Operation Chromite (2016)

Operation Chromite Poster
Original Title: 인천상륙작전

A squad of soldiers fight in the Korean War's crucial Battle of Incheon.

Introduction
Operation Chromite, directed by John H. Lee, is a South Korean war film set during the Korean War. Released in 2016, the film includes a star-packed cast, including Hollywood actor Liam Neeson. The film primarily revolves around the historical 'Battle of Incheon,' also referred to as 'Operation Chromite,' the code name for the United Nations-led amphibious invasion of Incheon, South Korea, a bold method that changed the course of the Korean War.

Plot Synopsis
The film starts in 1950, as North Korean forces, backed by the Soviet Union, have pressed the South Korean and United Nations forces into the southeastern corner of the Korean Peninsula. In action, the not likely trio of General Douglas MacArthur (Liam Neeson), a hardheaded military authority, a group of South Korean Navy Special Forces, and a North Korean officer who has actually been dragged into the war, band together to perform an audacious strategy to recover Incheon. This objective, named Operation Chromite, is taken under the belief that recording Incheon might function as an introducing pad to push the intruders back to the North and turn the tide of the war.

Mission and Struggles
The film invests a considerable portion focusing on the South Korean spies who penetrate the North Korean headquarters. The South Korean Special Forces group, led by Lieutenant Jang Hak-soo (Lee Jung-Jae), impersonates North Korean officers in a high-stakes mission to collect tactical intel. Lieutenant Jang's group faces various hurdles and puts their lives on the line to covertly get the operational plans for the North Korean army.

Climax and Resolution
Consequently, the climax of the movie is focused around the Battle of Incheon, showcasing brilliantly choreographed on-ground and sea fights, coupled with some intense naval warfare scenes. Using the intel offered by Jang's team, UN forces, led by General MacArthur, effectively launch the invasion on Incheon, facing less resistance than anticipated thanks to the group's sabotage of the North Korean defense. After an intense battle, UN forces succeed in regaining Incheon, marking an unique turning point in the Korean War.

Conclusion
The movie concludes with a reaffirmation of the sacrifice and severity of the mission carried out by the South Korean officers, highlighting how this adventurous method played a main role in reversing the fortunes of the war. In spite of suffering heavy losses, including Lieutenant Jang, the group's courage and devotion subtly satisfies an iconic patriotic story.

Critical Reception
In General, Operation Chromite is a gripping representation of an important milestone in the Korean War, filled with explosive action series and a dramatic story. The efficiencies of the lead stars, particularly Liam Neeson and Lee Jung-Jae, received widespread acclaim. The film offered audiences a peek into the hardships and sacrifices made by the heroes of the time. Regardless of taking particular creative liberties for remarkable result, the movie is seen as a convincing and compelling entertainment of one of the turning points in the history of the Korean War.

Top Cast

  • Lee Jung-jae (small)
    Lee Jung-jae
    Jang Hak-soo
  • Liam Neeson (small)
    Liam Neeson
    Douglas MacArthur
  • Lee Beom-soo (small)
    Lee Beom-soo
    Lim Gye-jin
  • Jin Se-yeon (small)
    Jin Se-yeon
    Han Jae-sun
  • Jung Joon-ho (small)
    Jung Joon-ho
    Seo Jin-chul
  • Kim Sun-a (small)
    Kim Sun-a
    Kim Hwa-young
  • Yoshihiro Akiyama (small)
    Yoshihiro Akiyama
    Baek-san
  • Park Sung-woong (small)
    Park Sung-woong
    Park Nam-chul
  • Kim Young-ae (small)
    Kim Young-ae
    Na Jung-nim
  • Jon Gries (small)
    Jon Gries
    Gen Hoyt Vandenberg
  • Shin Soo-hang (small)
    Shin Soo-hang
    Kang Bong-po