Watch Kingdom (2019)
- TV-MA
- 2019
- 3 Seasons
-
8.3 (57,104)
Kingdom, released on Netflix in 2019, is a South Korean television series, directed by Kim Seong-hun and based on a webcomic series by the name of The Kingdom of the Gods, authored by Kim Eun-hee. The show falls under the genre of horror, fantasy, and historical drama.
Kingdom is set in the Joseon Dynasty of Korea, and it revolves around the Crown Prince Lee Chang, played by Ju Ji-hoon, who seeks to unravel a conspiracy surrounding the King's ailment and the country's condition. The story takes place during a period when Joseon is in decline and famine remains rampant. When the King falls seriously sick and is confined to the palace, the Crown Prince sets out to investigate the matter.
The show boasts an immensely talented cast, including Bae Doona as Seo-bi, a medical doctor who is trying to find the cure to the strange epidemic that plagues the kingdom, and Ryu Seung-ryong as the powerful minister, Cho Hak-ju, who is conspiring against the Crown Prince. Other notable actors include Kim Sung-kyu as Young-shin, the Hunter, and Kim Sang-ho as Moo-yeong, the Royal Commander.
At its core, the story of Kingdom is about a country on the brink of collapse, where corrupt officials and ruthless rulers seek to maintain their grip on power at any cost. In the midst of this, the Prince must navigate these treacherous waters to expose the truth and save his kingdom. What elevates Kingdom beyond its genre is how it seamlessly blends in elements of historical drama with high-stakes fantasy.
In the first season, the show sets the tone by depicting an alternate universe where the existence of the undead has become a reality, and their presence threatens to destroy the entire society. The audience is taken on a thrilling journey, as the Crown Prince battles the undead while trying to uncover the truth behind the contagion. The show's bold direction and intense action sequences are a feast for the eyes, and the cinematography and set design brilliantly depict the Joseon era.
As the season progresses, the show introduces a whole host of secondary characters who are crucial to the storyline, each with their own unique arc. Seo-bi, for example, is a character that is immensely intriguing, as her role in the story is vital, given the nature of her profession during the time period. The show also explores the complexity of the characters' relationships with one another, such as Prince Lee Chang's interactions with his father, the King.
The story portrayed in Kingdom is a refreshing take on the zombie genre, with the creatures' unique properties and origin story setting it apart from the more traditional depictions of the undead. The show's pacing is also something to be admired, as the balance between action and drama is well-maintained, and the storytelling never lags.
In conclusion, Kingdom is a show that takes the zombie genre to new heights, masterfully blending in elements of historical drama and fantasy. The show unfolds like a thrilling game of chess, with each episode keeping the audience on edge with twists and turns. Its talented cast and impeccable direction make Kingdom an excellent addition to the Netflix library, and it is no surprise that it has quickly become a fan-favorite.
Kingdom (2019) is a series that ran for 3 seasons (103 episodes) between January 25, 2019 and on Netflix