Is A War Diary Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, A War Diary is likely a skip if you enjoy War movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A War Diary Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1978, A War Diary enters the War genre with a narrative focused on Admiral Lee Sun-shin designs and builds the 'Turtle Ships' in preparation of the Japanese invasion during the Injin War. Under the direction of Jang Il-ho, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kim Jin-kyu. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, A War Diary offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 125-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, A War Diary resonates with current cultural themes in the War space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, A War Diary is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of A War Diary centers on a unique premise within the War landscape. Admiral Lee Sun-shin designs and builds the 'Turtle Ships' in preparation of the Japanese invasion during the Injin War. He is promoted after his victories, but due to his expanding influence and increased popularity in military circles, the king comes to fear him and has him imprisoned. A year later, the Japanese navy attempts another invasion and the king is required to enter the prison and beg the admiral's assistance. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1978 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of A War Diary has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a A War Diary sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for A War Diary (1978): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of War, History, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
A War Diary has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (War, History, Drama), viewers should expect violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, A War Diary stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A War Diary movie hit or flop?
A War Diary is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is A War Diary worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, A War Diary may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch A War Diary online?
A War Diary may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
More with Kim Jin-kyu
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is A War Diary movie hit or flop?
A War Diary is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is A War Diary worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, A War Diary may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch A War Diary online?
A War Diary may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of A War Diary?
A War Diary is a War, History, Drama movie that follows: Admiral Lee Sun-shin designs and builds the 'Turtle Ships' in preparation of the Japanese invasion during the Injin War. He is promoted after his victories, but due to his expanding influence and incr...
Is A War Diary family friendly?
A War Diary is classified as War, History, Drama. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is A War Diary available in?
A War Diary is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Admiral Lee Sun-shin designs and builds the 'Turtle Ships' in preparation of the Japanese invasion during the Injin War. He is promoted after his victories, but due to his expanding influence and increased popularity in military circles, the king comes to fear him and has him imprisoned. A year later, the Japanese navy attempts another invasion and the king is required to enter the prison and beg the admiral's assistance.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.