🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John H. Lee
- Genre: War, Drama, History, Action, Thriller
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 51min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (6.4K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 25%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Liam Neeson stares intensely while some spies do spy things so a bunch of boats can show up and yell at some other guys.
🍿 Operation Chromite: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Infiltration of Incheon
In September 1950, with South Korea on the brink of collapse, General Douglas MacArthur orchestrates a daring plan to strike back against the North Korean forces by landing troops at Incheon. Key to the success of this operation is gathering intelligence on North Korean defenses within the city. A South Korean Navy Lieutenant, Jang Hak-soo, leads a small unit on a covert mission to infiltrate Incheon disguised as a North Korean inspection team. The team’s mission, codenamed Operation X-Ray, requires them to uncover the locations of naval mines and secure the Incheon Lighthouse to guide the landing forces. They face constant danger as they navigate the city, evading suspicion while gathering crucial information. Their success is essential to the survival of South Korea and the success of MacArthur’s ambitious plan.

Suspicion and Deception
As the infiltration team gathers intelligence, they encounter increasing scrutiny from Lim Gye-jin, a ruthless North Korean commander who suspects their true identities. Lim’s constant vigilance forces the team to employ elaborate deceptions and take significant risks to maintain their cover. Jang Hak-soo develops a relationship with Han Jae-sun, a local nurse, which further complicates his mission. As Lim’s suspicion grows, the team faces increasingly perilous situations, leading to close calls and daring escapes. The tension mounts as they race against time to complete their mission before they are exposed.

Gathering Intelligence and Preparing for Invasion
Despite the constant threat of discovery, the team manages to acquire vital information about the mine placements and the North Korean defenses. They work with the Korea Liaison Office (KLO), a covert South Korean intelligence unit, to transmit their findings to MacArthur’s forces. MacArthur uses the intelligence gathered by Operation X-Ray to finalize his plans for the Incheon landing. Facing opposition from his own staff, he remains steadfast in his belief that this bold move is the only way to turn the tide of the war. The stage is set for a decisive battle that will determine the fate of the Korean Peninsula.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Douglas MacArthur (Liam Neeson): The determined American General who orchestrates the risky Incheon Landing Operation.
- Jang Hak-soo (Lee Jung-jae): A South Korean Navy Lieutenant leading a covert mission to gather intelligence behind enemy lines.
- Lim Gye-jin (Lee Beom-su): The ruthless North Korean Senior Colonel who suspects and opposes Jang’s operation.
- Han Jae-sun (Jin Se-yeon): A nurse who gets caught between the two sides and develops feelings for Jang.
- Seo Jin-chul (Jeong Jun-ho): Leader of the KLO (Korea Liaison Office), the covert unit that supports Jang Hak-soo.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Douglas MacArthur: “I am Douglas MacArthur. I win wars.” – Said with confidence, expressing his unwavering belief in the success of Operation Chromite, despite the high risks.
- Jang Hak-soo: “We do what we must, so that others may live free.” – Reflects his dedication to his mission and the sacrifices required to liberate South Korea.
- Lim Gye-jin: “Loyalty is not a choice, it is an obligation.” – Highlights his rigid adherence to the North Korean regime and his ruthless enforcement of its ideologies.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $12,620,000
- Domestic Gross: $1,023,348
- Worldwide Gross: $2,749,918
💥 Operation Chromite Reviews
Personal Review
As a war movie fan, I found ‘Operation Chromite’ to be a thrilling ride! I particularly enjoyed the scenes where the spies infiltrated the North Korean headquarters; the tension was palpable. The ending, though bittersweet, was powerful and resonated with me. It’s a movie that reminds us of the sacrifices made during the Korean War and why it is important to remember them. I highly recommend it for those who appreciate a good action-packed historical drama.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of war movies”
- “Viewers interested in Korean history”
- “Those who enjoy action-packed films”
- “Liam Neeson fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “War violence”
- “Gun violence”
- “Death”
- “Some scenes may be disturbing”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “A thrilling war film that showcases the bravery of South Korean soldiers during the Korean War. While Liam Neeson’s portrayal of MacArthur feels somewhat detached, the Korean actors deliver powerful performances. The action sequences are well-executed, providing a gripping experience.
- KoreanFilmBiz.com: “Operation Chromite is a well-made war movie, that presents a fictionalized depiction of true events that occurred during the Incheon Landing. The film offers great action and set pieces, with a bit of history thrown in. It’s an enjoyable watch that will capture viewer attention from beginning to end.
Audience Reactions
The undercover spy missions were intense and kept me on the edge of my seat!: Viewers consistently praise the thrilling spy elements and the powerful performances of the Korean cast.
Overall Consensus: A gripping war drama with intense action and strong performances, especially from the Korean actors. Although historical accuracy is debated, the film provides a thrilling, emotional experience.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Operation Chromite is based on the historical CIA/military intelligence operation ‘Trudy Jackson,’ which was part of the larger Operation Chromite.”
- “The film’s production team wanted to film Liam Neeson’s scenes in America, but Neeson insisted on filming in South Korea to maintain the film’s authenticity.”
- “The film portrays a fictionalized version of events, emphasizing the role of South Korean soldiers in the operation.”
🖥️ How to Watch Operation Chromite?
Operation Chromite is currently available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for availability on streaming services in your region. While it is not widely available on subscription-based streaming services at this time, keep an eye on platforms like Tubi and Crackle which sometimes offer similar titles for free with ads. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be found through online retailers like Amazon and eBay, providing options for collectors and those preferring physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Operation Chromite, you might like these similar films:
- Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004): Features intense battle sequences and emotional storytelling set during the Korean War, focusing on the impact of the conflict on individuals and families.
- Argo (2012): Involves a high-stakes covert operation to extract individuals from a hostile nation, similar to the espionage aspects of Operation Chromite.
- Where Eagles Dare (1968): Classic World War II film involving a daring commando raid behind enemy lines to rescue a captured general, emphasizing action and suspense.
- Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Details a decade-long intelligence operation to locate Osama bin Laden, showcasing the dedication and sacrifices of those involved in the mission.
🛒 Operation Chromite Related Products
- Korean War: A History: A comprehensive history of the Korean War, providing valuable background context for the events depicted in ‘Operation Chromite.’ Gain deeper insights into the historical events.
- Military Miniatures – Korean War: Collectible military miniatures depicting soldiers and equipment from the Korean War. These detailed models capture the essence of the era and make great display pieces.
- Korean War Documentary Collection: A collection of documentaries about the Korean War, offering factual accounts and insights into the conflict. Explore the historical context and impact of the war.
- War Movie Poster Collection: High-quality reproduction prints of classic war movie posters. Decorate your space with iconic imagery from films depicting historical conflicts.
🎧 Soundtrack
Operation Chromite features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Operation Chromite is based on the historical events surrounding the Battle of Incheon during the Korean War. It is a fictionalized version of the CIA/military intelligence operation “Trudy Jackson,” which involved gathering intelligence behind enemy lines to facilitate the Incheon landing.
General Douglas MacArthur was a prominent American general who served as the commander of the United Nations forces during the Korean War. He was instrumental in planning and executing the Incheon landing, a daring maneuver that helped turn the tide of the war.
Operation Chromite was primarily filmed in South Korea, with locations including Seoul. The production team aimed to recreate the atmosphere and setting of the Korean War as accurately as possible.
The Incheon Landing was strategically important because it was a surprise attack behind enemy lines, cutting off North Korean supply lines and enabling the recapture of Seoul. It shifted the momentum of the Korean War in favor of the United Nations forces.
🔥 Bonus Content
Vought F4U Corsair – In The Movies
Ever wondered where you’ve seen the planes from Operation Chromite before? This video compiles all the movie appearances of the Vought F4U Corsair – it’s surprisingly common and super cool to see!
Mauser C96 – In The Movies
Think the guns in Operation Chromite looked familiar? This video breaks down all the movie appearances of the Mauser C96. I didn’t realize how many films it’s been in!
General Takes Few Soldiers To North Korean Border To Destroy Entire Enemy Army
Need a quick refresher on Operation Chromite? This video gives you a full movie recap in minutes. Perfect if you’re short on time or just want to remember the highlights!
Operation Chromite – Battle of Incheon – Incheon Landings (Korean War)
Want to know the real history behind Operation Chromite? This video dives into the Battle of Incheon and why it was such a pivotal moment. It definitely gives the movie more weight knowing the actual events!
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