Royaume (2019)

OMG, do South Koreans know how to do zombie movies !! Be prepared, cause the only fault I find with this series is the fact that it’s Netflix’s style, so split into seasons. I like very much about Asian dramas the fact that they don’t drag in seasons.

Kingdom season 1 is a strong one. Of course, a bit of social commentary is there; poor people are most affected, rich guys are safe. Enter the Crown Prince, a friend to the people, trying his best to save them. He does know some very important lessons – you cannot save all, his decisions will bring peace or war, betrayal is at every step and do not hesitate to use your power.

Story is smooth, perfect pacing, a lot of action, people who you wouldn’t expect to die, do die, cause they’re only humans (alive or dead already). Depravity and evilness of humans is at every step – again a commentary regarding who is the real monster. I enjoyed the political fights – power is a great drug and it’s almost impossible to give it up when you’re high on it. So all kind of monsters appear.

Acting… wow. I don’t think there is an interpretation I don’t like. All characters are real people for me, nothing is forced. Awesome performances, perhaps the best I’ve ever seen. This is the kind of series in which all characters are powerful, thanks to more factors – script, directing, the actors. I cannot chose a favorite… maybe Bae Doo Na is a notch above the rest.

If you are a fan of zombie/horror genre…do not wait! Free yourself a day, watch these 2 seasons and your top of zombie movies will change.

I cannot quite compare it with The Walking Dead and Fear of the Walking Dead. I dropped The Walking Dead at season 2 initially. I tried a few years later again – nope. Watched season 1 of Fear of the Walking Dead… so boring… So if you liked these 2, be careful – Kingdom has a lot of action. Yeah, I know Kingdom is shorter. That doesn’t make it less good. I would rather rewatch Kingdom 100 times, than suffer through WD seasons.

Besides, Kingdom is the one that feels more real… Isolation worked, right ??

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This whole series is just mindblowing. The drama is very complex with a lot of plots intertwined with each other. It is complex but can be very subtle as well. I find myself having to repeat some of the episodes to figure out all the hints. But it worth to rewatch and you won't get bored.

First, let's talk about the casts. I'm actually happy that Joo Ji Hoon is playing the crown prince. There was a talk about Song Jong Ki being cast for the role, but he rejected it. I'm not saying that Jong Ki is not a good actor, but Joo Ji Hoon has more experiences playing complex characters and I find his image is more suitable with the drama. Also, good job for the team to cast experienced actor and actresses like Bae Do Na and Ryu Seung Ryong.

Second the plots. It is based on a web manwha but it took a completely different setting and story but still keep the basic idea. The conflict started when the Cho clan was taking control of the power. The king was ill and it was still a mystery about how he became a monster. Was it because of the mysterious illness that he had or was it because he was resurrected with the resurrection plant? He definitely became an undead brainless monster who ate human. The prime minister Cho, who was also the Queen's father hid the fact and tried to keep the facade that the king was still alive and well until the Queen gave birth to the heir.

Meanwhile, the main character, our crown prince was also the king child but not from the Queen. The Queen was actually looked much younger than the crown prince but she had more power than him. The crown prince suspected that the king was actually already dead, but he had no proof and he was not able to visit his father due to the Queen's interferences. He was finally being framed for traitor and had to run away while also tried to pursue the truth. The crown prince followed the lead of one of his father physician to found out that the man had died and there was a zombie plague started to spread out.

Once a person was bitten by a zombie, he would turn into one. Apparently, these zombies became inactive during the day and became truly died when beheaded or burned. And they also enabled to swim.

The episodes were shorts with only 6 episodes. But the show has invested a lot of money into the production and each episode is very high quality like a blockbuster movie. Season 2 has been confirmed and I hope that it will continue to be amazing or more than the season 1. I had a lot of expectations and can't wait for it.

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In one sitting, I dove head-on in this drama, captured in its unique premise. With just 6 episodes, I was able to finish season 1 in a day. I enjoy historical dramas and zombie centred shows, which was a treat when I discovered Kingdom had both! The character development was great for the Crown Prince as well as the members in his group. Though they had purposely showed less character development of the “bad guys”, as there is a major plot twist at the end. The background story of the plague, was purposely slowly unraveled, to build up suspense and intrigue...

Review up on my blog: purplecuriosity.wordpress.com/2019/02/09/kingdom-season-1/

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I wouldn't like to be super biased when giving my review about this drama because I really like Joo Ji Hoon as an actor and Bae Doo Na's works always, but I don't have a single complaint about this drama. I wouldn't even like to call it a 'drama', but more like a series. The quality of Kingdom's production is not something that we find in many dramas. The acting was superb, every single character was perfectly well-created, the story developed with such intelligence, it really is unmatched.

Joo Ji Hoon as Lee Chang is such a wonderful character that even his common lack of emotion in his other works (not saying that I think like that but I know many do) is completely fitting in this role. He's passionate, cold-headed, smart, loyal, capable. The perfect king, yet his loyalty is doubted and he's suspected of treason. The way Lee Chang gathers the people on his side to protect Sangju is simply amazing. I really loved this character.

Similarly, Bae Doo Na as Sae-bi was perfect. I know she's always an amazing actress and each and every one of her works is a masterpiece, her characters are always inspiring women, but I must say that I really loved Sae-bi particularly. She's so smart and independent, survived so many things and was summoned to serve the general because of her skills and character, despite her being a simply physician of the commoners. Most empowering character ever!

I'm not going into further detail because I finished Season 2 before writing this review, so I wouldn't like to accidentally spoil anything, so I just want to encourage everyone to watch Kingdom and assure you that you will not regret it!

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A period drama with zombies is something I never knew I needed in my life until I came across Kingdom. To start, the story is creatively unique. The last thing I expected from this drama when I saw its cover photo is zombies (but then again, I didn't notice the zombie reflected in the sword). The first season does a good job of introducing these creatures and giving them a sort of background story, all while sprinkling in a little bit of political strife. The story wasn't rushed and it was well written. It has its fair share of plot twists and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now, I can't really say the same for the acting. The cast is one that I recognize and some of the actors I had enjoyed in other dramas. So, I assumed there would be some incredible acting and even though there were some great roles, others seemed a bit too over dramatic. It could be because this is a period drama, and overly authoritative personalities were the norm back then, but now, it just seems too much. Maybe that's the standard for acting in period dramas, since this isn't the first historical drama I've seen with dramatic acting, but I can't be sure. All I know is that some moments were a bit cringey for me personally, but I was quickly able to get over it and move on.

The music was... fine, I guess. I gave it 8 stars because I can't really remember the score, or what it even relatively sounded like. It was good enough that it didn't distract from the story, but it also wasn't amazing to the point where I was looking up the songs afterwards to add to my playlist. It was average music and that shouldn't drive you away from watching this drama.

The cinematography was alright. It's not a visual-focused drama, so nothing stood out, but the setting was appropriate and pretty, as in historically pretty. The monsters are also well done and look awfully creepy, which is a good thing in this case.

Overall, I'd say this was a pretty good start to a very interesting drama. I gave the rewatch value a ten because the drama is short, which is perfect for a quick fix, if you need one. It sucks for those who are waiting for a second season after binge watching the first one in a day, though. Nonetheless, this is a creepy, well-made drama that you should check out if you're looking for something spooky to watch.

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This show is WOW. It contains everything – action, suspense, power struggles, best cinematography, plot twist and a dash of humor. The storyline and characters are appealing enough to engage yourself though it has only 6 episodes leaving you hungry for the next season.

This period drama is not a typical one that we have seen most of the time, it covers with violence and some ruthless torture and execution. I think that makes the story draw to a good impression with extra glamor of customs, scenery, and faces of actors.

Join the ride and it will take you to the zombie apocalypse in ancient Korea.

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Just Another Standard Zombie Story...

A standard zombie story. Nothing special about it. Due to the huge success of The Walking Dead, we have seen a plethora of zombie films and TV shows which all tell the same story. Kingdom doesn't add anything new, just placing zombies in the past instead of the modern world. Zombies still eat human beings who turn into zombies themselves. Like what one of the top rated review of this series says on MDL, "the show isn't too concerned with character development and a deep storyline," just standard blockbuster drama with a ton of murder and gore, which quickly gets boring. None of the characters interest me either as I found them all flat or despicable. I watch K-drama for something different. Something that Western media doesn't have. Unfortunately, this series adheres too much to the vacuous zombie stories of the West. Better to spend my time watching quality K-dramas like Reply 1988 or Prison Playbook.

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Overused theme but presented a different time and plot

Though Netflix’s Kingdom features an overused theme, they presented a different time and plot. (Yes, I said it and you know it!) Kingdom is set in the medieval Joseon dynasty (1392 to 1897) which was a politically troubling time for both citizens and royalty. Corruption and famine were rampant plus their nation is plagued with the infected and other types of carnivorous and liquor-drinking monsters in various parts of the kingdom.

In a typical period drama or a typical zombie film, you will not see these problems right away. It takes time to build up. But Netflix’s Kingdom’s pacing is fast and more engaging. From the title sequence, we were already given so many clues or Easter eggs about what happened to the King.

That sequence gave chills to my body more than Netflix’s Stranger Things title sequence, to be honest. With the ominous music, dark colour and the incense smoke, the title sequence helped establish the setting and tone of the series.

And the first episode did not disappoint! It was enough for viewers to get hooked and finish all six episodes. Yes, there are only six episodes but each is 43 to 56-minute long. And though it was faced-paced, their execution did not fail to leave a great impression. It also did not fail to love and despise certain characters.

And as soon as I got to the last episode, I was amazed by the great plot twist. The zombies we know does not exist here. Moreover, the infected and the cause were revealed and explained well in this series all thanks to Seo-Bi who acquired Physician Lee Seung-Hui’s journal detailing the use of the legendary resurrection plant which helped her piece things together.

But season 1 ended with a major cliffhanger!

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Ho aspettato Kingdom per molto mesi, non vedevo l’ora di vedere un altro lavoro della sceneggiatrice di Signal, sapevo già che non mi avrebbe deluso. Il drama è una mini serie di 6 episodi e ne seguiranno altri 6 che teoricamente stanno già girando, le location e i costumi sono veramente fatti bene, la storia ti incolla allo schermo, i personaggi sono davvero molto curati, tutti i ruoli sono interpretati benissimo, il ministro (Personal Taste- proprietario della galleria d’arte) e il principe ereditario (Goong) sono eccezionali ??. Epiche le scene d’azione

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Excellent choice for the Zombie Lovers!

When i woke up today i didn't expect to spend my Sunday watching a zombie drama.
Let's start by saying i HATE zombies!I rarely watch this kind of movies and i have never ever watched a zombie related series in my entire life!This was my very first attempt and i started it out of pure curiosity,as the hype of this drama is skyrocketing.
As you can see i dropped it after episode 4 but still i wanted to write a review about it and ill explain why.
First i have to say that Koreans know how to create really good dramas.It doesn't matter whether you are into the genre or not.You have to appreciate the good work and thats why iam here writing this.

Music:The biggest flaw of this drama.They put so much effort to everything,every single detail,so why they had to mess up with music?Such an important factor!Music theme was just a very poor choice.I expected to be more thrilling and powerful as many scenes carried "big" emotions.Anyways a generous 5 from me.Such a pity,though.

Cast/acting:Not familiar with Joo Ji Hoon.(i will start Hyena after i finish this review so i will form a better opinion about his acting) but still i didn't find him bad here.
I already knew more or less the rest of the cast so overall the acting was good from everyone.

Production/direction/cinematography:Iam speachless!Visual & Sound effects. Those cracks when the zombies awakes!Creepy!Cudos to the make-up artists too.Those corpses/zombies!Just wow really nice work there.
What stole my heart was the scenery.Brilliant!I wanted to enter the screen and be there!Everything was so beautiful.

Story:I will not stay here as obviously i wasn't interested in it.All has to do with zombies so at the end i pass.

Epilogue:Ok,i fed my curiosity.Zombie series is not for me.Definetely NOT!
But if you like the genre this drama is an excellent choice for you.
Is just me not into this.That simple.For you may be a perfect 10.
I gave a total 8 though,because it would be unfair to rate this lower.From the begining i knew i don't like the genre i guess i was just testing myself to see how far i could go with this.But this is my personal taste and it doesn't mean this drama itself is bad.On the contrary!
So my 8 goes mostly for the cinematography and because i didn't want to drop the overall rating.(i mean rating from all the other users)

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Uaaa me ha encantado!

No soy mucho de las historias de terror y menos de las de zombis pero la verdad es que me ha encantado Kingdom tanto la 1a como la 2a temporada. La idea de una serie de zombis pero ambientada en el reino de Joseón era tentadora y después de unas semanas de ver la sugerencia de netflix decidí darle una oportunidad. Y ya no pude parar... los 6 capítulos de la primera temporada cayeron uno después del otro, en poco menos de tres días y tuve que seguir con la segunda porque la intriga me estaba matando, jajajjaj
Kingdom está muy bien interpretada, ambientada y escrita. Su guión tiene giros y es dinámico y emocionante y espeluznante a partes iguales. Los personajes están muy bien trabajados y tienen profundidad y evolución. Me encanta el príncipe y sus compañeros, su amistad, su compañerismo, es algo así como una Comunidad del anillo en Joseón y con monstruos sedientos de sangre,jajjaja El miedo y los sustos están garantizados, los efectos especiales y el maquillaje son de 10!
Los paisajes y escenarios muy bonitos, la iluminación sugerente, las luchas a espada muy buenas, la sangre justa pero no en exceso, pero por encima de todo, nuestro hermoso y torturado príncipe heredero.
Creo que todos los fans de kingdom estarán de acuerdo conmigo que este personaje nos ha ganado el corazón poco a poco, minuto a minuto, pero que ya en la segunda temporada somos suyos completamente. No esperaba encontrar tal héroe en una serie de terror, su bondad, sus valores y principios, su valentía, su sacrificio son maravillosos y resplandecen como el sol. Estoy muy sorprendida, gratamente sorprendida!!! Recomiendo muchísimo ver esta serie, vale la pena!

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