Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021 TV Movie) User Reviews

Movie was good, but not exciting as the series

[summer_rain000 · 8/10 · 23 July 2021]

I was looking forward to this, since I liked Kingdom so much. The movie was good. Not as exciting as the series, but it was entertaining.

We get to know Ashin, character development was good. I felt her emotion and the reason why. The child actress who played Ashin showed some amazing acting.

If you are for the zombie action I think this movie is disappointed, because they only showed up at the last part of the movie.

If you are Kingdom fan, than certainly a must watch.

Same quality extra long episode of the series Kingdom

[deloudelouvain · 8/10 · 28 August 2021]

Ashin Of The North is an extra long episode of the quality series Kingdom which explains a lot after watching the season's finale from that show. You should watch the two seasons of Kingdom before though. I was looking forward to watch this episode. Everything makes more sense now. It's still cinematography of high quality and for that we have to thank the South_koreans that clearly know what they're doing. They're by far the best cinema country from Asia. Ashin Of The North is only one episode which is strange but in one episode everything is explained well. I could watch much more episodes of this kind of stories, it's all just very entertaining. Finally you get some zombies that can run and not that weak stumbling around like in the American show The Walking Dead. South-Korean zombies are hungry and fast, which makes it all more suspenseful. Credits to the make-up artists who did a very good job.

Honest rating 7.5/10

[choppersears · 8/10 · 25 July 2021]

I'm honestly surprised at the amount of people complaining that it's slow.

W le have seen so much action throughout the series we can't simply appreciate a spin off episode setting the tone for the newly introduced character. We can't bear 30 minutes without action or jump scares, okay.

Also surprised at the people who are confused about how the disease is spread before leaving reviews it's very clear. Watch it again, more closely...

Loved this episode as much as the season 1 & 2 and look forward to seeing what season 3 brings.

Intriguing prequel. Confusing male casting.

[carlshinoda · 6/10 · 23 July 2021]

This movie, a spinoff from the TV series Kingdom is a prequel. It tells the story of the mysterious girl Ashin who appeared at the end of the last episode of Season 2. This movie explains how the zombies came about to besieged the Kingdom from the TV series.

The premise of the plot evolved around the lords and warriors from 3 tribal factions who got entangled with mass-murder, deceit and revenge. Some plot twists which led to the misuse of a plant that can revive the dead.

This movie has commendable cinematography and good production value. The story is also well paced. My issue with the movie is the casting of most male lead actors. They all have sharp chiselled features in their same age and looked quite similar to each other. This gets extremely confusing to follow and identify which warrior is which as the story unfolds. Granted some has moustache, but it didn't help with the movie mostly taking place at night complete with quick edits during fight scenes.

The female lead is a Korean A-list star who took on the vengeful role with much charisma and carried the movie fearlessly with her largely deadpan looks. In short, she did a pretty good job despite of the limited expressions demanded of her.

A must-watch for all Kingdom TV series fans.

Great filler while waiting for the third season of "Kingdom"...

[paul_haakonsen · 7/10 · 24 July 2021]

While waiting for the third season of "Kingdom," we were treated to this 2021 movie titled "Kingdom: Ashin-jeon" (aka "Kingdom: Ashin of the North").

And writer Eun-hee Kim definitely managed to fill in the gap here with brilliance and entertainment, because "Kingdom: Ashin of the North" definitely was up to par with the "Kingdom" series. So if you enjoyed the first two seasons of that series and find yourself waiting for season three, then I can warmly and strongly recommend that you sit down to watch "Kingdom: Ashin of the North".

"Kingdom: Ashin of the North" is sort of an origin story, and it definitely was an interesting and well-told one. So I was more than entertained by what director Seong-hun Kim delivered here.

Visually then "Kingdom: Ashin of the North" is as astounding as the "Kingdom" series, so you know what you are getting here. And there are some nice scenes with a deer and a tiger, which were quite good. Though, I feel that writer Eyn-hee Kim didn't really fully explore to its full contents.

"Kingdom: Ashin of the North" is entertaining from beginning to end, and you should certainly watch it if you have the chance.

My rating of "Kingdom: Ashin of the North" lands on a seven out of ten stars.

Overrated

[elvisedison · 6/10 · 24 July 2021]

Bad acting, avg storyline, one time watchable.

Unrealistic. How do the disease really spread, sometimes it spread from bite from resurrected one sometimes it does not. They just don't define the disease yet.

Ashin Of The North is a brilliant spin off with great execution

[pranayjalvi · 9/10 · 23 July 2021]

Kingdom Ashin Of North is a brilliant spin off of critically acclaimed Kingdom series which tells the story of Ashin and the origins of the undead.

The story was great along with the lead cast and overall production of this special episode. From the very beginning till the end, there was no boredom whatsoever. A story of survival, betrayal and revenge, Ashin Of North serves a great plot that will eventually tie up with Kingdom storyline. Jun Ji Hyun was brilliant as Ashin.

The 3rd season will probably the ultimate showdown of humans vs the undead and I am waiting eagerly for it

My Rating : 9/10.

Kingdom: Ashin of the North

[jackson_ro · 7/10 · 5 September 2021]

A spin-off of the magnificent Kingdom franchise that got me new more excited for what's to come. Ashin of the North's story is blatantly simple, but one that is executed magnificently. In 90 minutes, in typical Kingdom fashion there are enough plot twists to keep anyone entertained and does the IP justice. On top of all that, the cinematography is magnificent and every scene is shot beautifully, on par with GOT production level (except for the awkward CGI). The spin-off adds a little deeper depth into the overall lore and introduces a character that is easy for us to love in the new season, a win win situation and shows the value of services like Netflix, where publishers have more control and ability to distribute content and make something better, sort of like a video game DLC.

kingdom - Ashin of the North

[joystickjunkiedk · 9/10 · 23 July 2021]

I was hoping for season 3 of this absolutely amazing Korean series. After seeing this kingdom special, I am even more looking forward. The story is simple but is well told, adding another dimension to the Kingdom universe. The story is dark and a nice introduction to Ashin - I think it is successful and gives a good insight into her upcoming role in Kingdom. Both the director and the writer as well as the entire production team have done a great job and promoted Korean film and television in the best way.

Provides a decent backstory for Ashin but is a disappointing continuation of the overall show Kingdom

[coltonkimmy · 6/10 · 26 July 2021]

This "special" episode of the excellent Netflix Korean zombie show Kingdom reveals a decent backstory to Ashin, the mysterious woman shown in the season 2 finale, but is a disappointing continuation of the overall series. Several "twists" in the story were obvious to me, and the acting could've been better. But the cinematography, visuals, and tone are all great. Still looking forward to season 3.

Ashin shows the origin story which is sentimental..

[sharonmass007 · 9/10 · 24 July 2021]

The story did deliver and was beautifully acted. Ashin was believable and it was touching. Story of revenge and huge plot twists . I am impressed with this . It has raised the bar for season 3 . Well done Netflix for not letting this one go..

Filler

[abuljunosid · 7/10 · 24 July 2021]

It's a bit slow and can be boring for some people. An hour and a half just to introduce the upcoming Ashin character in the upcoming Kingdom season.

SLOOOOOOOOOOOW! Not as good as the series at ALL!

[lapriestmayo-16887 · 3/10 · 15 August 2021]

It's not as good as the series. Doesn't really pick up until 1hour into the movie. I kid you not! Not sure why it's rated so high. Besides the tiger scene. It's pretty slow and boring to be honest. Watch it and see for yourself. I can honestly say I zoned out of the movie a couple of times. I only gave it a 3 because it picks up at the end.

It was nice

[aastikhimta · 7/10 · 28 July 2021]

The plot was good. The plot twists were good too. Ending was nice too. A decent movie with decent storyline . You can definitely go for it.

Revenge served.

[AJ_McAninch · 7/10 · 27 July 2021]

I love Jun Ji-hyun, and she is good in this as well as even more beautiful than ever. But I thought the plot was slow to develop. Still it is a satisfying revenge film, and I look forward to more from her in the series.

Hero or Villain

[heyxitwasluckx · 6/10 · 24 July 2021]

The movie has a great way of keeping you interested. The cast they chose were excellent fits, but near the end, you can see the story dwindle down. Leaving me too wonder if the director will return for anymore projects.

way better storyline than any hollywood zombie flicks!

[namritjoshi · 10/10 · 24 July 2021]

I loved kingdom and this is just out of the park in terms of backstory and how it all connects together of the spread. Awesome, keenly awaiting kingdom season 3.

Important prequel but less 'zombie-bite' moments and weaker origin story

[witra_as · 7/10 · 23 July 2021]

An important prequel before Kingdom S3 from Kim Seong-hun got excellent cinematography and solid action sequences. Though i was expecting stronger origin story and more 'zombie-bite' moments. Gianna Jun made strong comeback as devilish antiheroine.

What a worthy spin off

[p0t80 · 9/10 · 23 July 2021]

Hellyeah, that was one kick-a$$ spin-off of or rather origin story of the series. Damn I really long for more now. There is a great dramatic main theme in this movie, I don't wanna call it by name, spoilering, but lemme tell you, it got real dark, and I liked it, and it felt so satisfying in the last third of the movie, just wanted to see the whole world burn. I see no reason to analyze the movie much more detailled, maybe because there was not a single bad or annoying thing to me, which is a miracle comparing it to other NF releases these days. Style from the series is all there, and imho at least on the same level of quality, what I noticed is the OST seemed actually better, very aggressive. Keep 'em coming!

(btw it's more of an 8/10 but in these times of super polarized reviews/rating I feel obligated to put on a star for stuff I dig.)

Revenge and zombies in medieval Korea

[Tweekums · 10/10 · 25 July 2021]

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.

Decent watch

[dannylee-78082 · 7/10 · 26 September 2021]

Decent watch if you are into the series. Fully understanding that it's a prequel / setup for upcoming season, it's a lot easier to watch.

As a fan of the Walking Dead, I'm not new to the idea of loss + vengeance + feeding the dead, so that part didn't strike me as much as it was supposed to. I did miss seeing super fast + super strong undead. Excited for upcoming seasons!

Nowhere near as good as the series.

[rossss-55908 · 5/10 · 26 July 2021]

There were some fairly significant oversights that just didn't make sense, and you're left wondering 'how was that possible?', or 'what happened to the rest of them?'. These were things that did not happen in the series.

It was very fast paced at times, like the series; but unlike the series, certain things were not explained properly or clearly.

If you've watched the series, it's worth seeing this prequel movie, but don't go in expecting the same kind of quality, it's not there.

A Terminator Dishes Out Revenge 🏹To The Biting End °7.5° °VG°

[50fiftillidideeBrain · 7/10 · 11 October 2021]

They pi$$ed off the wrong kid.

KAOTN is part of the popular Kingdom franchise. It is a prequel to season one, and it ties in seamlessly.

The filming is gorgeous, though tense and creepy feeling- exactly as it should be.

We follow Ashin over several years as she plots revenge against the murderers of her family. Members of the Pajeowi were found dead in Joseon. The Josean officials informed the Pajeowi that a tiger killed all 15 of their brothers. Ever skeptical of Joseon, the Pajeowi don't believe that.

They take their revenge on the first village they encounter, which is Ashin's village. She is left with nothing. She agrees to work (slave) for the Josean officials as long as they help her avenge her father.

Kim Shi-ah, as young Ashin, is fantastic. She was around 12 when this was filmed. The anger and the determination of her character is palpable. Her performance is arresting: She's that good. "I didn't want Asin to look weak," she said in an interview. "I thought the eyes were important to show a strong figure, and I tried to convey that solidity with my eyes." We need to keep an eye on her career. We can expect her to just gobble up her roles.

Ashin works hard as she grows. When she's not serving the Kingdom of Joseon, she is sinking her teeth into perfecting her archery and fighting skills. It will all come in handy later. We watch Ashin close in on her prey like The Terminator, or a zombie. She won't turn to the left or the right. She consumes. She. Won't. Stop.

The creators continue with the same theme started in season one. The acting and special effects of the 'attackers' are excellent. This crowd was designed to startle the viewer, and they fulfill their purpose.

While KAOTN can stand on its own, it would be better to also watch seasons one and two of this mystery/horror saga.

Yes, it's classified as horror. The focus is not all blood and guts, however, especially compared to a Hollywood production. The horror is real, but it's constructed in the viewers mind, as much as it's performed for the viewer's eyes. Fundamentally, this is just good drama.

The film does incite thought about the concept of mercy. Should Ashin relent and show some mercy toward her enemies? Do any of them merit that?

You'll have to take the solitary and painful journey with her to sort it out.

We are still in want of a season 3. Until then..... Enjoy this snack.

IMHO... 🎬7 🤔7 🎭8 ⚡7 🎨7 Suggested Age 15+

🍒

Not so thrilled zombie movie

[Applecrumbless · 7/10 · 22 August 2021]

I think I have too much expectation for this one, since the other Kingdom series are so freaking good. I have expected more thrilled zombie scenes, but it tells more background stories about the beginning of all chaos - which is so make sense since this movie is the prequel of other Kingdom series. So no wonder if it seems quite boring and slow phase to me. Jun Ji Hyun looks very fierce even though it feels like the child actress' scenes are more than hers. However it is still very enjoyable though!

Good but very short

[magarroshan-92932 · 7/10 · 24 July 2021]

I saw it yesterday & I felt something missing,may be the length of the movie or incomplete ending...looks little bit rushed at the turning point of the story as well ending ..they should have made it at least 2-2.30hr making the story more clean & gripping ...