The Pirates
해적: 바다로 간 산적
2014South KoreaLanguage: koDirected by Lee Suk-hoon★ 7
Available in English: subtitled
At the cusp of the founding of Joseon Dynasty, an envoy from China is delivering Emperor’s Ming’s Royal Seal. But nature in the form of a giant whale intervenes and swallows the royal seal. When a generous reward is offered to whomever can retrieve the royal seal from the belly of the whale, the race is on. A group of mountain bandits led by Jang Sa Jung and a group of pirates led by Yeo Wol go after the lost treasure, but who will get to to it first?
Themes and style
Tone
whimsicaldark comedychaoticwarm
Pacing
escalatingerraticrelentless
Story
competitionpursuitheistjourney
Emotion
loyalty under pressurebelongingthe family you choose
Themes
class and moneynational identityfamily wounds passed down
Feel
crowd pleaserfun scaryrewatchable
Violence
moderateWhere to watch
Hollywood films like The Pirates
If The Pirates hit you the right way, here are Hollywood films that share its DNA. Same emotional weight, same kind of stories, same kind of payoff.
John Wick: Chapter 3
2019USA★ 7.43 pt match
Like The Pirates, this one is rooted in loyalty under pressure. The world both films live in revolves around class and money. The feel is the same: chaotic, relentless, and escalating.