[CinemaNe] 'Pirates 2' Kang Ha-neul with Wings at Sea, Cute and Cheerful Like a Fairy Tale

Movie Review: Pirate: Dokkaebi Flag

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] 'The Pirates' returns to the screen after 7 years. The sequel to 'The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure,' which was watched by 8.66 million people in 2014, 'The Pirates: Goblin Flag' is ambitiously setting sail during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The movie 'The Pirates: Goblin Flag' (directed by Kim Jung-hoon) held a press screening on the afternoon of the 12th at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

On a raft floating in the vast blue sea, where sunlight gently breaks, are Muchi (played by Kang Ha-neul), the leader of the righteous bandit group and the best swordsman of Goryeo, and his companions. As they wander aimlessly, risking life and death, the pirate captain Haerang (played by Han Hyo-joo) appears before them. Confused whether she is a grim reaper or a fairy, Muchi and his group barely hold onto their sanity as Haerang embraces them.

The leaders of land and sea share fate on one ship. Born from the mountains and the sea, Muchi and Haerang are natural opposites and clash at every turn. They live by drying squid for a living, but their voyage is never peaceful.

While sweeping away Japanese pirates, they discover that the royal treasure, which disappeared without a trace, is hidden somewhere. They realize that the flag they accidentally found is a treasure map. Mak-i (played by Lee Kwang-soo), who was born and raised by the sea and is quick-witted, figures out that the place is Lightning Island.

They set out for Lightning Island to find the treasure, but Mak-i shudders with fear. Haerang tries to persuade him, but Mak-i resists, saying what use is money if they die. Eventually, with Haerang's clever plan, they turn the ship toward Lightning Island.

Meanwhile, the traitor Bu Heung-soo (played by Kwon Sang-woo), who stops at nothing, also learns about the treasure lost on Lightning Island. He uses any means necessary to obtain the treasure.

The film spectacularly presents supernatural phenomena such as underwater volcanic eruptions, lightning striking over the sea, and massive tsunamis on the screen. Compared to the previous film, the actors' underwater action scenes have a greater presence.

CG (special effects) vividly completes the pillars of fire shooting up from beneath the sea and the fiercely striking lightning on Lightning Island, while the sea and tidal waves engulfing the pirate ship hit thrillingly. Creatures like whales, penguins, and cows also charmingly show their presence.

At the press conference, director Kim Jung-hoon said, "I was inspired by 'Treasure Island,' which I read as a child." He added, "The actors didn't complain even once while filming in water tanks in the freezing cold, the coldest in 35 years. This movie was made with the sweat and blood of the cast who became a team."

Kang Ha-neul, who completed his role with a hearty, cheerful, yet serious performance, said, "I decided to appear because the script was fun. I focused on Haerang's reactions in my acting. I thought Muchi had to be reckless and clumsy so that Haerang would scold and reason with him."

It is refreshing to have a large-scale movie that families can enjoy together after a long time. As the director hopes, it is a good movie to enjoy comfortably during the Lunar New Year holiday. The dynamic action performed by the charming actors is also a highlight. Especially, the action scenes of Kang Ha-neul and Han Hyo-joo are splendid.

There are also some regrets. Although it is a different movie from the previous one, comparisons are inevitable. Perhaps because there are many characters boarding the pirate ship, trying to nurture all the many seeds results in fewer distinctive and clever characters like in the first film. It feels like there are too many cooks. In some scenes, the many strongly extended branches feel like noise pollution.

Han Hyo-joo's acting is disappointing. Switching between epic historical dramas and modern dramas, sometimes feeling like a fairy tale, it leaves something to be desired. It might have been better if the tone had been more smoothly managed during the directing process. EXO member Oh Se-hun's role is not as significant as expected. Rated 12 and over. Running time 125 minutes. Opens on the 26th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.