Hansan: Rising Dragon is a historical action film that is based on the true story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Battle of Hansan Island. The film starts with the admiral being demoted and imprisoned after a false accusation, but he is soon reinstated when the Japanese invasion threatens Korea's sovereignty.
As the Japanese navy closes in on the Korean coast and starts attacking the ports, Admiral Yi Sun-sin gathers his troops and prepares for battle. He commands a fleet of warships, including his prized possession, the turtle ship or geobukseon, which has a dragon head carved on the bow and is covered in iron plates.
The initial naval battle favors the Japanese due to their superior firepower and advanced technology. However, Admiral Yi Sun-sin's tactics, training, and bravery turn the tide of the battle. He uses his knowledge of the terrain, wind, and waves to outmaneuver the Japanese fleet, and he leads his troops into a fierce, close-range skirmish.
The dragon head ships or geobukseon, a secret weapon of the Korean navy, inflict significant damage on the Japanese ships, as they ram and fire arrows from their multiple decks. The film showcases the power of these remarkable warships, which could shoot cannonballs from their mouths and spew smoke to confuse the enemy.
The climax of the film is the Battle of Hansan Island, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the entire Japanese navy. The Koreans are outnumbered and outgunned, but they refuse to surrender. The geobukseon, with their fearsome dragon heads, lead the charge, and the Koreans fight bravely to defend their homeland.
Hansan: Rising Dragon is a riveting film that highlights the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the Korean people during a tumultuous period in their history. The film also showcases the technological innovations and military genius of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who is regarded as a national hero in Korea.
