Well, first of all the combination of zombies and Joseon dynasty was definitely worth while. Haven't seen that kind of drama before and also don't know of anything like this. They integrated your usual sageuk theme quite well into the zombie genre.
You can see that they had a high budget on this and it paid off. Of course, there's also the "Netflix"-touch (or let's call it the Western touch) to it. Scenes/editing/cinematography feel different. I mean, really good sageuks have this certain serious aura. This one as well, but it's still different. And yet, it maintains its historical Korean core: the conflict between politicians and the Royal family.
Do you know what's really satisfying in this drama? Whenever you get annoyed by corrupt characters in a sageuk, you'd almost pull out all of your hair, you want to punish them yourself and it takes an eternity until they get what they really deserve. But here you don't get bothered at all because you just know that there's a higher/stronger instance that doesn't care for Joseon politics and that defines a new order. Its pure existance threatens the whole system whether it's noblemen or peasants. And no one can escape.
The cast in this is simply amazing. I wouldn't expect less either. Here are stellar actors and actresses assembled, each of them doing a fantastic job. Maybe it's the editing but it feels like a whole new level... or a different level. It's hard to describe.
The only character I couldn't become comfortable with was the queen. I don't really think that the actress was the right choice for this. She was the weakest part of them all even though the character itself is actually quite important. She never warmed up to me. That's my only complaint about this.
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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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“I will never abandon these people!”
i’m not a big fan of the historical setting, whether it be in dramas or manhwas, so i definitely didn’t vibe with this as much as i would’ve if i was a fan of the genre but it was still pretty good. i came for the zombies and definitely stayed for them, especially with the twist in the final episode that nearly made my jaw drop. i love how the origin story is written and how they used the time period to really bring this story to life as well as how it ties into the politics surrounding the royal lineage. the actors are all great and i love how not much about them (save for our main character the crown prince) is stated outright by them, and how we instead have to look at their actions to understand them since we don’t get much of their backstory due to the short amount of episodes. they definitely could’ve added at least two more episodes to really flesh things out in the first season but hopefully we get a bit more in the second season to make up for it. this was still enjoyable for what it was although it wasn’t my favorite thing ever.Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing overall
I wanted to watch this for a while and finally I had some time to watch, especially since the drama is not that lengthy. The first two episodes are slow paced but from episode 3, it gets so good! I don't know from where to start, the plot, the acting, the cinematography! Even the opening is mysterious!Acting is amazing, from Ju Ji Hoon who portrays so well the righteous Crown Prince and the other characters which are complex and bring so much to the drama as well!
Great OST.
Definitely to be rewatched.
The way it finished, can't wait to get to season 2!
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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!
KingdomA 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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Mediocre
Honestly speaking, there wasn't anything special about this drama. I had no attachment to any of the characters, excluding Seobi, who was at least a decent character. There were some times where I felt intrigued as to what was going to happen next. However, it was boring and plain most of the time - you could find me yawning and paying attention to other things but this. Still, there were a lot of things in this drama that I was intrigued by, especially in the last few minutes, so I might consider watching the second season of this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
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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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