Kingdom (2019)

This series breathed new life into the tired old zombie genre. The opening sequence with the methodical resurrection of the king hooked me in. It was beautiful in a ghastly sort of way.

South Korean shows are becoming good at taking old ideas, putting their own twist on it, and executing it perfectly. Being set in the distant Joseon period, the crew had to make sure everything from the costumes, the sets, to the props, all go together to create a sense of realism. It felt as if we were right inside that world. They were not afraid to make their actors look dirty, tired, and unattractive. Even the extras were done right, down to the zombie makeup and creepy jerky movements. The production value was sky high with hordes of zombies, bloody battle scenes, and even an undead ship. It was on par with Hollywood, and even better at times.

The acting was on point, nothing over-the-top or melodramatic. Ju Ji Hoon gave a very restrained, believable performance as an initially clueless prince who was learning to care about his kingdom and people. Jeon Seok Ho’s cowardly nobleman was not just a comic relief. You get a sense that he was on his way to redeem himself somehow. Heo Joon Ho as Lord Ahn was just cool without even trying. The show slowly built the characters so that you care about them, instead of just killing them off randomly for the shock value.

It was smart of them to leave out the romance. The plot had to enough substance to stand on its own. It didn’t need to be bogged down with a love story or worse yet, a love triangle. But what sets this series apart was how they used the plague to point out the social inequality that existed then, and still exists now. That was more scary than the zombies.

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Kingdom: The Heart-Pumping, Zombie-Infested Korean Epic You Can't Miss"

Oh boy, let me tell you about Kingdom! This show is a masterpiece, plain and simple. The plot is so intense and gripping that you'll be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And the visuals are absolutely stunning! From the incredible sets to the jaw-dropping action scenes, everything about Kingdom is top-notch.

But what really sets this show apart is the way it seamlessly blends history and fantasy. The Joseon Dynasty setting is meticulously recreated, and the attention to detail is incredible. And then you add in the zombies - or "infected", as they're called in the show - and it takes things to a whole new level. The way the characters deal with the outbreak is so well-done, and the tension and suspense just keeps building and building.

Overall, Kingdom is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good action-drama with a bit of horror thrown in. It's got great characters, an engaging story, and some truly unforgettable moments. Trust me, you won't be disappointed

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Zombies in Joseon

This was certainly different from other Korean dramas, a mesh of a political thriller and a horror zombie apocalypse.

The crown prince, Lee Chang, is the central figure trying to escape from the court corruption in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. He starts out as a pampered but a well meaning prince who goes through a massive character development becoming a hero trying to save a dying nation. The story is well paced with a good amount of twists. Every character has a unique role without anyone being unnecessary. I liked that the writing did not focus on backstories and instead showed Lee Chang struggling against the zombie plague to help his people and at the same time repelling a corrupt minister trying to usurp the throne. The plot stays true to the genre, an action horror thriller, without turning it into a draggy melodrama.

The villain, a ruthless power hungry official, is a bit cookie cutter without a personality or any motivation other than power. But, the action packed and well paced plot more than made up for it.

Overall, if you don't mind gore and like zombie movies and political intrigue, this is it.

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Horror and gore, but genius plot!

Kingdom

A gore and shockingly scary series where some scenes left me in horror! Could not watch some scenes, but the political and environmental and historical elements did it for me. The shock of the first zombie scenes were exciting to watch, but after a while it was just too much for me. I love the main characters, and them working together. The villains were for real! The actors were amazing. Genius plot, and interesting background of the zombies that makes you want to watch more! I’m am still eagerly waiting for a third season.

I did not remember the music, even though I have rewatched this drama several times. This tells enough of what my mind thinks of the music, it was average. Background music often suspenseful.

Basically, overall the series made me want more! Especially now that a new actress will join the cast hopefully in a third season, from Ashin of the North. I say this is one of the best “zombie”- series I have ever watched, the best part is that the zombies were not the main part of the story, there were many different elements to it. And everything was connected and put together so well. Even the background of all the characters and when and how they would meet and continue the story was perfectly put together, it made sense. It is not a romance focused drama, more about politics, power, the different positions and groups in a society back then, and a zombie virus with an riveting origin and background. Still after two seasons, my curiosity is still not satisfied and I can not wait until further revelations come. I am most excited about what will happen when the actress from Ahsin of the North comes. This drama left me with many speculations and expectations and hopes that need to be fulfilled.

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Great Zombie drama

I watched Kingdom at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, watching a story of a very contagious illness is pretty unnerving at the beginning of a pandemic while things are uncertain.

I'm not normally into zombie dramas but I decided to give Kingdom a go because I heard good things. I enjoyed that part of the drama was working out how the zombie plague started as well as the drama of royal succession in ancient Korea. Kingdom is action filled and kept my on the edge of my seat while also having an interesting story line.

The acting seemed really good but unfortunately I watched Kingdom with the actor's voices dubbed, I found this really distracting but now I know next time I can change the settings. I thought the main actor was very handsome too. The ending gave a hint of a new season coming so I'd definitely be watching the new season if it comes out. I don't remember the music.

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Gripping politics amidst the zombie apocalypse

I avoided this drama for years since I don't like gore or scary shows, but I'm so glad I finally gave it a shot. The politics sucked me in right from the start, as did the gorgeous sets and rich atmosphere of the show. You are immediately sucked into the claustrophobic atmosphere at court between gild and etiquette and the horror of the undead.

The show isn't subtle at all with its moral message of corrupt, self-serving leaders being the actual plague the country is suffering from, with the zombies only the most visible symptom of the corruption the country is suffering from. As such, most characters are starkly good or evil, and I wish there could have been more characters who left us guessing or weren't so easily defined, as I found these the most engaging characters. In this, it clearly shows there are only six episodes to the season, short even by Netflix standards, which leaves limited room for personal and interpersonal conflicts (season 2 did a better job of balancing this in my opinion.) But all the same, the characters are engaging and I found all of them interesting, even if not surprising.

I didn't find the gore as distracting or jarring as I had assumed I would, it fit in well with the pacing of the story. It was far less interesting to me than the political and social side of it, but that might just be because that's where my interest lies. Kingdom does interesting things with its zombies, though, both with the distinctive spins it puts on their powers and how cultural values shape how people respond to a familiar threat such as zombies.

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A Thrilling Zombie Epic That Bites Deep

"Kingdom" is a standout Korean drama that redefines the zombie genre with its unique historical setting and gripping narrative. This series combines political intrigue with heart-pounding horror, delivering an exhilarating viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The drama set in Korea’s Joseon period, "Kingdom" follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he uncovers a horrifying plague that turns the dead into ravenous monsters. Amidst the chaos, Lee Chang must navigate treacherous political waters and uncover the truth behind the outbreak to save his kingdom and its people.


Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Lee Chang : Ju Ji-hoon delivers a compelling performance as the determined and righteous Crown Prince. His portrayal of Lee Chang’s transformation from a sidelined royal to a courageous leader is both powerful and nuanced.

Bae Doona as Seo-bi : Bae Doona shines as Seo-bi, a dedicated physician who plays a crucial role in uncovering the origins of the plague. Her character’s intelligence and bravery add depth to the story, and Bae Doona’s performance is both strong and empathetic.

Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak-ju : As the cunning and ruthless Minister Cho Hak-ju, Ryu Seung-ryong brings a formidable presence to the series. His character’s machinations and desire for power create intense drama and conflict.

The supporting cast of "Kingdom" deserves high praise for their outstanding performances. Each actor brings authenticity to their roles, enriching the series with diverse and memorable characters. The ensemble cast, including Kim Sung-kyu as Young-shin and Kim Hye-jun as Queen Consort Cho, contributes significantly to the drama’s depth and intensity.
The portrayal of zombies in "Kingdom" is exceptional. The actors behind the undead bring a terrifying realism to their movements and expressions, enhancing the horror elements of the series. Their relentless and frightening presence elevates the tension and stakes throughout the show.

Visual and Sound Design:

"Kingdom" boasts stunning cinematography that beautifully captures the stark contrast between the serene landscapes of Joseon and the terrifying zombie attacks. The meticulous attention to period details in costumes and sets immerse viewers in the historical setting. The sound design and score perfectly complement the drama, amplifying the suspense and horror.
The series explores themes of power, corruption, and survival. It delves into the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones and their kingdoms. The political intrigue intertwined with the zombie horror provides a rich narrative that keeps viewers engaged.


"Kingdom" is a masterful blend of historical drama and zombie horror, delivering a unique and thrilling experience. With stellar performances from its main and supporting cast, exceptional portrayal of zombies, and breathtaking visual and sound design, this series is a must-watch. "Kingdom" not only redefines the zombie genre but also sets a high bar for historical dramas, making it an unforgettable addition to Korean television.

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Not what I expected but ended up loving the drama.

Before watching I expected Kingdom to be a slow political thriller with zombies here and there.
However, Kingdom is a very fast-paced zombie action thriller that is absolutely stunning visually, taking the watcher straight to the 17th century Joseon.

In my opinion almost everything in this drama is perfect, acting and the action sequences especially impressed me.

I do have two very minor issues about the story and characters. While the characters are interesting, I would have liked to see more focus on the character development and their backstories.

Additionally, the ending is exciting but almost cliffhanger-y, which I'm usually not a big fan of. The good thing is that Kingdom has a 2nd season that you can watch immediately after finishing season 1!



This is a must watch drama for fans of historical, action, thriller, and zombie dramas!!

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A Cinematic Masterpiece: Kingdom Redefines the Zombie Apocalypse Genre

A word before my review:- "I'll be honest, zombie apocalypses aren't typically my go-to genre. In fact, I had a traumatic experience watching a non-Korean zombie movie when I was just 11 or 12 years old. I didn't understand the context, but it left me terrified, and I avoided the genre altogether since then. However, thanks to a friend's enthusiastic recommendation, I decided to give Kingdom a chance, and I'm so grateful I did! This series has completely changed my perspective on the zombie apocalypse genre, and I'm now hooked."

THE DRAMA - KINGDOM :-

This Korean drama is a Stand-out drama in the thriller genre, setting a new standard for zombie apocalypse stories.
The decision to set the series ( the story point of Zombie) in ancient times was a bold and really challenging move, but the makers pulled it off with finesse. Mainly where the " Sageuk" dramas main elements rule on the classic love-revenge-wars-betrayal, power-struggle for the throne. it's a really tough challenge to the writer - director to create Zombie world in this classic sageuk elements. But their hardwork shines in every scene and every character makes us emotional, survival tense.
and the Netflix 's Korean drama wave started from here.

*THE EXCELLENCE OF KINGDOM'S SOUNDTRACK AND CINEMATOGRAPHY*

"When it comes to the thriller genre, I'm particularly discerning about two crucial aspects: soundtrack and cinematography. Kingdom excels in both areas, elevating the overall tension and suspense to new heights. The soundtrack is masterfully crafted, with the subtle sounds of the zombies and the haunting background score for the main leads perfectly complementing the on-screen action. The cinematography is equally impressive, with a keen attention to detail that immerses the viewer in the dark and foreboding world of ancient Korea. The cinematography in the Kingdom is nothing short of breathtaking, transporting me to a hauntingly beautiful ancient ( sageuk/historical ) Korea time'. The dark tone cinematography is a masterclass in crafting suspense and tension, expertly leveraging lighting, shadows, and composition to create an atmosphere that's both foreboding and mesmerizing and capturing a hauntingly beautiful scenery of Korean old days with bare trees on the mountains, their silhouettes etched against the eerie backdrop like nature's own work of art."
The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a haunting score that perfectly complements the on-screen action, amplifying the emotional impact of every scene and character. The combination of these two elements creates a truly unsettling and thrilling experience that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

ACTING:-

"The acting in Kingdom is truly exceptional, with each actor delivering a standout performance that leaves a lasting impact. Ju Ji Hoon, in particular, brings his character to life with a depth and nuance that is simply awe-inspiring. The entire cast, including Bae Doona, Kim Hye Jun, Ryu Seung Ryong, Heo Jun Ho, and Kim Sung Kyu, delivers fantastic performances that are both convincing and compelling. The cast's extraordinary acting skills are a testament to their dedication and talent, and they play a significant role in making Kingdom the thrilling and unforgettable experience that it is."

OVERALL :-

"I'm a little late to the party, but I'm thrilled to have finally experienced the masterpiece that is Kingdom! The script is nothing short of brilliant, weaving a story that's both captivating and unpredictable. The director-writer's vision is masterful, transporting me to the eerie world of the Kin and plunging me into the midst of a zombie apocalypse like never before. With its flawless pacing, heart-pumping action sequences, and emotional depth, Kingdom has raised the bar for K-dramas and zombie apocalypse stories alike.

My Rating: 10/10

If you haven't yet indulged in the thrill ride that is Kingdom, do yourself a favor and dive in without hesitation! This unforgettable experience will leave you breathless, craving more, and forever changed. Trust me, it's worth the binge!"

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Is a multi extras blockbuster

The story is predictable, and we seen it any times before. The bit with the Queen being pregnant from. King in very I’ll health for three years was a bonus! ? What makes the drama watchable is the cast and the vying - they did really well there!
It’s a slow burner, so you need to hang in there.

One element of the directing I didn’t enjoy was the scene stretching - absolutely unnecessary in my opinion, the drama would have hold well as 10 ep. The excess of massive zombie scenes gets really boring after a while - I missed the build up really. I think it would have been better if they kept these under control.

One special shout for the main character cast. They are so captivating and relatable, that makes following the story inevitable.

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The Best Plot Twist!

Introduction:
Kingdom Season One is a gripping thriller set in the Joseon era, offering a unique twist on the zombie apocalypse theme within a historical context. The show's period setting adds a distinctive flavor to the familiar genre.

Plot and Suspense:
The suspense throughout the series is truly commendable. The plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictability. Initially, the assumption that zombies only attack at night is cleverly subverted, revealing a shocking twist related to temperature.

Character Dynamics:
The main characters, whether protagonists or antagonists, are portrayed with excellence. It's hard to dislike even the antagonists, thanks to their intelligence and the well-crafted strategies of the main characters. The character dynamics contribute significantly to the show's overall appeal.

Acting Quality:
The acting in Kingdom Season One is top-notch, with no shortcomings. The cast delivers stellar performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their respective roles. The characters truly come to life on screen.

Series Opening:
The opening of the series sets the stage effectively, creating an engaging atmosphere from the start. It captivates the audience's attention and establishes the tone for the thrilling narrative that follows.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kingdom Season One is a must-watch for fans of both period dramas and zombie thrillers. With its unique setting, unpredictable plot, outstanding character portrayals, and impressive acting, the series stands out as a compelling and memorable addition to the genre.

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