Set against the backdrop of World War II, The Battleship Island (2017) unveils a powerful tale of survival, resistance, and unity. When the Japanese colonial government forces over 400 Koreans—men, women, and children—onto Hashima Island to work in dangerous coal mines, hope seems lost. The island, surrounded by concrete walls and the sea, becomes both a prison and a battleground for humanity.
Lee Kang-ok, a gentle-hearted bandmaster, only wanted to protect his young daughter, but he finds himself trapped in a nightmare of forced labor and military abuse. Alongside him are Choi Chil-sung, a rebellious street fighter with a turbulent past, and Park Moo-young, a secret agent embedded in the camp to carry out a high-stakes rescue mission. With the war nearing its end and the threat of annihilation growing, the prisoners hatch an audacious plan to escape the heavily fortified island.
Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, this visually stunning and emotionally charged film highlights a dark chapter in Korean history. Through explosive action, stirring drama, and a deeply human narrative, The Battleship Island captures the strength of the human spirit and the courage it takes to fight for freedom when everything is at stake.
