Black Knight (2023)

A good distopic but nothing else

Wanted to watch this title as soon as was announced from Netflix at the start of this year, as a forever lover of dystopian movies, I was thrilled to see something in a drama form.
The ambientation in itself is honestly good and the story is actually really good, but doesn't develop that much and a second season would be honestly completely unnecessary. Everything revolves around a revenge kind group of rebels that want to reunite their world (the poor uninhabitable one) with the elite world (rich people, good air and great jobs). But overall, the story doesn't go beyond that, and everything is rushed in the last two episodes

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If you like sci fi,, action and dystopian situations this is an excellent option

8.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2023 science fiction action dram series with 6, 46-59 minute episodes

First I provide a unique synopsis then review

Synopsis

In the future, 5-8 (Kim woo Bin) is an elite delivery driver in a dystopian era. After a comet hit the Earth polluting and destroying the atmosphere, the remaining survivors must depend on deliveries of precious oxygen to survive the scarce and toxic air. Deliverymen must be special forces level capability to survive attacks from those that would steal deliveries. One deliveryman, is legendary among the poorest class of people who are forced to live like refugees. He goes only by his deliveryman name which is 5 dash 8. He must counter the power hungry, greedy measures of the wealthy heir to a corporate group, Ryu Seok (Song Seung heon). In their stratified society, only those at the very top receive full access to scarce resource although deliveryman are rewarded with the same even if they come from the lowest, refugee, class. Jeong Seol ah (Choi Seung hoon) is a refugee boy who dreams of following in 5 dash 8’s footsteps to become a deliveryman and not only improve his own life but also help his people. He was adopted by his sister, Jeong Seol ah (Esom) who is also secretly making moves for the better of the people. While the deliveryman work for the evil conglomerate, many of them are working against it to secure a better life for all the people. It is a futuristic battle of good versus evil. Who will prevail?

Review

Ot is a great, dystopian, good versus evil, futuristic thriller. The deliverymen were more like elite special forces. It had some “Dune” and “Mad Max vibes but it was definitely all its own thing. I was able to watch it with my guy who is allergic to romance shows. This had the action and intrigue that he likes. If you are looking for something faced pace, with a great and unique premise, this is for you. It is well acted and Kim Woo Bin is a talented actor who is always a joy to watch.

Spoilers

Slight detractors was people, such as the kid, making decisions to move the plot along that aren’t decisions someone would usually make. Like your friend just dies, you know the bad guys are coming, but you do not go and they capture you.

When the kid finally made it and became a deliveryman he was doing inappropriate things like giving his friends rides, and it was as if no one noticed when previously the deliveryman could not deviate from their assigned route and schedule.

I was surprised, given it was on a streaming platform, that the bad guys used a vaccine to commit genocide. They also had people in masks when the villain was the one spreading the pollution that necessitated them. It was an accurate portrayal of such elements currently happening and it was easy to see the parallels

#BlackKnight

#choiSeungHoon

#KimWooBin

#SungSeungHeon

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I despair....

... I really do despair because I am eagerly waiting for a K-drama with an intelligent storyline.
The last one I saw in the more action-related theme was 'my name' which was comparably brilliant.
Since then, no matter what is super hyped before release, I take a look into it and despair often after a few minutes in, and get angry because the writers seem to have left their brains at home in bed. Oo

Shortly, why is that the case for 'Black Knight:

1. So there was a huge (and I mean HUGE, as shown) asteroid that hit planet earth around 2030. We are now located in 2071 in South Korea and what we see is total devestation 40 years on. It's claimed that only 1% of people survived the initial hit of the asteroid. Fourty years later there is still no sunlight, extremely polluted air and people can only go outside wearing oxygen masks and they have to buy oxygen for their homes to survive.

What is wrong with this initial picture?

If such a huge asteroid would have hit the earth, and as there is so much destruction still seen 40 years later in Korea? People wouldn't just have trouble breathing and wearing some masks ( they often just take off by the way, for having funny little bad stunt fights, talking, whatever), - what would have initially happened would have been that the 25 (at least!) Korean atomic plants would have blown up and they would have had ( and those few who then would have survived still would have) an atomic catastrophe. People couldn't get outside not only because they couldn't breathe much, they would be grilled like a steak outside, there would be no food or drink available as everything would have been highly radiated. But hey, let's totally ignore that Oo

2. So, going on from my point 1 with the radiation - there would be no power nowhere. It's almost funny that in that destructed world they show they all have smart phones, electricity, computer games, driving cars with whatever fuel/gas and everything is shown like that asteroid hit did NOT happen, like technology of the 2020s just went on like there was no interruption - how totally impossible Oo
If the asteroid would have hit like shown, apart from air pollution, no sunlight (which would by the way bring other very bad consequences..) and the rather unimportant total radioactive pollution, no one could generate any kind of working energy. No, not even huge modern high tech wind engines, there would be no infrastructure, no raw materials, no nothing. Everything concerning technology up to the date of the hit would be GONE. Especially funny the scene in the futuristic business room with about a thousand huge telly screens - just funny with no source of electricity. Totally illogical no-brain nonsense.

3. Also other things wouldn't be available, for no one, also not for any 'upper casts'. There would be no world trade of no goods, for a looooong time. They wouldn't have fancy new uniforms, weapons, high tech gear, they woldn't have any kind of high tech clothes with high tech mixed fibres, they wouldn't even have hair dye.

I made it into episode 2 giving it a fair chance, but after seeing the young guy getting shot in the head from behind point blank, and I mean fully hit, and then he... is still alive and can sit in a driving truck? Enough for me, total nonsense.


Other things I didn't like: the 'backstory' isn't only total nonsense like that, they just don't give any real backstory at all. The first episode starts with some action fight scenes that didn't really make sense, in between there is this strange family setting in the house where the siblings (?) banter around, all of it with some kind of clownish slapstick music all of a sudden - wtf?

And I could go on for quite a while. Please K-drama writers, stop this trash story writing that is an insult to anyone with half a living brain cell! K-dramas were so good in the past, any genre of it, there were always good ones with great storylines, intelligent plots, what happened? This one is so bad, if you have ANY basic knowledge of anything, it's unwatchable.

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Touch Of Mad Max!

There is quite a bit of action, a number of fight scenes and even one car race challenge that ends lives if mistakes are made or the driver is in the firing line of hunters.

The idea of delivery men in a dystopian environment didn't really do anything for me, but as I had nothing else lined up I thought I'd give it a shot and am glad to say I have no regrets.

There always seems to be good and bad guys in this type of genre so it is a bit of a cliche - I was crossing my fingers for something new to be brought to the table or an original twist and this didn't do too badly.

One of the main actors in this 6 episode series is also in The Heirs and is a bit of a kick a$$ character in Black Knight as well.

If you want a fast paced action filled series with a decent enough story line then this might be for you.

All I will say is I really enjoyed this one as it had 1% romance!

Re-watchable for some like me!!!

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An 'okay' package

It's like the Hunger Games world on x2 speed.
There isn't anything special about the storyline or the plot, and no dramatic plot twists either. No complex emotions to process or dialogues to confuse you.

Yet it's such a quick 'overall complete' watch that I enjoyed it. I didnt end up wasting alot of time, and i didnt have over the top expectations for it so i wasnt disappointed. The script is detailed just enough to inform you of the storyline as a whole which left out so many questions us dystopian world lovers look out for their answers.. But the VFX and production was so good I found myself concentrating on the scenes and background rather than what's missing from the world-building.
The ending was satisfactory too, loose enough to leave a small potential for a season 2 but a bow on a gift box for season 1.

I do wish the episodes were a little long to showcase the bonding between the 'important' cast characters outside the scope of the main plot. Song Seung Hoon's role was a little disappointing. His scenes werent long enough and so were his lines, everything felt very superficial and fake. Actually, it's poor character writing. The soundtrack was quite lacking so it wasn't easy to immerse myself into.
Overall, the drama was too plot focused. Good and short for easily distracted viewers, might be unsatisfactory for perfection-seeking viewers.

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Would've been better if Sa Wool had the same gender as in the webtoon

I enjoyed the first episode but mostly only for KWB... but damn did they really have to change Sa wool's gender? As an active manga reader I read the manga/webtoon version of this before watching the TV adaptation and I can proudly say that what interested me in the manga was seeing this young girl fighting to survive in a dystopian like world where she only had one adult in her life, how she lost that one adult and decided to finily get stronger to protect herself cause that was the only way she could survive in such world as a young woman but the fact that Netflix changed her frickin gender and the internet decided to call that a minor change is a frickish let down through and through because did the actor playing Sa Wool even went through sexual harassment like she did in the manga? Nah, I doubt so they should've just given the role to a female actress and actually add depths in their adaptation like damn it didn't even come close to the og. Nonetheless, if you've never read the webtoon/manga version then you're more than welcomed to give it a try!

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Oppression, violence, humour & entertainment

There are some holes in the story and if the mutants had been explored more, even if needing a few extra episodes, I think the plot would have benefitted. Nothing is mentioned about life outside Seoul, so my imagination assumes all survivors of the comet strike that almost wiped out the entire population, headed there.
Overall though, I found this drama a great watch. Being relatively short and all eps available immediately on Netflix, it made for an excellent binge and felt like watching a film.
I loved the entire cast and I cannot now think of one actor/character that let the story or production down.
The feel of a Seoul turned into a dull, dusty, sand covered desert with a highly toxic atmosphere, was pretty realistically conveyed. It felt grimy, oppressive and lifeless.
A class system exists that real life is beginning to mirror in many respects.
Living is segregated, where those with the money or background to live and work within Cheonmyeong's dome, have light and oxygen. The lower working class, regular soldiers and the deliverymen/women who transport goods and oxygen to those living outside, have purpose built, uniformed, secure, identical windowless housing blocks.
The lowest class are referred to as refugees. They eek out a living and have to fend for themselves pretty much.
Everyone going outside has to wear special oxygen masks and cover up against the dusty atmosphere.
The disparity is stark and with no prospect of things improving, life outside is dangerous, with gangs who pirate the deliverymen's juggernauts.
We meet various characters within the plot revolving around a battle that is brewing against the ruling Cheonmyeong company, whose heir is a Hitler like character that views refugees like vermin.
Several plot twists and surprises add to the compelling story.
At only 6 eps, you won't find much background or delving into the stories of the main characters (let alone supporting ones), but snippets are included and some flashbacks, that give enough info for the plot and characters to make sense.
I loved it. Kim Woobin was perfect for the role of 5-8. With just enough humour to stop it tipping into a depressing watch, there is also plenty of action.
The ending was appropriate to rounding things up and gave a glimmer of hope.
Definitely worth watching and an easy one to watch again when the mood takes... which I will.

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amazing...................

i've been watching korean/chinese dramas for a while now,i was so impress how this drama was so real i just hoped this will never happen in the near future and real life. the main actor was the best super hero i've ever seen..... Great ending ,so real i am so disappointed that some people find it boring its my first time watching Kim woo bin in the drama ...its was made for him this role it was so real , i will be watching for more of him in the near future i hoped that he will win some kind of award for his role cause he deserve it and more importantly no sex scene just pure action , more acting ,more caring for your fellow citizen. its was short but to the point no meaningless "bull" to make the drama long and boring,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,its a great drama for a kid to have a dream and a mentor to look up to when things are tough.....to keep the faith and keep fighting to the very end

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Great action-packed story in a well-conceived dystopian futuristic world!

This action drama is set on a futuristic Earth where oxygen has become a scarce resource. A team of deliverymen ensures its distribution to a population organized under a strict social order with high opportunity disparities.

Despite its short length (only 6 episodes of about 45 minutes), this series manages to set up very quickly and properly the stakes, the universe and the various characters. The story ramps up in an exciting way across the episodes: it is packed with action and still leave some room for a deeper thematic, resonating with the preoccupations and actuality of our current times.

The characters made sensible choices and are intelligent, the writing is solid and make sense overall. I would just have appreciated for the antagonist to have more fleshed out motivations and aspirations. I loved the mentoring relationship that develops between two of the characters. This TV show is proof that when done well, the common trope of the apprentice being taught all the ropes and progressing (almost levelling-up in a way) remains a really interesting and compelling storyline to follow.

I was amazed by the performance of Kim Woo Bin: as expected he did a great job. He has such as strong physicality and presence which I find captivating: it is always a real treat to see him on screen. Kang Yoo Seok also really impressed me, I was totally invested in his character and I will be digging into his filmography as he was such a good discovery. Overall, the ensemble cast is really strong and work excessively well together.

The production value was pretty high. They managed to create a quite realistic and frightening dystopian futuristic world. All the details were on point regarding the decors, costumes and accessories. For example, there are several kind of breathing masks (and not just one type used by everyone which would make less sense), there are also a big variety of technologies, machines and digital tools featured across the course of the story. All these elements brought together made the series looks really believable. The soundtrack is mainly atmospheric, providing suitable thrilling or dark vibes. I liked a lot the transitions between some scenes and episodes with the picture shifting to a drawing piece: it was super eye-catching.

I would recommend this to people looking for an ultra binge-able action drama set up in a well-conceived dystopian futuristic universe. If you like movie such as "Dune (Part1)" or even to a lesser extent TV shows such as "The 100" or "The Mandalorian", this will be right up your alley!

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It's Good, But It Could've Been Better

There's not a lot of dystopian Korean shows or movies so I'm not expecting a lot but this one's just on par with my expectations; nothing more, nothing less.

Acting wise, there's nothing much I could say. It's Kim Woo Bin, just a punch from him could make the scene look a lot more thrilling than it actually is. I was excited when I saw Roh Yoonseo, it was a waste that she has a really minor role, but she's a key character so I understand. Others... they're good. Nothing much to comment about it, no cringey lines nor acting that would make you want to stop watching.

The only problem I have is the story. There are parts where they could've executed the scenes better, making the story more exciting and thrilling, so it's such a waste that some scenes weren't shown with its full potential. The first 5 episodes doesn't have something that would make your heart race in excitement, annoyance, or whatnot. It was plain, but not boring. The plot was a flat line until episode 6. It was good, nonetheless.

As I've mentioned, it's a good drama, but it could've been better. Hoping there would be more dystopian Korean series to come.

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Could have been a 10/10 however...

Honestly it's Woobin, we all know he can act. I was most surprised about Yooseok, I only saw him act once in an BL so I didn't know what to expect from him but oh my god was his acting amazing. The acting was 100% the best part of this drama for me.

I liked the story, it's nothing new Peninsula: Train to Busan for example did it before but that doesn't matter to me anyways I'm not looking for ground breaking dramas.

However sadly at some point the story seems just rushed and some information gets drowned it chaos but I also anticipated that since the drama has only 6 episodes so I knew the story will be a little wanky, same for the CGI which honestly didn't bother me one bit but I was never someone who cries about weird looking CGI in the first place.

One more thing I have to talk about is the music cause they did an amazing job with the music and Sounddesign at least at the end.

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Messy storyline

I would love this show if they were presented in neater order. What we have here, let's check: a dystopian world, people struggling to life in harsh environment, everything clouded in dusts, they needed oxygen badly, there were a team of guys who delivered the necessities, called deliverymen or black knights, employed by a big corporation. There were also a deliveryman wannabe kid & a major lady & the conglomerate's ambitious son.
Now here the story went on. The kid got shot point blank. Was he dead? No. Turned out he was a mutant. What? Really? Was there any mention of it before? No. Now, they made up things further. The seemingly healthy conglomerate's son was in fact ill. He kidnapped people to use them as test subjects to find the cure. You know exactly how it would connect to the mutant plot, right? But the order of the story was wrong at all.
The fx was good, but sometimes felt cartoonish. No, i don't mean the anime portion in the beginning. The music was average. The acting quality was the same like any other kdrama standard.

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