Watch Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a South Korean horror-thriller film released in 2021. It is a prequel to the hit Netflix series Kingdom, and follows the character Ashin, played by veteran actress Jun Ji-hyun. The movie is directed by Kim Seong-hun and written by Kim Eun-hee, who also wrote the Kingdom series. The movie is set in the fictional ancient kingdom of Joseon, which is plagued by a mysterious plague that turns people into bloodthirsty zombies. Ashin is the daughter of the chief of the northern tribes, and her people have been living in isolation for generations. When a deadly virus begins to sweep through the southern region of Joseon, Ashin's tribe is untouched at first. However, when a group of southern soldiers invades their territory and steals a mysterious plant, Ashin's village is attacked by the infected. Her father and the entire tribe are killed, and Ashin is left with nothing but her desire for revenge.

Years later, Ashin has become a skilled warrior, and travels back to the southern region of Joseon to discover the truth about the plague and the plant that was stolen from her people. She meets a young girl named Young-shin, played by Si-ah Kim, who is the sole survivor of a village that was also ravaged by the zombies. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of the plague, and to find a way to stop it from destroying the entire kingdom.

The movie is thrilling and action-packed, with stunning cinematography and a haunting soundtrack. Jun Ji-hyun delivers a powerful performance as Ashin, a woman consumed by grief and driven by vengeance. Si-ah Kim is equally impressive as Young-shin, a brave and resourceful girl who has survived unthinkable horrors. Byeong-eun Park also delivers a solid performance as Min Chi-rok, a soldier who becomes embroiled in Ashin's mission.

The story is a classic tale of revenge and redemption, with a strong focus on character development and emotional depth. Ashin is not just a badass warrior, but a complex and nuanced character who struggles with grief, guilt, and love. The movie also explores themes of colonialism, imperialism, and the danger of scientific experiments gone awry. The zombies are not just mindless creatures, but deadly weapons created by human greed and ignorance.

Overall, Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a highly recommended movie for fans of horror, action, and Korean dramas. It is a worthy prequel to the Kingdom series, and a great standalone movie in its own right. The production values are top-notch, the performances are excellent, and the story is gripping and impactful. Just be prepared to be scared, thrilled, and moved by this exciting new addition to the Kingdom universe.