Regatul (2019)

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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A Cinematic Masterpiece: Kingdom Redefines the Zombie Apocalypse Genre

A word before my review:- "I'll be honest, zombie apocalypses aren't typically my go-to genre. In fact, I had a traumatic experience watching a non-Korean zombie movie when I was just 11 or 12 years old. I didn't understand the context, but it left me terrified, and I avoided the genre altogether since then. However, thanks to a friend's enthusiastic recommendation, I decided to give Kingdom a chance, and I'm so grateful I did! This series has completely changed my perspective on the zombie apocalypse genre, and I'm now hooked."

THE DRAMA - KINGDOM :-

This Korean drama is a Stand-out drama in the thriller genre, setting a new standard for zombie apocalypse stories.
The decision to set the series ( the story point of Zombie) in ancient times was a bold and really challenging move, but the makers pulled it off with finesse. Mainly where the " Sageuk" dramas main elements rule on the classic love-revenge-wars-betrayal, power-struggle for the throne. it's a really tough challenge to the writer - director to create Zombie world in this classic sageuk elements. But their hardwork shines in every scene and every character makes us emotional, survival tense.
and the Netflix 's Korean drama wave started from here.

*THE EXCELLENCE OF KINGDOM'S SOUNDTRACK AND CINEMATOGRAPHY*

"When it comes to the thriller genre, I'm particularly discerning about two crucial aspects: soundtrack and cinematography. Kingdom excels in both areas, elevating the overall tension and suspense to new heights. The soundtrack is masterfully crafted, with the subtle sounds of the zombies and the haunting background score for the main leads perfectly complementing the on-screen action. The cinematography is equally impressive, with a keen attention to detail that immerses the viewer in the dark and foreboding world of ancient Korea. The cinematography in the Kingdom is nothing short of breathtaking, transporting me to a hauntingly beautiful ancient ( sageuk/historical ) Korea time'. The dark tone cinematography is a masterclass in crafting suspense and tension, expertly leveraging lighting, shadows, and composition to create an atmosphere that's both foreboding and mesmerizing and capturing a hauntingly beautiful scenery of Korean old days with bare trees on the mountains, their silhouettes etched against the eerie backdrop like nature's own work of art."
The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a haunting score that perfectly complements the on-screen action, amplifying the emotional impact of every scene and character. The combination of these two elements creates a truly unsettling and thrilling experience that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

ACTING:-

"The acting in Kingdom is truly exceptional, with each actor delivering a standout performance that leaves a lasting impact. Ju Ji Hoon, in particular, brings his character to life with a depth and nuance that is simply awe-inspiring. The entire cast, including Bae Doona, Kim Hye Jun, Ryu Seung Ryong, Heo Jun Ho, and Kim Sung Kyu, delivers fantastic performances that are both convincing and compelling. The cast's extraordinary acting skills are a testament to their dedication and talent, and they play a significant role in making Kingdom the thrilling and unforgettable experience that it is."

OVERALL :-

"I'm a little late to the party, but I'm thrilled to have finally experienced the masterpiece that is Kingdom! The script is nothing short of brilliant, weaving a story that's both captivating and unpredictable. The director-writer's vision is masterful, transporting me to the eerie world of the Kin and plunging me into the midst of a zombie apocalypse like never before. With its flawless pacing, heart-pumping action sequences, and emotional depth, Kingdom has raised the bar for K-dramas and zombie apocalypse stories alike.

My Rating: 10/10

If you haven't yet indulged in the thrill ride that is Kingdom, do yourself a favor and dive in without hesitation! This unforgettable experience will leave you breathless, craving more, and forever changed. Trust me, it's worth the binge!"

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Is a multi extras blockbuster

The story is predictable, and we seen it any times before. The bit with the Queen being pregnant from. King in very I’ll health for three years was a bonus! ? What makes the drama watchable is the cast and the vying - they did really well there!
It’s a slow burner, so you need to hang in there.

One element of the directing I didn’t enjoy was the scene stretching - absolutely unnecessary in my opinion, the drama would have hold well as 10 ep. The excess of massive zombie scenes gets really boring after a while - I missed the build up really. I think it would have been better if they kept these under control.

One special shout for the main character cast. They are so captivating and relatable, that makes following the story inevitable.

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Muy recomendable.

No soy un fan de los dramas de históricos y menos de nada que tenga que ver con zombis hasta diría que los detesto pero me parece increíble como kingdom elimino ese obstáculo de una manera tan pero tan fácil, es que creo imposible que no pueda interesarte este drama una vez que empieza el capitulo 2 te olvidas de todo y terminas inmerso en una tensión que no para en ningún momento porque a cada segundo algo nuevo sucede que te hace especular de que va a ser lo siguiente que va a pasar.
En fin sino son amantes de estos géneros pero les recomendaron kingdom, estan rodeados de las personas correctas, denle una oportunidad porque cumple y mucho mas todo lo que promete

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Ni se les ocurra hacer una tercera temporada

La primera temporada de esta serie es fantástica. Mezcla zombies, historia coreana y juegos de poder de una manera que los coreanos saben hacer muy bien. Con un manejo de cámara y escenas de pelea que son una locura.
A esta serie llegas por los zombies y te quedás por la rosca política.
Va de un principe heredero que se ve en el medio de un intento de golpe en el que lo culpan de varias cosas un grupo de personas que no lo quiere, y en el medio de buscar que es lo que pasa con los ministros del palacio se desata una epidemia de zombies en una zona del país que pone todo patas para arriba y lleva a que la pregunta que se haga deje de ser "¿Qué?" y pase a ser "¿Por qué?".
Las actuaciones son muy buenas y la primera temporada te deja con el culo al borde del asiento. Y cuando viene la segunda temporada todo también va perfecto...hasta que termina y hace un salto en el tiempo y dejan el final abierto.
Miren, la verdad que yo no soy muy consumidora de doramas pero en esta serie parece repetirse la misma manía que tienen los yankees cuando hacen una serie política y la primera temporada la pega y ya en la segunda le tienen que tirar a Rusia por algún lado, nomás que acá se reemplaza Rusia por China y el enemigo anterior, Japón, desaparece. Bueno, igual eso lo verán ellos ya que son SUS mambos *se prende un cigarrillo*.
Sólo digo que la verdad que con ese final abierto de la segunda temporada la cagaron y espero que no hagan una tercera, porque entonces eso significaría tirar casi todo lo que construyó la primera temporada por la borda...pero bueno, eso ya será tema de la plataforma de la N roja.
Miren la primera temporada si quieren ver si les interesa, aunque si les impresiona la sangre les recomiendo que vayan con paciencia y algo para taparse los ojos en esas escenas porque hay por demás de eso.

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The Best Plot Twist!

Introduction:
Kingdom Season One is a gripping thriller set in the Joseon era, offering a unique twist on the zombie apocalypse theme within a historical context. The show's period setting adds a distinctive flavor to the familiar genre.

Plot and Suspense:
The suspense throughout the series is truly commendable. The plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictability. Initially, the assumption that zombies only attack at night is cleverly subverted, revealing a shocking twist related to temperature.

Character Dynamics:
The main characters, whether protagonists or antagonists, are portrayed with excellence. It's hard to dislike even the antagonists, thanks to their intelligence and the well-crafted strategies of the main characters. The character dynamics contribute significantly to the show's overall appeal.

Acting Quality:
The acting in Kingdom Season One is top-notch, with no shortcomings. The cast delivers stellar performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their respective roles. The characters truly come to life on screen.

Series Opening:
The opening of the series sets the stage effectively, creating an engaging atmosphere from the start. It captivates the audience's attention and establishes the tone for the thrilling narrative that follows.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kingdom Season One is a must-watch for fans of both period dramas and zombie thrillers. With its unique setting, unpredictable plot, outstanding character portrayals, and impressive acting, the series stands out as a compelling and memorable addition to the genre.

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Alt-History Joseon-Zombie Masterpiece

KINGDOM was brilliant and in my humble opinion, vastly superior to many of the other zombie series out there today. It's certainly one of a kind, a new breed. It was only enhanced by the Joseon historical setting and alternative history presented by the directors. It was excellently written, casted, directed and acted. Great production and cinematography. Beautiful settings, lifelike costumes and realistic storylines. Epic battle scenes and zombie costume/cosmetics. Dark, gritty and cutting edge series.

I really loved the cast, especially Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince, and Bae Doona as the nurse Seo Bi. I also really enjoyed the character of Kim Sang Ho, as the bodyguard Moo Young. His character was extremely likable and I loved the dynamic between he and the Crown Prince. Kim Sungkyu, as Young Shin (the Tiger Hunter) was a very compelling character as well, playing a mysterious warrior with a shadowy past.

Ju Ji-hoon is excellent in this series. His portrayal of the tragic Crown Prince character is really note-worthy and he plays the noble hero turned warrior very memorably. It's great to see his character grow and conquer new obstacles, and become a person worthy to inherit the throne.

One of my main critiques is this. As a big fan of actress Bae Doona (Stranger), I did feel like her true potential wasn't being utilized in this series, but that seems mostly due to the direction and writing of this series, rather than any issue on her part. I truly hope to see her character allowed grow and shine in future installments as she is a wonderful, diverse actress with a lot of acting range.

This series brought so much to the zombie table, so to speak. I found the "truth" behind the plague to be fascinating and unique. It was a truly intriguing twist. Also, this series does not shy away from highlighting both the good and evils of humanity, offering a glimpse at human nature and morality. It was a truly stunning show. I've now watched the complete Kingdom series and am hoping for further seasons in the future. This was a great new addition to the kdrama thriller and horror genres.

[This review is for seasons 1 & 2]

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Amazing

FYI: this review contains S1&2
First of all let me say that netflix deserved their TENS for releasing this. Like this was the start of the high budget kdramas. Everything about this was wonderful. It's only 6 episodes long and so doesn't overstay its welcome in the slightest. It has some of the best visuals I've seen in a kdrama. The story is original and of course I'm going to be excited about a high budget zombie kdrama on netflix??? The actors all did what needed to be done. The pacing is a bit on the slower side and there's a little too much talking going on. I would've liked to see a bit more action. Other than that I don't really have any complaints.
S2 was even better than the first in almost every aspect. It's bigger and more action-packed but somehow the emotional beats hit harder than S1!

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kingdom eh um sentimento oiiii ??

eh realmente algo odiar todo e qualquer filme/serie que é sobre zumbis ou mundos apocalípticos e mesmo assim assistir kingdom e considerar ele seu dorama favorito ?☝?
talvez eu seja muito emocionada e talvez eu considere o mínimo já como muito, mas kingdom é perfeito em todos os aspectos. primeiro que, a história/enredo é muito bem feita e muito bem seguida ao longo dos episódios, nunca deixando nada passar e continuando com a perfeição de sempre. e junto a história, é impossível também não citar a atuação dos personagens que, literalmente, deram vida para tudo, e mesmo o cgi marcando presença em todos os momentos, é quase imperceptível pela atuação e pela história. algo que me marcou durante todo o dorama, foi a atuação dos zumbis, que mesmo não sabendo quem são deram a vida para tornar tudo cada vez mais acreditável. kingdom é perfeito em cada detalhe e eu assistiria ele para todo sempre, sem me enjoar. espero de verdade que tenha uma terceira temporada para fechar todas as duvidas que tenho ??

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