Roaring Currents (Korea)
Opening July 30
Action, Drama. Directed by Kim Han-min
“Roaring Currents” is a story about Yi Sun-sin, the most revered admiral in Korean history. The film focuses on the historic 1597 Battle of Myeongryang during the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598), in which Yi, played by veteran actor Choi Min-sik, uses strategy to destroy 133 Japanese warships with only 12 ships under his command. This battle is regarded as one of Yi’s greatest victories. Director Kim Han-min returns with another historical flick, following his recent success with the period film “War of the Arrows” in 2011.
Kundo: Age of the Rampant (Korea)
Opened July 23
Action. Directed by Yoon Jong-bin
“Kundo” is set in the 13th year of King Cheoljong’s reign in mid-19th century Joseon, when rampant corruption in the ruling class and its exploitation of the populace pushed the common people over the edge. Dolmuchi (Ha Jung-woo) is a not-so-intelligent but kind-hearted butcher, a typical lower-class job at the time. One day, Dolmuchi makes a dangerous deal with Jo Yoon (Gang Dong-won), a noblemen’s son who was an oppressor of the people, which leads to the death of Dolmuchi’s mother and sister. Deep grief and anger leads Dolmuchi to meet a group of bandits known as Kundo. He joins Kundo and swears to take revenge on Jo. This is the fourth film in which director Yoon Jong-bin and his favorite actor, Ha, have teamed up.
Santa Barbara (Korea)
Opened July 17
Romance. Directed by Cho Sung-kyu
When the naive music director Jung-woo (Lee Sang-yoon) meets the talented creative director Soo-kyung (Yoon Jin-seo) to work on an advertisement project together, at first they do not get along very well because of striking differences in their personalities. But one day, they happen to find three common points: movie taste, a love for wine, and a longing for Santa Barbara in the U.S. Due to these similarities, they grow closer. However, their relationship is put to the test when Soo-kyung misunderstands Jung-woo and stops talking to him. Time passes and they meet again serendipitously in Santa Barbara.
Confession (Korea)
Opened July 10
Crime, Drama. Directed by Lee Do-yoon
Hyun-tae (Ji Sung), In-chul (Ju Ji-hoon) and Min-soo (Lee Kwang-soo) have been close friends for 20 years. One day, a deadly fire occurs and takes the life of Hyun-tae’s mother and destroys all of her property. The accident evolves into an unsolved mystery. Hyun-tae becomes suspicious about the death of his mother and begins looking for evidence. Hyun-tae asks his friends for help, but as the truth unfolds, he begins to doubt their friendship and loyalty.
The Divine Move (Korea)
Opened July 3
Crime, Action. Directed by Jo Bum-gu
Professional go player Tae-seok (Jung Woo-sung) watches as his brother is murdered by Sal-su (Lee Bum-soo) during a high-stakes go match. He is even allegedly framed for the crime and locked up in prison. While he serves his time, he resolves to take revenge on the notorious Sal-su and his gang. He gathers professional go players and forms a team to prepare for the final match against Sal-su’s invincible team. His players play one-by-one in the life-or-death, blood-spattered game of go. Tae-seok finally faces Sal-su for their first and last match.
