The Battleship Island (2017) Review: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Survival and Resistance

The Battleship Island (2017), directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, is a gripping historical action film set during World War II. The film tells the harrowing story of a group of Korean prisoners who are forced to work in the brutal conditions of the Hashima Island (also known as Battleship Island), a site used by the Japanese as a forced labor camp. With a star-studded cast including Hwang Jung-min, So Ji-sub, and Song Joong-ki, the film explores themes of resistance, survival, and sacrifice amidst one of the darkest chapters of Korea’s history.

Plot Overview: A Fight for Freedom Against Oppression

The film is set in 1945, during the final years of Japanese colonial rule over Korea. The story follows a group of Korean laborers who are transported to Hashima Island, a remote island off the coast of Japan, to work in the coal mines under deplorable conditions. The prisoners are forced to endure inhumane treatment as they labor to fuel Japan’s war effort.

At the heart of the story is a group of individuals who attempt to escape the island, led by a former independence fighter named Lee Kang-ok (played by Hwang Jung-min). The group also includes a young girl named Yoo-kyeong (played by Lee Jung-hyun) and several other prisoners, including military officers and civilians, all of whom find themselves bound together in their desperate struggle for survival.

The film focuses on their attempts to escape the island, highlighting the oppressive regime they are under, and their courage to resist. As the prisoners plan their escape, they face constant threats from their Japanese captors, who will stop at nothing to prevent the prisoners from fleeing. The film builds tension and drama as the characters fight for their freedom and strive to survive against overwhelming odds.

Hwang Jung-min and So Ji-sub: Powerful Performances at the Core

Hwang Jung-min delivers a compelling performance as Lee Kang-ok, a former independence fighter who becomes a leader of the prisoners. Hwang’s portrayal of Kang-ok’s determination, strength, and resilience adds emotional depth to the film. His character’s unwavering resolve to protect the vulnerable and fight for freedom serves as the emotional anchor of the story.

So Ji-sub’s performance as the stoic and conflicted soldier Choi Chil-sung also adds nuance to the film. Choi is a man who is torn between his duties as a soldier and his growing sense of guilt over the treatment of the Korean prisoners. Ji-sub’s portrayal of Choi captures the inner turmoil of a man caught in the moral complexities of war, and his eventual decision to stand with the prisoners is both powerful and moving.

Together, Hwang and So deliver strong performances that ground the film’s dramatic and emotional weight, helping the audience connect with the characters’ struggles and sacrifices.

Song Joong-ki: A Breakout Role as a Desperate Escapee

Song Joong-ki plays a key supporting role as Park Moo-young, a young man who is part of the group attempting to escape from Hashima Island. Known for his roles in dramas like Descendants of the Sun, Song Joong-ki brings a different depth to his character in The Battleship Island. His portrayal of Park Moo-young, a man driven by the need for survival and a desire for freedom, adds tension and urgency to the story.

Song’s performance complements the rest of the cast, and his character’s transformation from a helpless prisoner to an active participant in the escape effort gives the film a sense of hope and determination amidst the bleakness of their situation.

Ryoo Seung-wan’s Direction: A Tense and Visceral Experience

Director Ryoo Seung-wan is known for his action-packed films, and The Battleship Island is no exception. The film’s direction is a perfect blend of high-stakes action and emotional drama. The scenes of escape and resistance are intense, with thrilling sequences of combat and near-misses that keep the audience on edge.

Ryoo’s handling of the film’s emotional core is equally impressive. While the action sequences are gripping, he never loses sight of the characters’ personal struggles. The relationships between the prisoners are explored in depth, and their determination to resist is highlighted by their acts of bravery, sacrifice, and solidarity.

The film also succeeds in capturing the grim and oppressive atmosphere of Hashima Island, known for its brutal conditions. The cinematography and set design effectively convey the island’s bleakness, making it an ideal setting for the story. Ryoo Seung-wan’s ability to balance the scale of the action with the intimate moments of human connection makes The Battleship Island a powerful film.

Themes of Resistance, Sacrifice, and Hope

At its core, The Battleship Island is a story about resistance against oppression, the strength of the human spirit, and the hope for freedom. The film highlights the horrors of forced labor under colonial rule and the lengths to which individuals will go to escape such inhuman conditions. It is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought against their captors and sought to change their fate.

The film also explores the theme of solidarity, as the prisoners work together to escape their tormentors. Their shared experiences of suffering lead to a bond that transcends their differences, uniting them in their shared quest for freedom. The film’s ultimate message is one of hope, showing that even in the darkest times, the human desire for freedom and dignity can prevail.

Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews but Praise for Performances and Action

The Battleship Island received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances of the cast and the film’s action sequences. Critics highlighted the film’s ability to capture the emotional intensity of the prisoners’ struggle, as well as the stunning visuals and gripping combat scenes.

• The Hollywood Reporter praised the film for its strong performances, particularly Hwang Jung-min and So Ji-sub, and the film’s action-packed sequences. (hollywoodreporter.com)
• Rotten Tomatoes has a mixed but favorable rating, with many audience members appreciating the film’s thrilling narrative and historical context. (rottentomatoes.com)
• Variety commended the film for its powerful performances and the effective portrayal of the emotional and physical toll of forced labor. (variety.com)

Where to Watch

The Battleship Island is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Viki. It is also available for digital rental or purchase on services like iTunes and Google Play. The film can also be found on Blu-ray and DVD for those who prefer physical copies.

Final Thoughts: A Moving and Action-Packed Historical Drama

In conclusion, The Battleship Island (2017) is a compelling and emotional film that tells the story of the courageous Korean prisoners who fought for their freedom during the Japanese colonial era. With powerful performances from Hwang Jung-min, So Ji-sub, and Song Joong-ki, and directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, the film combines action with poignant moments of human connection. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the atrocities of war. The Battleship Island is a must-watch for those interested in historical dramas, action films, and stories of resistance against oppression.