This special episode of 'Kingdom' can be looked on as a feature film prequel. It tell the story of Ashin and how the plant that turns people into ferocious zombies is first used. As a child Ashin lived in a frontier village. When members of a neighbouring tribe die while looking for wild ginseng in a forbidden area the authorities claim they were killed by a tiger and tell Ashin's father to relay that fact. He isn't believed. The village is attacked and Ashin is the sole survivor. She asks the local military commander too help her have her revenge. He allows her to stay in the base and she becomes more and more proficient in archery. She also finds a flower that writings on an old shrine says can bring people back from the dead... at a price. It is only a matter of time till she has her revenge.
I really enjoyed 'Kingdom' so watched this as soon as I became aware of it. I think this was just as good. It starts well and only gets better as it proceeds. The story is interesting, because it is a prequel it isn't necessary to have seen the series to enjoy. There plenty of action; this includes an exciting tiger hunt; Ashin dispatching various people with her bow and a zombie attack. It is all beautifully shot; the scenes in the forest are particularly good as the camera races between the trees. The special effects were great too. Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Shi-ah are great playing the older and younger Ashin respectively; the rest of the cast are really impressive as well. Overall I'd say this is a must see for fans of the series; fans of period far-eastern action and fans of zombie films... great stuff!
These comments are based on watching the film in Korean with English subtitles.
I really enjoyed 'Kingdom' so watched this as soon as I became aware of it. I think this was just as good. It starts well and only gets better as it proceeds. The story is interesting, because it is a prequel it isn't necessary to have seen the series to enjoy. There plenty of action; this includes an exciting tiger hunt; Ashin dispatching various people with her bow and a zombie attack. It is all beautifully shot; the scenes in the forest are particularly good as the camera races between the trees. The special effects were great too. Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Shi-ah are great playing the older and younger Ashin respectively; the rest of the cast are really impressive as well. Overall I'd say this is a must see for fans of the series; fans of period far-eastern action and fans of zombie films... great stuff!
These comments are based on watching the film in Korean with English subtitles.