A FILM depicting a famous 16th century naval victory against Japanese invaders has set records at the South Korean box office, drawing the largest audience and becoming the first national movie to take in more than US$100 million.

    “Myeongryang” (“Roaring Currents”) attracted over 13 million viewers after 21 days of screening, said distributor CJ Entertainment. The previous frontrunner, Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar,” drew 13.61 million South Korean cinema goers over a span of four months.

    As of last week, the movie had earned over 102 billion won (US$100.2 million) in ticket sales, becoming the first homemade film to top 100 billion won in revenue.

    Starring Choi Min-Sik as Chosun Dynasty admiral Yi Sun-Shin, the film depicts Yi’s decisive 1597 naval victory against Japan in the Battle of Myeongryang. Yi, who had 12 ships under his command, defeated more than 130 Japanese warships. Choi also starred in the 2003 hit thriller “Old Boy.”

    Relations between South Korea and Japan are currently at their lowest ebb in years over disputes related to Tokyo’s 1910-45 rule over the Korean Peninsula.(SD-Agencies)