时间:2025-04-06 07:51:22 来源:网络整理编辑:休閑
So many zombie shows and movies are stuck in the modern era. Not Kingdom.The Netflix series takes th
So many zombie shows and movies are stuck in the modern era. Not Kingdom.
The Netflix series takes the classic concept of an undead outbreak and transplants it into 16th century Korea, hundreds of years before the time of automobiles, pump-action shotguns, and chainsaws that are so common in zombie media.
It is a gorgeous, frightening, and politically intriguing series that’s only two seasons in, and at six episodes per season, it’s a very approachable undertaking in the spookiest month of the year, October.
Right off the bat, Kingdomforgoes the zombie trope of not knowing where the zombie outbreak begins. The first zombie is the king of the Joseon dynasty, which was roughly in the middle of its 500-year reign over Korea. The zombified king is held in chains and kept under wraps by his power-hungry new wife, the Queen Consort Cho (Kim Hye-jun), and her father Lord Cho Hak-ju (Ryu Seung-ryong). If the Queen Consort could give birth to a new prince and get rid of the rightful son and heir Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) before the state of the king is revealed, she and her family could seize the throne.
Chang discovers this secret for himself and sets out on an adventure with his sword and bodyguard/pal Mu-yeong (Kim Sang-ho) to figure out how his dad became a monster and why this crucial detail was being held from him. The Cho family hasbeen quite suspicious lately.
Unfortunately, it’s not long before someone who gets bit by the king winds up outside the secure palace walls, and a full-on outbreak begins with an equally nasty and brutal bloodbath.
The Kingdomzombies are aggressively violent, but luckily for a couple of new friends on the show, physician Seo-Bi (Bae Doo-na) and competent fighter Yeong-Shin (Kim Sung-kyu), these manic cannibals seem to go to sleep when the sun comes up.
As the show goes on, our set of heroes learn more about the truth behind not only why the kingdom is now beset by a zombifying plague, but also about the nefarious gaslighting and power-grabbing politics that are partially driving all of this horror. The double threat of the Cho family and zombies makes Kingdomconstantly gripping and interesting.
The beautiful setting of 1500s Korea is also a breath of fresh air. The scenery is gorgeous, and the sets and costumes look fantastic. But what may be the best part of the setting is how it changes the mechanics of how people deal with zombies. They have to rely on swords, spears, and arrows for most combat, and there are no cars for making a quick getaway. Plus, it’s rare to have sturdy doors to close in the face of a zombie -- most of the doors in the kingdom are made of screens that are easier to tear than the poor people would like.
I really can't stress enough how well choreographed the action is. In some horror properties, like AMC's The Walking Dead, bites and fights can feel a little campy or overdone at times, but Kingdomalways feels both grounded in the fantasy yet impressive.
Both seasons of Kingdomare excellently paced and there’s no lack of compelling story. More and more is revealed as the show digs into the pasts and unsure futures of all the characters, touching on class, privilege, and the failings of the powerful to round out everyone into a complete person that is in some way a product of the Joseon kingdom.
Yes, it’s a zombie show, which normally I would pass on out of exhaustion, but the setting here is so fresh and the sociopolitical statements so nuanced that I couldn’t pull myself away. It’s a perfect watch this month for anyone looking for a thriller that really feels unique.
KingdomSeasons 1-2 are now streaming on Netflix.
TopicsNetflix
Researchers create temporary tattoos you can use to control your devices2025-04-06 07:04
Tiny Bob Ross2025-04-06 07:04
Girl doesn't need Beyoncé tour tickets to learn Bey's dance routine2025-04-06 06:45
Here's all the merch you'll want from Justin Bieber's Purpose World Tour2025-04-06 06:44
Xiaomi accused of copying again, this time by Jawbone2025-04-06 06:30
Coworkers Photoshopped a sleeping intern into an affectionate meme2025-04-06 06:02
Instagram's new business profiles spotted in the wild2025-04-06 05:45
Vice adds 6 new digital channels, 20 more TV channels worldwide2025-04-06 05:36
We asked linguists if Donald Trump speaks like that on purpose2025-04-06 05:22
First global elevation map of Mercury looks like a hiker's dream2025-04-06 05:06
Two states took big steps this week to get rid of the tampon tax2025-04-06 07:28
You don't have to pay extra to get an Uber at Sydney Airport2025-04-06 07:16
Here's all the merch you'll want from Justin Bieber's Purpose World Tour2025-04-06 06:57
3 times you should hit 'reset' on the job search — and how to do it2025-04-06 06:29
Old lady swatting at a cat ends up in Photoshop battle2025-04-06 06:27
Chinese miners are nearly unrecognizable at the end of work2025-04-06 06:26
Chelsea Handler is not impressed with late night, lightly disses Stephen Colbert and E!2025-04-06 06:26
Vice adds 6 new digital channels, 20 more TV channels worldwide2025-04-06 06:18
Florida hurricane forecast remains uncertain, but trends in state's favor2025-04-06 05:29
This is how stunning VR video from GoPro's Omni camera looks2025-04-06 05:13