Rampant (2018) - Zombies In The Joseon Era

With the zombie genre getting too saturated with repeated themes and styles, here comes Rampant which brings a whole new perspective of zombies as they make rampage during the old days. Known to be the Joseon Era for Koreans, it is a period of tense politics, struggling stability and tension with the Royal family. Imagine the chaos when a zombie swarm starts to grow at that time.

Produced by Next Entertainment World, who also made the block buster "Train To Busan"takes another shot with the undead and this time having them in the past makes it an interesting story to tackle. Leading the cast is Hyun Bin as Lee Chung the prince who came home from Qing after hearing the news of his brother's death. But he loves Qing more than his home and not interested to be a successor of the King.

However a mysterious sickness has spread which makes the dead rise again and hungry for blood, and it is spreading fast. Prince Lee Chung finds himself trapped with the undead, the political turmoil, and family crisis which could also mean the downfall of the kingdom. Rampant just brought together the complexity of period films with the thrill and excitement of zombie movies. A refreshing concept, yet there still things it can improve on if ever there would be a sequel.

Rampant stars Hyun Bin, Jang Dong-gun, Lee Sun-bin, Kim Eui-sung, Jeong Man-sik, Seo Ji-hye, Jo Woo-jin and Jo Dal-hwan.  Directed by Kim Sung-hoon, distributed by Rafaella Films International and now showing in cinemas.

Deliberation time kids! 

Show summary: Zombie Korea

Quotable quote: "Will you join me? Or get buried?" - Kim Ja Joon

Technical Effects: 4 out of 5 stars (Though less gory than similar zombie flicks, there are just scenes of epic proportions which makes the drama more intense)

Plot: 2 out of 5 stars (Quite predictable yet it redeems itself with the execution of the scenes)

Acting and Actors: 4 out of 5 stars (Hyun Bin's character had a interesting development) 

Pros:  Zombie swarm, period details, costumes, political tension 
Cons: plot, some characters which potentials where not utilized

Music and Soundtracks:  4 out for 5 stars (It feels good to hear traditional Korean music to a zombie film, it's eerie yet lifts the excitement) 

Overall: Rating 4.1 out of 5 stars (It's a new take with an amazing concept and epic execution though there are still things to improve, would open new stories in the future)