Black Knight (2023– ) User Reviews

you're not here for logic

[WordsworthStone · 7/10 · 13 May 2023]

If you're nitpicking this show for hard science and logic and reason, your brain will implode. If you give it the benefit of the doubt and consider it a simple resolution to filming some entertainment during mask mandates in the covid pandemic, then we can work with that.

It's hard to establish hard science rules and lore for dystopic worlds to begin with, for a Netflix show, this is pretty damn good, it's no 'Black Mirror' but there's only so many Charlie Brooker's in the world.

So, if you want to binge and kill a weekend over some mindless action that takes you into sci-fi tropes with some cheesy CGI without a poorly executed will-they-won't-they romance, let's go. Bet.

Well, they tried

[jasminn_tan · 6/10 · 19 May 2023]

This was not what I expected. First of all, the world building was weak and although I knew it was a dystopian setting, it felt like a combination of different things that just didn't work. The plot was barely there too and even then there were plot holes scattered around. The characters felt one dimensional as well and I feel so bad saying this because I really like Kim Woo Bin but this drama didn't do him much good in terms of showing off his acting skills. The fight scenes were pretty good though and the CGI wasn't bad but it wasn't the best of course. Overall, this is a drama that suffers from poor writing and it's unfortunate because it does have the potential to be a good and memorable show. Instead, it just falls flat.

Convoluted storyline

[ooxtin · 5/10 · 14 May 2023]

This has potential to be good but the story is too convoluted for me. Very hard to follow along. I feel like is better to make this 2 hour movie instead of a show to be honest. There's no depth in any of the characters, you don't feel invested in any of the characters. And there's some big actors in this show too. Some of the cgi looks very bad. The dialogue is awful. I love dystopian type of show/movie and this wasn't it. If you're hoping for a romance or comedy there ain't none. There's only like 6 episodes so you can probably binge watch it in a day. Overall I give this show a 5/10 ratings. Don't expect this to be like hunger games/divergent/maze runner because is not.

It's not incredible or game changing but still a decent series.

[siennarosewalker · 7/10 · 18 May 2023]

The acting is alright, not incredible, but better than most Netflix films these days. In the action scenes and emotional scenes they were quite bad. Though in some other scenes it was nice. I give the acting a solid 7.5/10.

The action and fighting scenes were really unrealistic and very bad, sure some of 'em were great, and Really drew me in, but others just made me roll my eyes and laugh. The stupidity of some of these characters and the unrealism was embarrassing to watch. The action: 6/10.

The cinematography and cgi is very well done, it makes it really feel like a dystopian show, (unlike others) with the amount of blood and dirt in some scenes really made it feel realistic. 9/10

Storyline; the storyline is nice. Not too basic but also quite basic. The main character being stronger than everyone for almost no reason, while also getting random people to line up to fight with him? It's been done too many times. But I'll take it with the ubiquity of the show and some (not many) of the characters. 7.5/10.

A Visually Stunning yet Predictable Post-Apocalyptic Adventure"

[pchs0114 · 6/10 · 17 June 2023]

The show is set in a dystopian future where Earth is devastated by pollution and climate change, forcing humans to wear protective masks to survive. Visually, this show is an absolute treat. The series boasts stunning visuals and impressive special effects that bring the post-apocalyptic world to life. The action sequences are well-choreographed and manage to captivate viewers with their intensity. The cast delivers commendable performances. However, the series has its share of drawbacks. The plot, while engaging, follows a predictable trajectory, leaving little room for surprise. At times, the pacing can be sluggish, causing the narrative to lose momentum. Additionally, this show struggles with originality, drawing heavily from other post-apocalyptic works like Mad Max and The Walking Dead, which may dampen the experience for those seeking fresh concepts. This show is a solid sci-fi action series with breathtaking visuals and strong performances. It will likely appeal to fans of post-apocalyptic films and shows who appreciate well-executed action sequences. However, its predictable plot and occasional slow pacing prevent it from achieving true greatness. This show is recommended for viewers seeking visually stunning entertainment within a familiar genre. Those seeking groundbreaking originality may find themselves longing for more.

Surviving in a Dystopian World: The Thrilling Ride of Black Knight

[tvboxng · 7/10 · 13 May 2023]

"Black Knight" is an exciting science-fiction series that takes us to a dystopian future where the world is ravaged by air pollution, and resources are scarce. The Korean Peninsula is now a desert wasteland, and the remaining population relies on an elite team of deliverymen called "knights" to survive. The series follows the story of one particular knight, 5-8, who is determined to take down the Cheonmyeong Group, the crooked ruler of the devastated world.

The series is expertly crafted, with a compelling storyline that keeps you hooked from the first episode to the last. The visuals are stunning, and the world-building is top-notch, immersing you in this bleak and dangerous future world. The characters are well-developed, and the acting is superb, with standout performances from Kim Woo-bin as 5-8 and Song Seung-heon as Ryu Seok.

Kim Woo-bin's portrayal of the legendary knight 5-8 is particularly impressive. He perfectly embodies the character's toughness and determination, making it easy to root for him as he battles against the corrupt Cheonmyeong Group. Song Seung-heon is also excellent as Ryu Seok, the ruthless heir to the Cheonmyeong Group. His performance is nuanced and complex, making it clear that there is more to his character than meets the eye.

Kang Yoo-seok and Esom also deliver fantastic performances as Sa-wol and Seol-ah, respectively. Yoo-seok brings a sense of youthful energy and optimism to Sa-wol, a refugee who dreams of becoming a knight, while Esom's portrayal of Seol-ah, a military officer who wants to do the right thing, is nuanced and layered.

Overall, "Black Knight" is a must-watch for fans of science-fiction and dystopian stories. With its gripping storyline, stunning visuals, and fantastic performances, this series is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Can't imagine life without QR codes!

[BladeRunner2049 · 6/10 · 14 May 2023]

I find the literal thought process between American and Korean cultures when approaching this genre very amusing!

Even with other genres of movies, the formalness, respect, and acceptance between the good and bad is very humorous . I wonder if this is how life really is approached in the Korean culture, for example the bad guy saying "please don't kill me", and the protagonist saying "that's a shame", after the gun doesn't fire, and then goes on to say "next time the gun will be loaded", while saying to his partner "you okay Newbie?". I wonder if there is something lost in translation, or if this is really how our cultures differ. This specific example - I wouldn't call a spoiler.

As silly as the plot is, the action and story in this apocalyptic world is good for laughs. To me, it's just funny how literally the story is laid out, and how respect between good and bad is imbedded in the story, in many aspects.

I love and appreciate the crossover between USA and Korea over the last decade, and hope to see more movies from Korea make its way into the main stream!

Anime Style SciFi, a Metaphor of Today's Political Scene

[nightringer-76840 · 8/10 · 30 May 2023]

Most Americans would not understand this series, but this is Korean Anime style storyline made into live action mini series. South Korea has been the outsourcing animation for Japanese animes and American cartoons for decades now. South Korean anime combine both styles. The complexity of storyline from Japanese anime and simplicity action of American cartoons.

The Black Knight is a cynical look at how new generation of government ruining the purity of the founder and betraying the people they serve. Killing some numbers if population to keep them in-check, poisoning population to maintain the high ranking lifestyle, limiting resources, and campaigning poison injection as curative vaccine.

All the disease, pollution and limited resources are tools for control and playing God. Perfect metaphorical point of view of what's going on today.

It's giving Mad Max, Elysium and even Divergent Saga vibes....

[hanalisss · 6/10 · 13 May 2023]

This is too similar to the millions of movies and shows Americans have done over the years.

It gives me vibes from movies like Mad Max, Elysium or even the Divergent Saga.

I absolutely love korean productions but lately they seem to focus too much on make remakes and versions of formulas already used too many times. They also need to understand that for an international audience, they need to include more women, it's ridiculously obvious that ALMOST ALL cast are men.

It's a shame because I know the actors are great but unfortunately you won't get attached to any of their characters because there's not enough context and they won't show us enough of their lives and past.

This could have been perfectly a movie.

On the positive: the music was cool and the fight choreographies were also good, no surprise there for a korean production.

Underwhelming and Unbelievable

[G_top · 4/10 · 12 May 2023]

"Black Knight" is a Korean sci-fi TV series aimed at teenagers that falls short on multiple levels. Despite its potential, the show suffers from a low budget, poor world building, and a silly premise that is hard to take seriously.

The premise of the show centers around a world where oxygen has become a scarce resource, despite being the #1 most abundant element on the planet. The show attempts to create a dystopian future where oxygen is so precious that people are forced to risk their lives and kill each other over it.

Furthermore, the way in which the show handles oxygen is absurd. The characters wear filter-type masks that provide no oxygen, which seems like a glaring oversight. The delivery of oxygen by truck in tiny bottles is equally ridiculous, as that amount of oxygen wouldn't last a day. Surely, the creators could have come up with a more believable solution, such as piping in oxygen or building domes with oxygen generators.

The characters in "Black Knight" are cartoonish and one-dimensional, with no real depth or development. The action and fight scenes are similarly silly and unimpressive. All in all, "Black Knight" is a forgettable show that fails to deliver on its promise of an engaging sci-fi adventure.

Very Cool

[ue-53660 · 10/10 · 13 May 2023]

I am amazed by the relatively low critics score.

This is a beautifully made and very cool serie.

The Korean productions are so brilliantly more inventive and beautifully put together compared to most of the west world productions.

I have to agree than maybe this script is not very engaging and does not live up to the perfect visuals, photography, set designs. Yet it's thoroughly enjoyable. I would definitely dare say that technically and visually it is up there with the best. Let's be honest, this is a much better quality production than the Squid Game, so for me it deserves a much better critics recognition, at least technically by a production point of view.

Actors are all great and very likeable. And, for once, even the American accent voice over actors are not as bad and annoying.

I'm totally in love with Korean film making. Well done.

Just enjoy the show, people!!

[bjdemolar · 7/10 · 29 October 2023]

I enjoyed this dystopian Kdrama very much! The Koreans do so many things better in their filmmaking than we do here in America. They explore the morality of things more thoroughly, the relationships, visual effects, etc. In a way Westerners do not. I would love to have had another season so they could have spent more time on back stories of the characters and had more time to develop the plot. Kim Woo Bin is a very good actor as is Esom and Roh Yoon-seo (although her part was just one episode. I didn't recognize the others but thought they did very well in their roles. I am surprised this was so panned by people. I watched it over two days and then waited to finish it because I didn't want it to end. It was wrapped up too quickly!!

Cool dystopian setting wasted on poorly-executed message and shallow characters

[bored_bingewatcher · 4/10 · 12 May 2023]

I like the setting of a desert world where deliverymen are trained to fight off criminals, and the CGI does its work in realizing it. The first few episodes were good, I was even rooting for 5-8 which is surprising. Usually I dislike overpowered characters for being Mary Sues, but 5-8 seemed not like a Mary Sue and more just a badass.

The only thing I disliked is Sa-wol (the refugee boy) and his comic relief friends, who really annoyed me to no end with their behavior. However, as the show progresses Sa-wol starts to actually reach for his goals and given how dedicated and talented he is, you want to see him win.

Unfortunately, as the show progresses issues arise as well. The main theme and conflict turns out as shallow as it seems at first glance. Evil corporation wants refugees dead because it saves money. Or maybe just because they see them as subhuman. To ensure that you know they're the bad guys we get multiple scenes where they explicitly order everyone killed, and started off the show with a pyramid explaining an absurd class system, with no explanation given to its argument for justification. 5-8 and his friends are refugees-turned-deliverymen who want to end the ludicrously bad class system. It's the same virtue signalling theme of classism half of dystopian or death game plots have, as poorly executed as most of them do.

And because the theme/conflict is shallow, so are the characters. The villain is just irredeemably evil, this is made clear from the start and there's nothing about him that isn't cliche. And it ultimately does turn 5-8 into a Mary Sue as he heroically leads his little team of deliverymen to victory for the noble cause of the refugees, with no interesting traits, flaws or other motivations to add depth or nuance.

What makes this all the more ironic is that it gives this show that clearly panders to left-wing sentiments implications that strongly contradict progressive thinking. 5-8 explicitly denies involving the refugees (proletariat) into their own class struggle and instead succeeds with just a dozen of genetically superior deliverymen to overthrow the elite core city. The refugees, at least those that didn't succeed becoming deliverymen, are portrayed as helpless unskilled victims with no agency. Sure refugees ask for help from the host authorities, but that doesn't mean they don't have any personality left. They want to work, they have family structures, they can be tough, strong, rude etc.

Wanna see a good show with similar themes? Watch 3%, also Netflix. That show acknowledges that it is a dystopia, while not making the authorities irrationally cruel for the sake of it and having an actual reason for society to be structured the way it is, one that was actually sympathetic in intent and not just 'lower class are inferior lmao'. Nuance is too novel a concept apparently because in Black Knight, the villain explicitly states he does it because he just hates refugees in the end. What a well-written villain rite.

Decent dystopian

[aznidentity · 6/10 · 22 December 2023]

Starting with the positives, this show contains good CGI and reasonably good acting. That said, it still felt like it was missing something impactful. The production felt rushed and left too many unanswered questions. The pace was snail speed, which is due to the excess scenes that should have been cut. This show could have been improved in two ways -- shorter to maintain the urgency or longer by adding additional scenes that would have answered unanswered questions. It is fortunate that the final episode saved the series a bit, otherwise I would have felt that I wasted time watching the previous five episodes. In general, this is an acceptable show. Not one of the best on this topic, but not unwatchable either.

Watchable but turn off your logic

[rubyferraday · 7/10 · 16 February 2024]

I'm giving this 7 out of 10 as it loses 3 points for the plot holes and somewhat silly bits.

However, the look of the show is great, and I really liked the characters. I do like Kim Woo Bin but the show wasted him to some extent. That said, he was fine as a mostly masked tough guy, though I would have liked to see more of him from his pre-delivery man days.

I really like Esom too. She was competent in this but it would have been nice to see her character be something other than grim a few times.

I really liked Ya-sol, his three friends and grandfather, and also Esom's sister.

Overall, I felt like the series was too short and things happened too quickly but the actors, acting and cinematography were all good.

This has the vibe of "budget film director got new money"

[griplegend · 6/10 · 13 July 2023]

Not going to lie, I picked this because I needed something new to review and thinking it'll be some netflix crap that would let me write a lengthy hate-review on here. So going off the first episode...The english dub seems fine. It IS however cartoonish with some awkward pauses like a play, for some that can be a huge turn-off

What ABSOLUTELY does my head in however is the jump-cuts every few seconds. CAN I NOT LOOK AT A SCENE FOR A FEW MORE SECONDS, EVERY FEW SECONDS BEFORE YOU CUT RIGHT BACK TO IT AGAIN? Who edited this like this?? Wtf? Just no, fire your editor pls for the love of whatever god supposedly exists

You can tell they had a budget, but it still somehow doesn't feel like the budget for this was rock bottom. Was it? It looks both cheap and expensive at the same time. How is that possible? Well it seems like the director is used to making budget movies, and got some new money to flesh out his set design and stuff, that's how I'd explain the vibe this has where it feels both "cheap and expensive" at the same time.

I love some of the set design. You can tell that they put effort into it and some of the scenes do look good and authentic. However... there's too many jump cuts, let me look at a person for more than 1 second before you cut the camera thanks.

I'm sure it's a ok show but I just couldn't go on cause of the jump cuts, shaky cam and weird delivery of the english dub lines. Stopped 10mins in. Yeah I don't think it's for me, even if I'm a sucker for the apocalyptic max mad style.

One of The Best Dystopian Shows in a While

[miroffs · 10/10 · 12 May 2023]

I was skeptical at first, but the show did not disappoint. "Black Knight" is based on a comic in which a comet strikes the Earth, wiping out 99% of the population. The remaining 1% are separated into categories articulated by the higher ups about how much they each deserve.

The plot was rich, fast-paced, and the character dynamics and relationships were incredibly refreshing. Each episode builds to the plot nicely, and the architecture of the buildings was really creative. There is a lot to focus on, yet the main plot always draws the viewers' attention right back to it.

In each episode, the viewer receives the perfect amount of mystery and suspense. The characters are enjoyable, and exciting to root for. Will be nonstop recommending this to people for a while.

It's painfully bad.

[paulgrobinson · 3/10 · 16 May 2023]

Absolute garbage. Bruce Lee style one man armies beating up hoardes of bad guys single handedly in the first ten minutes made me immediately concerned about what was to come. Sure enough it didn't really get any better. Tries to be funny but it's painful. I love a lot of the Korean stuff, they've produced some outstanding series over the past few years, sadly this is not one of them. If you're incredibly easily pleased with a nonsensical plot, poor characters and a poorly crafted world go knock yourself out. For anybody in the slightest cerebral I would suggest you will find this excruciatingly bad.

Great show

[calipsso · 10/10 · 12 May 2023]

Nice show, it keeps you hooked, i watched episodes 1-5 in a row .The scenary reminds me, a bit, of Mad Max, same dusty atmosphere. Kim Woo-Bin is doing a great job playing 5-8. The fighting scenes are good and i like the fact that they are not unbelieveble long.

The futuristic costumes and wardrobe are a catch-eyed and the admirable visual effects place you in the middle of the action.

Ofcourse the show missed some logical points, but there are not imposibile to go along with. I don't know how the show will end yet, the purpose of this review is for a high rated star for a good Kdrama series.

The Korean Sci-Fi Series Set In A Dystopian World Is Completely Fake.

[folk_egm · 5/10 · 14 May 2023]

The Korean sci-fi series set in a post-apocalyptic world falls short in many aspects. Every element in the series feels blatantly fake and the overall quality seems to be lacking, almost resembling a low-budget production. The storyline, derived from a shallow cartoon, lacks depth, and the dialogue feels unnatural. Additionally, it attempts to imitate Western series, lacking originality and proper execution. Moreover, the constant insertion of comedic elements contradicts the realistic tone of the post-apocalyptic world. The only positive aspect is the short length of the series, with only 6 episodes. For those who enjoy Korean dramas and are looking for something slightly different, it might be worth watching, but it's advisable not to expect too much.

Enjoyable Entertainment!

[mmccleese-89865 · 8/10 · 25 September 2023]

I disagree with reviewers here that the series is average at best. There's a lot to like here given there are only 6 episodes. The biggest negative is the casting of a kid (5-7) where a more adult character would have been more believable. However, the main character of "5-8" is enjoyable to watch. Some excellent acting, and some average, but overall, I keep coming back. The villain could have been more fleshed out, but again, 6 episodes. The best part of this series is the lack of politically correct characters that we apparently MUST include in every American-made show. It's such a relief not to be dragged through the morass of every single demographic that exists. I also like the premise of the show. Graphics are actually pretty good and so I have been entertained. I'll be back for more Korean shows.

This should have been a comedy.

[Otte1 · 3/10 · 14 May 2023]

Wow....outside of action, there is absolutely nothing else.

1. The plot is convoluted and never fully understood.

2. The science is stupid. Regular dust masks do not provide oxygen in any shape of form. The oxygen being delivered would not last a day for a single person, yet here there are providing oxygen to large facilities. That is just one example, many times you are looking at the screen and going....huh?

3. ALL characters one one-dimensional and non-believable. They are generally cartoonish. Scoopy Doo cartoons has more depth than this.

4. While there are plenty of action, the action is edited many times with loud mismatched rock music playing in the background. This is meant to distract you from the poor choreography and direction of the scene.

5. Don't get me starting on the acting, directing or dialogue.

Asian movies better than Western counterparts

[amithyelm · 10/10 · 13 May 2023]

"Black Knight" is a perfect example of why Asian TV is currently leading the pack. Unlike some Western dystopian shows that often rely heavily on special effects, "Black Knight" uses a compelling story and deep characters to draw you in. It's set in a future where oxygen is delivered like pizza, and the twists and turns in the plot are mind-blowing. Its Asian setting adds a unique flavor, blending futuristic tech with rich traditions. This show proves that Asian TV is more than just a rival to the West - it's setting the bar. I can't wait for more like this to come. I think it's a good wake-up for other directors.

Black Knight, Bad Knight

[Tweetienator · 4/10 · 15 May 2023]

Sadly, Black Knight is no new Squid Games: what we get served are action scenes that are at best mediocre executed and have the realism of some Manga action, the world-building and the characters also leave a lot to be desired - the whole affair left me rather bored and indifferent. Maybe my expectations were to high for this one, but to me Black Knight was a really disappointing experience. What else to say? Well, there might be still a chance that you like Black Knight more than I did - in the case you like Peninsula and Army of the Dead (I don't), this show may still provide some entertainment to you.

South Korea 1 - 0 USA (final score)

[praqoon · 9/10 · 25 June 2023]

Ignore all the negative reviews this series. Especially those which allude to Black Knight being a $2Billion Hollywood blockbuster that failed to reach its audience. Shame that those who reviewed it negatively didn't view it objectively or with any impartiality.

Kim Woo-bin steals the show as "5-8" - a legendary delivery man who is the hero of the people in this wonderful post-apocalyptic sci-fi series. He's got the dashing looks, "the look", the voice, the tough-guy walk, with a high level of acting skills, to pull it off remarkably. I totally enjoyed his portrayal of a man who is fighting the odds, and an evil mega corporation, to bring some justice into a very damaged and struggling world.

The cast are all great, and the storyline throughout is a familiar one - albeit told with a twist on who the bad guys really are. This is not very demanding on the brain and you don't have to always read between the lines or put up with major plot holes, because the story moves along at a nice pace and almost everything is explained and/or accounted for easily. Leaving the viewer to experience events without much effort and enjoy the show.

It's a great series and I hope there is a second season. There's certainly much more work for "5-8" to do and plenty of bad people to deal with in Black Knight, that's for sure. I'd love to see more of Kim Woo-bin in this role, and the rest of the cast.

Black Knight is definitely a breah of fresh air for sci-fi and a thoroughly enjoyable one. I'd recommend anyone to watch it from start to finish at least twice.