Kingdom (2019)

It was really hard rating this drama. It was highly anticipated as a Netflix original Korean series and after watching the trailer I could see that the budget was high. To tell the truth I wanted this series to be a hit. Why? I wanted people who don't give a chance to series from countries like China and Korea to know what they are missing.

I read multiple comments saying that the series had more politics than it should have and I completely understand their point of view, but I also disagree. I think that the drama didn't want to be just a source of entertainment. In my opinion the writers wanted us to see that even in a life-or-death situation, the politicians - no matter being in the Joseon era or in today's society - will only think about their own personal gain. But if there are no people to ''obey'' does having power really matter? It was great to think who are the real monsters and see in what extremes can people go to survive. I loved the fact that it showed the corruption among the people in the palace and the courage of every day individuals.

What made this different from all the dystopian films and series was the fact that it didn't only have dramatic scenes but it also had comedic elements. The cinematography was great, so was the music. The only minor problem for me was the acting. Don't get me wrong it wasn't even near to being bad, but I expected more from such well known actors - also more screen time for Bae Doona-.

All in all, it is definitely worth watching and I would recommend it to non Kdrama watchers for sure.

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14/01/2021

I like season one, two and the movie, but mostly season one.

This isn't another cliche horror movie or tv series and is different because we are taken back into historical times in which the zombies aren't your run of the mill type zombified fiends. For example, the zombies are only active at night time and play dead in a sleep like state hidden from direct sunlight during the day.

However, it isn't just a series about zombies, it is also about a royal family with power conflicts, political corruption plus there is a background story behind why and how the zombies come to exist in the first place which kind of goes against the law of nature.

We have a combination of great story telling and adventure plus episodes full of drama/action/suspense and interesting characters.

Episode one eases us into it - then it is full on action and what have you from episode two on right through to episode six.

It isn't too slow or so fast that it feels boring or rushed.

Everything about this is done perfectly from the acting, music score, costumes, atmosphere and thematics right through to cinematography.

I enjoyed the main male lead and his servant's relationship as well as all the fight scenes and zombies when they invaded and attacked. There are some really cool scenes that are well worth watching throughout it. E.g. Finger in the pot of soup.

Personally, I liked it and feel it is most definitely something that can be rewatched again with no problem.

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A surprising take on period dramas

Kingdom is a mini series set during the Joseon period with a sudden outbreak of flesh eating arisen dead. The series is slow placed but doesn’t leave you feeling like there’s not much happening. It’s almost emotions driven because you feel the nervousness and fear that the characters feel. in this first season we are given a proper introduction to the zombies and their habits while also getting accustomed to the characters. The series ends on a cliffhanger, I’m glad I watched it only after the second season was out. There are some aspects of the plot that feel slightly weak, but it’s all right. I also liked the cinematography, the focus on the vastness of the palace which isn’t usually this visible in the rest of the period dramas. And also the disparity and suffering between the rich and the poor told visually was stunning.

Overall it’s a good thriller with lots of goriness and killing and some zombie apocalypse setting. Totally bingeworthy!

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No doubt, this is one of the best dramas

The first time I watched this drama, I was really in awe with the plot itself. I always thought of a lot of questions after completing the first season like if it was really the Doctor who discovered the flower, where did the flower come from, what makes the dead into zombies, after putting the flower in the glabella of the deceased. I also think that that the situation portrayed in the beginning of the drama could be very much true in which the Queen and her family, who were so greedy with power would do whatever it took so they can have the kingdom in their hands. It speaks of politics, which apparently, has never changed. The situation of the people really got to me, because even now, despite a country being developed and all, there are still that portion of the population experiencing difficulties.
All in all, watching the drama was such a roller coaster of emotions. You may think you understand everything already but then another thing gets revealed and then you question yourself, if you really paid enough attention to the details of the drama. I also think that the details were very much intricate and well-planned. There are so many things that you could miss if you are not attentive enough, so I don’t recommend dividing your attention while watching this drama. It’s a drama for people who like watching dramas with horror, mystery and suspense, especially those who like watching out for the little details and connecting the dots.

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a kdrama for non-kdrama watchers

i am very new to kdramas and asian dramas in general. my biggest struggle is a lot of dramas i have seen had either slow pacing or episodes that were almost 1 hour and a half ( a whole movie ).

kingdom is a series that took me twenty minutes to like and 1 episode to love. while short in length (40 min episodes and 6 episodes per season), the story telling is not compromised, in fact this has one of the most intriguing and enticing stories I have seen in a long time (not to mention good female characters !!).

some of the shots in this series gave me actual chills combined with the amazing ost. the acting is amazing.

honestly in love with this series already (i have only just finished season 1) and i feel so strongly about this series that this is my first review.

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Zombie like apocalypse plus political drama

Production superb. Story wise, fresh take on the zombie apocalypse theme. Acting's really really good. Even the visuals are gruesome in a good way.

Zombie like apocalypse plus political drama.

The crowned prince fighting for his rights as the rightful ruler and fighting the undead. He's admirable even from the start. He's search for the truth, how brave he was from start to end. His resolve to protect the weak. His loyalty to the nation and his friends. He courage to do what's right, killing his own father, taking in a brother who's not even his blood, and even giving up the crown.

The paranormal component of the show was made as realistic as possible. A plant that could give life to the dead and dying, turns out to be a parasitic issue. So all good..

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Korea just seems to knock-it-out-the-park when it comes to zombies

Kingdom was one of the first kdramas I watched, it popped up on my Netflix suggestions and I was not disappointed!

The season was short, but I think this worked in its favour, any longer and it may have dragged out. The acting was brilliant, even from side characters and the zombies themselves. The show really did well at just showing the absolute panic there would be if an outbreak like this started, and this isn't modern-day but the Joseon period so no semi-automatics to save yourself when a hoard is coming.

The twist and turns really added to the suspense, you really feel like you are piecing the story together with the characters and the twist at the end had me shook!

I would recommend this show to anyone that loves the zombie genre and I would definitely rewatch it.

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Joseon of The Dead

I really liked their gradual introduction to the theme and the zombies but this kind of introduction felt too long and lasted for several episodes without any pieces moving in the story. It was a bit obvious this was done on purpose to delay progress for Season 2. Meanwhile, Season 2 took a step back and tried to develop its characters even though there was no room for that. Although Kingdom as a whole is relatively short but it needed a more precise cut to suit what we've been presented. Maybe cutting it down to 8 episodes in total would be ideal. The slow atmospheric shots with eerie background music were pleasant at first, but they quickly became overused to death and an abrupt change was needed but never happened. The movie Ashin of the North was an unnecessary addition that felt empty, out of place and was missing something to make us care. In traditional Netflix fashion, always make sure to lay the groundwork for endless possible future seasons/iterations at the end of every turn. Despicable greed!

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