‘Kingdom’ Is A Zombie-Filled ‘Game of Thrones’ Replacement on Netflix

by

As a devoted fan who spent countless nights huddled under a blanket binge-watching the mesmerizing world of Westeros unfold in Game of Thrones, I was initially skeptical when I stumbled upon Kingdom. But let me tell you, dear reader, this Korean drama has stolen my heart and left me yearning for more!

The television show titled “Game of Thrones” has solidified itself among the greatest TV series ever made, primarily due to its exceptional world development across eight seasons (though only seven are generally well-received). Originally based on “A Song of Ice and Fire”, it ranks high on IMDb’s list of top TV shows and remains a must-watch experience, despite some viewers feeling let down by its conclusion.

If you’ve recently binged-watched “Game of Thrones” and are searching for something comparable yet uniquely different, allow me to share an enthralling suggestion. The South Korean drama titled “Kingdom” (released in 2019) shares many parallels with “Game of Thrones,” from the captivating setting to political machinations, but it boasts a remarkable twist. So, let’s delve into why “Kingdom” should be on your watchlist if you’re a fan of “Game of Thrones.

‘Kingdom’ Is a Korean Thriller/Drama with a Period Setting

The series titled “Kingdom”, debuted in 2019, is a South Korean zombie production set during the Joseon era. It revolves around Crown Prince Lee Chang, who was falsely accused of treason by the pregnant Queen after the King contracted smallpox. Simultaneously, an infectious virus that turns people into ravenous beasts sweeps through a nearby village, compelling Lee Chang to battle against the encroaching apocalypse.

In a manner similar to “Game of Thrones,” the setting of “Kingdom” within the Joseon dynasty presents a world where individuals are equipped with swords and limited firearms as their primary means of defense against hordes of zombies. The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, interweaving Lee Chang’s political journey seamlessly with an enthralling, suspenseful plotline that maintains viewer interest despite its initial leisurely pacing. What sets “Kingdom” apart from “Game of Thrones,” which ran for eight seasons, is its condensed scope; comprised of only two seasons, each consisting of six episodes, it manages to effectively introduce essential characters who significantly influence the plot.

In a nutshell, figures such as Seo Bi (Bae Doo Na), Young Shin (Kim Sung Kyu), and Jo Bum Pal (Jun Suk Ho) might appear insignificant at first in Kingdom, but as the series unfolds, they each show their worth in unique ways. This character development greatly impacts how viewers comprehend the world within Kingdom. Notably, this dynamic is remarkably similar to that of Game of Thrones, where characters like Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright), and Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) initially play secondary roles, yet become crucial in advancing the storyline throughout their respective seasons.

The Drama Is Filled with Political Intrigue and Power Struggles

If you believe that “Kingdom” is merely a typical Korean drama focusing on swift zombies and eternal Joseon dynasty problems, you’d be greatly misled. This series actually showcases one of the most compelling political narratives in the annals of South Korean entertainment, featuring dynamic characters such as Cho Hak Joo (played by Ryu Seong Ryong), the Queen (Kim Hye Joon), and Ahn Hyun (Heo Joon Ho) who drive the story forward, for better or worse.

As a dedicated fan, I often ponder how a captivating two-season series like “Kingdom” would stack up against the epic saga of “Game of Thrones,” one of the most remarkable narratives in both literary and televised history. However, it’s essential to note that these two masterpieces are unique, despite sharing some intriguing similarities.

Kingdom” is a historical drama that reimagines real Korean events, with the focus shifted to a pandemic narrative, particularly the Battle of Sangju from 1592. Although many historical facts have been adjusted for dramatic effect, favoring South Korea’s characters to portray them as heroic figures. Essentially, if you enjoyed the political intrigue in “Game of Thrones”, you will find the same captivating elements in “Kingdom”.

A High-Stakes Survival Thriller

Primarily, “Game of Thrones” can be described as a gripping tale centered around survival, where the denizens of Westeros are continually besieged by battles and other extraordinary occurrences. A massive, 300-mile-long wall was erected to safeguard the Seven Kingdoms from the White Walkers, ancient, undead beings crafted by the Children of the Forest as a means of self-defense against the First Men. In essence, “Kingdom” follows a similar pattern, albeit on a smaller scale compared to the colossal scope of “Game of Thrones”. Unlike in the fantasy series, surviving in this K-drama is particularly challenging because the characters have no prior experience with zombies, whereas the inhabitants of Westeros have long been battling such threats. In contrast, the characters in the K-drama are confronting a new and unfamiliar menace.

The action sequences in the series “Kingdom” are skillfully managed. Sacrifices remain crucial elements in the grand narrative. Also, the source of the zombie virus is shrouded in mystery until the finale and is finally unveiled in the prequel movie “Kingdom: Ashin of the North“, starring Jun Ji Hyun. Essentially, if you’re seeking a new series that shares similarities with “Game of Thrones” but provides a unique twist, “Kingdom” should be your next binge-watch.

Kingdom and Kingdom: Ashin of the North are both streaming on Netflix.

Read More

2024-12-26 01:31