Ashin from the North Storyline . Ashin from the North (2021) revew. Netflix.

Ashin from the North (2021)

Title: Kingdom: Ashin from the North (2021)

Director: Kim Seong-hun

IMDb- 7.1/10

This 93-minute special episode is released prior to S3 of the cult classic saeguk zombie thriller series Kingdom. With an entirely different setting, this spin-off provides a back story to the resurrection plant, sheds light on the character of Ashin, and establishes a plot of S3. The story is full-packed with details that interweave S1 & 2 as it penetrates the story of the Kingdom series.

The northern region is dressed up with excellent art direction captured into breathtaking frames. Cinematography is a poetic depiction of Ashin’s hunger for revenge. The thrilling BGM enriches the story and maintains its eerieness through a dazzling sound montage.

From the series, only Ashin & Captain Min Chi-Rok are here. Capt. Min who is gallant with his sword on S2 shows decisiveness and emotional dynamics. Ashin, a mysterious character on S2 is a victim of social injustice, betrayal, human greed, sexual abuse, & conspiracy. Her heart-rending backstory shows ungrounded actions in bringing wrath to Joseon on S3.

The 3 leads are phenomenal. Park Byun-eun, shows Captain Chin's dynamics, Kim Shi-a as young Ashin is fantastic, & Gianna Jun carries the frailty & strength of Ashin’s character. With few dialogues, she shows range of emotions through her eyes & expressions.

Kim Seong-hun helms the film as a worthy addition to the franchise. Those expecting hard-core action may be disappointed. Though, a sidequel, it has a stand-alone story and could be watched by those who haven't seen the series yet.

Kim Eun-hee deftly weaves the narrative with astounding precision through her immaculate script. This is one of the best anti-hero backstories I’ve seen. Nothing is superficial, everything is presented organically. She didn't focus on the blood-thirsty zombies but on how Ashin becomes evil due to abusive society. Setting the whole film in the North makes S3 more exciting as Prince Lee Chang trudge on the unforgiving terrain. Kim Eun-hee proved that her brainchild Kingdom deserves to have a universe of its own. What a fantastic spin-off to prepare the fan base with what's to come on S3