<명량>을 보는 세 가지 방식

Abstract

This study examined movie <Roaring Currents (Myeong-ryang)> in three viewpoints,which are the maximization of theme through control and concentration, collisionbetween those with vested interests and outsiders, and the borderline betweenthe distortion and interpretation of history. <Roaring Currents> is a movie with an elaborate structure that conveys the themeclearly through highly controlled stories and conversations. By cutting a large chunkfrom the storyline of the first half, <Roaring Currents> doubles concentration on thescene of naval battle in the second half and, by doing so, maximizes the themeof the movie. The explosive popularity of <Roaring Currents> comes from the fantasy-likecharacteristic shown by the collision between those with vested interests andoutsiders. The Great Battle of Myeongryang defeats both the Japanese invadersand the state power, which are those with vested interests, simultaneously throughhorizontal solidarity between outsider Lee Soon-shin and another outsider people. After all, the catharsis that the audience feels from movie <Roaring Currents>is possible because outsiders Lee Soon-shin and the people revenge themselvesupon the Japanese invaders and Joseon, those with vested interests, through theBattle of Myeongryang. <Roaring Currents> is a historical drama in that the borderline between thedistortion and interpretation of history is inclined slightly more toward interpretation. It is because what is most important in a historical drama is not the truthfulnessof specific events or characters but the author’s historical consciousness. In conclusion, <Roaring Currents> is a movie meaningful as a historical drama that read the spirit of the contemporary times rather than as a commercial movieequipped with gorgeous naval battle scenes.