theematchabun
somewhere out of nowhere
Feast for Your Eyes!
Fresh & Unique take on the zombie-genre that's popular in mainstream media over the years. Like every zombie concept, Kingdom is quite simple. A disease breaks out/infects the population/city & people must find a way to survive. What makes this one all more unique is the setting/place of ancient Korea(Joseon), so the genre strips away the usual bombastic/array of explosions, handguns, & tactical gear when fighting off zombies in the typical Hollywood/western fashion.
The limited use of CGI, the practical makeup/usage of actors for the zombies makes up for a more realistic vibe. The sound editing/mixing for the show is really great, specifically for the zombies' transformation
/movements. With only 6 episodes, there's not much room to fully flesh out the characters w/ depth in the usual manner of a 12/25 episode format. Hence, development & events unfolds pretty quickly early on.
The main cast consists of likable characters. Ju Jihoon portrays Prince Chang, the Crown Prince who's an illegitimate/only son of the sickly Emperor, set to rule the current regime/state of Hanyang. He's an empathetic/just character with a mild temper/somewhat reserve nature who learns to understand the plight &
mistreatment of the common folks. Prince Chang becomes embroiled in the political upheaval & conspires to overthrow the Queen/Hak Ju clan's corruption, along with the help of his trusty/dependable personal guard, Mu Yeong.
Bae Doona portrays the thoughtful/kind Seo Bi, a physician's assistant who specializes in herbs/medicine at Jiyulheon clinic located in Dongnae, who tries to find the cure for the unsual outbreak. Even with all the turmoil, she puts the interest/well-being of others first.
Kim Sung Gyu is Yeonshin, who's a bit brash & sinister. He's also has a nicknack for combat/firearm. Much like Prince Chang & Seo Bi, he sympathizes with the common folks. He's member of a hunting clan from Sanju.
The intro/credit is visually pleasing. The overall writing is simplistic. Super straight- forward/
easy to follow. There's a bit of twists, not too shocking but satisfying as mystery unfolds. The dialogue/interactions between characters is decent, not too heavy handed, although there is bit of exposition but lacks depth/complexity. The acting is fine. It isn't overly dramatized but not quite memorable either.
The music score is underwhelming, not quite distinctive. Not much of an emotional core to it, but the dramatic pieces for the more frightening parts is befitting of the tone/atmosphere. The cinematography is beautiful with its wide shots/overpass of scenic views of lush forest/palace buildings. Kingdom reads more like a 6 hour length film then a TV show. The ending is a bit anti-climactic with a cliffhanger & twist. One thing in particular is left unclear, specifically the origin of the disease. If you like zombies & historical fiction mixed with a bit of political intrigue & likable characters without it being muddled, give Kingdom a watch.
The limited use of CGI, the practical makeup/usage of actors for the zombies makes up for a more realistic vibe. The sound editing/mixing for the show is really great, specifically for the zombies' transformation
/movements. With only 6 episodes, there's not much room to fully flesh out the characters w/ depth in the usual manner of a 12/25 episode format. Hence, development & events unfolds pretty quickly early on.
The main cast consists of likable characters. Ju Jihoon portrays Prince Chang, the Crown Prince who's an illegitimate/only son of the sickly Emperor, set to rule the current regime/state of Hanyang. He's an empathetic/just character with a mild temper/somewhat reserve nature who learns to understand the plight &
mistreatment of the common folks. Prince Chang becomes embroiled in the political upheaval & conspires to overthrow the Queen/Hak Ju clan's corruption, along with the help of his trusty/dependable personal guard, Mu Yeong.
Bae Doona portrays the thoughtful/kind Seo Bi, a physician's assistant who specializes in herbs/medicine at Jiyulheon clinic located in Dongnae, who tries to find the cure for the unsual outbreak. Even with all the turmoil, she puts the interest/well-being of others first.
Kim Sung Gyu is Yeonshin, who's a bit brash & sinister. He's also has a nicknack for combat/firearm. Much like Prince Chang & Seo Bi, he sympathizes with the common folks. He's member of a hunting clan from Sanju.
The intro/credit is visually pleasing. The overall writing is simplistic. Super straight- forward/
easy to follow. There's a bit of twists, not too shocking but satisfying as mystery unfolds. The dialogue/interactions between characters is decent, not too heavy handed, although there is bit of exposition but lacks depth/complexity. The acting is fine. It isn't overly dramatized but not quite memorable either.
The music score is underwhelming, not quite distinctive. Not much of an emotional core to it, but the dramatic pieces for the more frightening parts is befitting of the tone/atmosphere. The cinematography is beautiful with its wide shots/overpass of scenic views of lush forest/palace buildings. Kingdom reads more like a 6 hour length film then a TV show. The ending is a bit anti-climactic with a cliffhanger & twist. One thing in particular is left unclear, specifically the origin of the disease. If you like zombies & historical fiction mixed with a bit of political intrigue & likable characters without it being muddled, give Kingdom a watch.
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