sea.
“The Pirates” proudly holds the distinction of being South Korea’s pioneering marine adventure film, making its 10 billion Korean won (approximately 5.4 million USD) budget a substantial investment aimed at delivering a visually spectacular experience. Early on, the film was touted as the “Korean version of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’,” a testament to its ambitious scope and genre aspirations.
The demanding nature of the production was evident throughout. On August 18, 2013, just days after filming began, Kim Nam-gil’s agency reported his hospitalization due to exhaustion, highlighting the physical toll on the cast during intense shooting schedules. Despite the arduous conditions, a crew member on set remarked on the profound professionalism displayed by the actors, including Kim Nam-gil, who admirably endured the rigors of wearing heavy period costumes and performing under the unforgiving scorching sun, never once uttering a complaint. Their dedication truly shone through.
In an insightful pre-release interview, Kim Nam-gil’s passion for his character was palpable. He humorously noted, “Although it was my first time trying comedy, I’m also able to joke around when filming serious dramas. After laughing with the staff, we proceed with filming. I never thought this would be my first comedy role. I feel like I’ve always been like this, but my image might be a bit unfamiliar to everyone. I’m actually more curious about everyone’s curiosity.” This glimpse into his comedic versatility added another layer of anticipation for his performance.
After an intensive five-month production period, principal photography for the epic historical action film “The Pirates” officially concluded on January 20, 2014, in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.
Son Ye-jin’s portrayal of the formidable pirate captain, Yeo-wol, is particularly noteworthy. Her dynamic and impactful action sequences throughout the film underscore her powerful screen presence and physical prowess, making her an unforgettable force among the raging waves.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Impact
From the moment it debuted, “The Pirates” garnered significant industry attention. During the prestigious 67th Cannes Film Festival, it was effusively praised by international insiders as one of South Korea’s most engaging and commercially appealing historical productions, suggesting its broad audience appeal right from the start.
Critics particularly lauded Kim Nam-gil’s nuanced performance as Jang Sa-jung. Eastday.com’s review highlighted how his portrayal deliberately diverged from the iconic Jack Sparrow archetype (famously embodied by Johnny Depp), despite a shared glibness. Jang Sa-jung, while outwardly witty and charismatic, is deeply rooted in the bandits’ mission and imbued with a distinct Korean spirit. The review observed that “the more he tries to avoid it, the deeper the impression he leaves,” indicating a character who, despite his comedic antics, carries significant dramatic weight and leaves a lasting impact on the audience. This blend of humor and underlying resolve is a cornerstone of his compelling character.
Ultimately, “The Pirates” stands as a vibrant testament to Korean filmmaking. Its seamless blend of historical intrigue, high-stakes adventure, laugh-out-loud comedy, and exceptional performances ensures its place as a truly memorable and re-watchable cinematic exploit.