'Roaring Currents' to Open in China on Nanjing Massacre Day

Chinese officials have pushed back the release in China of the Korean costume epic "Roaring Currents" to Dec. 12, the anniversary of the Nanjing massacre by Japanese soldiers during World War II.

The film, a rousing account of the astonishing victory over Japanese invaders by Admiral Yi Sun-shin, will open at 3,000 theaters across China on the eve of the anniversary, which is to be celebrated as a national holiday from this year.

Distributor CJ China on Tuesday said the subject of the film and the state of China-Japan relations made a late-November release date seem more appropriate, but Chinese officials wanted to push the date back.

Industry sources say Chinese officials may be hoping that moviegoers will be able to gain some sense of vindication in the face of Japanese atrocities by watching "Roaring Currents."

Chinese media reported the premiere date has changed to coincide with the start of school vacation.

"Roaring Currents" is the biggest blockbuster in Korean cinema history and drew more than 17 million viewers.

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'Roaring Currents' Named This Year's Best Film

Choi Min-sik (left) and Son Ye-jin

"Roaring Currents," which drew more than 17 million viewers, was named best film at this year's Daejong Film Awards on Friday. The best actor award went to Choi Min-sik, who starred in the film.

The war movie, based on the story of Korean history's most astonishing military victory by Admiral Yi Sun-shin, became the most commercially successful film in Korea shortly after its release in late July.

But other films took their share of the spotlight, with several awards being shared.

"The Attorney", loosely based on former President Roh Moo-hyun, won four awards, including best new director, best screenplay and best supporting actress. "A Hard Day" earned awards for directing, lighting and cinematography.

Son Ye-jin who starred in "The Pirates," won the award for best actress.

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