Kingdom (TV Series) Episode #1.1 (2019) User Reviews

A Captivating Beginning

[amongpixels · 9/10 · 3 April 2021]

Kingdom wastes no time in immediately setting up its characters, their relationships, settings, and the political landscape in a swift and captivating manner while successfully building the tension surrounding the threat of nightmarish zombies.

The eerie intrigue of the mysterious well-being of the King is engaging, while Lord Cho Hak-ju and his clan are well established as unlikeable and formidable antagonists. The protagonist, Crown Prince Lee Chang, is also instantly likeable and worth rooting for over his noble goal of wanting to stop the Haewon Cho clan, but even more so his deeply human desire to live. "I wanted to live." is such a beautifully simple but universally understandable goal. Also, his personal guard, Moo Young, is loveable the moment he expresses his desire for beef pancakes for him and his wife.

Not to mention the high production values and beautiful imagery, this episode perfectly presents the show's atmosphere, tone, and balance of some occasional well-placed humour amongst its greater drama and thrills. Also, the ending hook of the nightmare to come gives me goosebumps.

A horrifying pilot.

[jandrei-98305 · 9/10 · 27 May 2019]

A premiere that provide a look on what the series would be: power-hungry individuals, gruesome imagery and engaging story. It has its surprising and shocking moments, one you would think that Korea would not dare given the influx of their charming dramas. But what comes is an audacious project that already horrifies viewers on its pilot one that has set the drama to be something that is unlike any other. This is one of those shows that catches your interest big-time with just the first episode.

Promising Series

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 27 September 2021]

During the Korea's Joseon Dynasty, there is a rumor that the king is dead. The bastard Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-Hoon), who is the son of the King with a concubine, tries to find the truth, since the Queen is pregnant, but he wants to be enthroned King. He rides with his loyal bodyguard Moo Young to the countryside looking for the doctor that last treated his father expecting to learn the truth. Meanwhile, the doctor returns to his hospital where a patient brings meat to the other patients causing a plague and havoc in the place.

The first episode of "Kingdom" indicates a promising series. The plot blends history, horror, action, drama in right doses and may be a must-see TV series. The art direction and costumes are very beautiful. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Kingdom - Episódio 1.1" ("Kingdom - Episode 1.1")

Unique, dark and disturbing pilot. Even if slightly unclear.

[philipposx-12290 · 25 January 2019]

When the trailer for this Korean Zombie Horror TV series dropped, it immediately got my attention. And I must say with very good reason. The show has a very unique look and setting. It's placed in Korea, in a Samurai-like date and looks very well so in terms of clothing, costumes, houses and basically culture. The interesting thing about it is that I have rarely seen this type of "old era" horror and it is refreshing to see a "zombie" apocalypse settled in remote, rather then nowadays. The first episode offered some horrifying imagery (I suggest you to NOT eat while watching) and disturbing moments. It is definitely no "easy" show to swallow.

The only things that bothered me a bit was that I couldn't always tell one character from the other and therefore was confused sometimes. Hopefully this will be no problem in the following episodes when I get used to certain characters.

Otherwise this is a promising pilot that makes me hope we're going to see another 5 unique, dark, violent and disturbing episodes of Kingdom.

Deer Hunt

[xxsuperghostxx · 8/10 · 3 May 2021]

Things can feel a little confusing and rushed in the first twenty minutes, but it gets better.

The living dead (sickness) plot aside, I was actually impressed by how interesting the political/conspiracy plot is, and that, is a pro.

Intriguing enough that by the time the episode had reached its final act, in the village, I spoke to myself and said "You know, I wouldn't mind not seeing any zombies for now, this is good development".

I'd say great start, therefore, this is an 8/10.

Swords, samurais, kings, betrayal and ZOMBIES.

[raphaelmarcelino · 8/10 · 20 March 2020]

When my brother told me about a serie with all these things together, I knew it was a must watch, and I was correct. It has some deep social and political criticisms, besides all the dark and zombie thing. The characters were very well defined for me, and the last 5 minutes of the episode deserved a 10/10.

Incredible episode with disappointing twist

[mohhold · 7/10 · 19 April 2021]

Story is the master.

In 2021, it does not make sense to watch a poor production film or show, I mean we skipped that technical innovation over cinematography, costumes, art direction, etc... In this episode, I've been through big themes at once with no confusion at all. Power conflict, loyalty, coming of age, family issues, all in a good mix. Suspics was high of the highest recenties. But having that twist wasn't my favorite flavor of this dish.. I would give it 9 out of 10 if the twist issue came in the next episode.. but that would make more disappointed.. well, maybe I didn't see its genres, my fault. But they had an opportunity and they broke it.

This seems to have potential.

[ououzaza · 8/10 · 23 April 2020]

A great atmospheric zombie horror. I think this show may have the potential to become that. The atmosphere is really good. Night time, quiet and zombie. It's fits.

Anyway, I am looking forward to see what this show will delivers to me.