Written by: Immaculate Onglatco
I will rate this movie a 10/10
In commemoration to the second Battle at Yeonpyeong that happened on June 29, 2002 at the Northern Limit Line or the Demarcation Line between the sea of North and South Korea, this movie was released on June 24, 2015 and was based on the actual events.
Starring Kim Mu Yeol (from the movie Forgotten) as Lieutenant Yoon Young-Ah, Yeo Jin Goo (from the drama Descendants of the Sun) as Sergent Han Sang-Gook and Lee Hyun Woo (from the drama The Liar and His Lover) as Corporal Park Dong Hyuk.
The story is about the newly enlisted Corporal Park Dong Hyuk, a medic who was assigned at vessel PKM 357. Sergeant Han Sang-Gook, the helmsman of the ship and the newly appointed Lieutenant Commander Yoon Young-Ha.
2002 was a memorable year in South Korea because they were one of the host country of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. During this time where everybody is enjoying the festivities, the North Korea deploy patrol boats that entered the northern limit line.
North Koreans disguised themselves as fishermen to spy the whole ship. They knee they weren’t just ordinary fishermen but their HQ order to release them. It gave the North Koreans to have an intel about their ship’s interior and exterior as well as the numbers of sailors in a ship.
The day after the sailors watched the match between Turkey and South Korea in the semis of the FIFA World Cup, the inevitable day happened.
Thoughts
I have watched a lot of Korean War movies and this one is one of the best in my opinion. Almost 25% of the film features the actual footage during the 2002 FIFA World CUP, in the wake of the deceased crew members of the PKM 357, a news about the sailors celebrating the victory of South Korea for entering the semis in the FIFA World Cup and there was an interview of Lt Cdr Yoon Young-Ha. It took 7 years to finish this film and all the South Korean National Football Team players funded this film.
It was heartbreaking to watch because during the time wherein everyone is celebrating the FIFA World Cup, 24 sailors are risking their lives to protect the sea of South Korea.
Four casualties, nineteen wounded, the helmsman body was found by Naval Divers in the control room and the last casualty is the medic who died 83 days after that catastrophe.
Those who died are in the age ranges from 21-29 yrs old. Young heroes that adds to the history of the Republic of Korea.
If you are looking for a non-fiction movie to watch for, you may now add “Northern Limit Line” to your list.
Disclaimer:
The writer’s opinion solely focused on the story told in the movie. There is no intention to give one-sided opinion or hurt somebody else. It focuses on the sacrifices and patriotism shown by the heroes who protected their country and fellow citizens.