Yi Sun-sin is a revered historical figure. The film accurately portrays his strategic genius, patriotism, and leadership during the battle, though his portrayal is highly heroic, fitting his legendary status.

Kurushima was a real Japanese commander (from a family known for piracy) who fought and died at the Battle of Myeongnyang, as depicted.

Todo was a major daimyo and key commander in the Japanese navy during the invasions, present at Myeongnyang.

Wakizaka was another prominent Japanese commander who had faced Yi before (notably defeated at Hansan Island). His portrayal reflects his experience against Yi.

Bae Seol was a real captain who commanded ships but fled before the battle. His incompetence and cowardice are historically noted, though the film adds a fictional assassination attempt.

Yi Hoe was Yi Sun-sin's son and historically present during some campaigns, offering support to his father.

Yi was indeed stripped of rank, imprisoned, and tortured due to political intrigue before being reinstated just prior to Myeongnyang due to the incompetence of his successor.

The devastating Korean naval defeat under Admiral Won Gyun at Chilcheollyang virtually wiped out the Korean fleet, leaving Yi with only about a dozen ships.

Faced with the overwhelming Japanese fleet and few ships, King Seonjo and the court did initially order Yi to scuttle his remaining ships and join land forces.

Yi famously argued against the order, stating his intent to fight on with his remaining ships, demonstrating his resolve (the exact quote varies in translation).

Historical estimates suggest the Japanese fleet mobilized for Myeongnyang numbered at least 133 warships, potentially more including support vessels, vastly outnumbering the Koreans.

Yi commanded only 12 or 13 Panokseon warships against the massive Japanese fleet.

Yi deliberately chose the narrow strait with its notoriously strong, reversing currents to negate the Japanese numerical advantage and funnel their ships.

Bae Seol did desert with his ship(s) (True). Claims he burned a Turtle Ship are disputed/unlikely (False). The assassination attempt is fictional (False).

Accounts confirm Yi's flagship initially engaged the large Japanese vanguard alone for a significant period as other Korean captains hesitated to enter the dangerous strait.

Historical records, including Yi's own war diary (Nanjung Ilgi), mention the fear and reluctance of other captains to join the seemingly suicidal fight until Yi signaled/shamed them into action.

The film effectively portrays Yi's leadership in overcoming the fear paralyzing his fleet, a key aspect of the historical accounts.

Exploiting the violent tidal currents of the Myeongnyang Strait was central to Yi's strategy and success, disrupting Japanese formations and control.

Kurushima was killed during the battle, reportedly beheaded, and his head displayed on Yi's flagship, demoralizing the Japanese forces.

Whether a Turtle Ship participated at Myeongnyang is debated by historians. The film depicts one arriving dramatically mid-battle, reflecting one popular theory or serving symbolic/dramatic purpose.

Despite being vastly outnumbered, Yi Sun-sin achieved a stunning naval victory, sinking or damaging numerous Japanese ships while suffering minimal losses.

The film effectively portrays the chaotic and brutal nature of 16th-century naval warfare, including cannon fire, arrows, arquebuses, and boarding actions with melee combat.

The film effectively visualizes the narrow, turbulent waters of the strait, emphasizing the dangerous currents crucial to the battle's strategy and outcome.

The film is accurately set within the devastating seven-year Imjin War period (Japanese invasions of Korea).

The multi-decked Korean Panokseon, the main warship used by Yi, is recreated based on historical descriptions and models, highlighting its sturdy structure and suitability for cannon fire.

The larger, boxy Atakebune flagships and medium-sized Sekibune warships used by the Japanese are depicted based on historical illustrations and reconstructions.

Although its presence at the battle is disputed, the Turtle Ship depicted reflects common reconstructions: iron-plated, spiked roof, dragon head, cannons.

The film shows the mix of naval weaponry used: various types of cannons (Cheonja, Jija, etc.), composite bows with arrows, and Japanese arquebuses (matchlock firearms).

The costumes for Korean officers, sailors, Japanese samurai commanders (often with elaborate armor), and common soldiers/civilians appear well-researched for the late 16th century.

The film illustrates key tactics: using the narrow channel, exploiting currents, focused cannon fire, ramming (implied), and brutal boarding actions reflecting the era's naval combat realities.

The film conveys the sense of crisis, desperation, and resilience among both the military and civilians living under the threat of invasion and war.

Advanced CGI is used effectively to portray the vast difference in fleet sizes and the chaos of dozens of ships maneuvering and fighting in a confined space.