The Pirates (2014 South Korean Film)
The Pirates (Korean: 해적: 바다로 간 산적; RR: Haejuk: Badaro Gan Sanjuk) is a 2014 South Korean action-adventure film directed by Lee Suk-Hoon. Set during the early years of the Joseon Dynasty, the plot follows a group of bandits led by Jang Sa-Jung (Kim Nam-Gil) who attempt to retrieve the Emperor's Royal Seal after it is lost to a giant whale. During their quest, they encounter a group of pirates commanded by Yeo-Wol (Son Ye-Jin).
Production
Principal photography for the film began on August 15, 2013, on Cheongwan Mountain in Jangheung, South Jeolla Province. Filming concluded on January 9, 2014, in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. The final scene captured during production features the characters Jang Sa-Jung and Yeo-Wol isolated on an island, where they discover a lost pirate ship.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast, including:
- Kim Nam-Gil as Jang Sa-Jung
- Son Ye-Jin as Yeo-Wol
- Yu Hae-Jin as Chul-Bong
- Lee Kyoung-Young as So-Ma
- Kim Tae-Woo as Mo Hong-Gab
Reception and Distribution
During the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, the film was sold to distributors in 15 countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The film was screened at the 19th Busan International Film Festival in October 2014 as part of the Korean Cinema Today: Panorama section.
Awards
The Pirates received several accolades for its performances and technical achievements:
- 51st Baeksang Arts Awards (2015): Best Supporting Actor (Yu Hae-Jin)
- 35th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2014): Best Technical Award
- 51st Daejong Film Awards (2014): Best Actress (Son Ye-Jin) and Best Supporting Actor (Yu Hae-Jin)