Hansan: Rising Dragon

Even the glories of war can turn stultifying when you’re shown one too many thousand-yard-stare reaction shots by military leaders.

"Hansan: Rising Dragon" is unashamedly a big-budget, blockbuster type of production, with all the pros and cons of this type of films, but one that definitely deserves a watch for its production values and final battle.

... the way "Hansan" wraps, leaves one feeling a certain sense of satisfaction, as though watching expert chess or poker players who come head-to-head and have it out before you.

In terms of scope and sweep, the climactic action is the best we’ve seen since Master and Commander: Far Side of the World.

For the average viewer there are some awkward lags when nothing much is happening, but in the thick of the action, it’s exciting to watch.

A long, loud and exhausting video game or amusement park ride. As shallow as a Michael Bay movie.

What it proves is that [Kim Han-min] has a gift for staging battles at sea that’s unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

[Hansan is] tremendously fun [and] recalls John Woo’s Red Cliff more than anything,
with its long scenes of strategizing paying off in spectacular combat… But Lee
doesn’t have Woo’s sense of pacing… or the stars to make these stereotypical
characters pop.

The phrase “It’s a TRAP!” (in Korean, with English subtitles) erupts so often I half-expected “Star Wars” Admiral Ackbar to make his presence known. But he’s here in spirit.

Hansan: Rising Dragon is a stunningly well-crafted film that ends up an utter bore after about 40 minutes.