Riding on the waves of zombie apocalypse movies, “Rampant” attempts to set itself apart by zooming into an era way before our time, set in the Joseon Dynasty 500 to 600 years ago.
Apart from the massive scale of zombies running rampage in colourful Joseon costumes across palaces, the majestic action scenes and swords play, a major draw to watch “Rampant” is definitely to see how this “fatally charismatic” duo, Jang Dong Gun & Hyun Bin, who are best friends in real life, take on confrontational roles in the movie. Their chemistry is impeccable.
Like many audiences, I have mixed reviews of this movie. If you have been a fan of zombie flicks, it would satisfy you to a certain extent with some of the most thrilling and exciting action scenes. However, if you are looking for character development and emotional engagement like “Train in Busan”, it may leave you dismayed.
If all else fails, we can always count upon the 2 hunks, Jang Dong Gun and Hyun Bin, to save the day though.
The choreography of the actions scenes, CGI effects topped with brilliant music pieces by the London Music Symphony, is what we call a “Sensory Feast”.
It’s a refreshing fusion when you see western zombies mixed with Korean zombies set in the Joseon era.
The woahs
– The majestic sets and costumes
The sheer scale of the production would already awe you. This is probably the 1st zombie flick to have taken place in the Joseon period with thousands of zombies running around in pretty, colourful hanboks in the palaces.
– Cinematography & CGI effects
From the landscape view of hundreds and thousands of zombies aka “night demons” running around and attacking their victims in the courts and palaces, it was a sight to behold as you watch the drones capture them from afar till zooming in on the details.
We could see close ups of how the victims turned into zombies, with veins forming on their faces and limbs with white, gluey eyes as they began twisting and warping during the transformation.
– Soundtrack by London Music Symphony
The OST is remarkable. The tracks by London Music Symphony are so 浩瀚澎湃 and gave the movie the impact it was supposed to deliver on a colossal scale at the gorgeously built Joseon sets. It elevated the “sensory”gratification you would get at the most exciting moments.
– Remarkable action scenes & Swordplay Choreography
As the story advanced to the later half, that was when excitement kicked in full force. Audiences can expect to be glued to their seats while hoping that the leads and side kicks could make it out of those dangerous moments unharmed.
One of my most favourite scenes was during the hoards and hundreds of zombies breaking into the dungeons trying to have a bite on the “only humans” left. It was such a 惊险 and thrilling scene that it would keep you glued to your seats while having your hearts thumping at your throats.
The choreography of the action scenes, such as the mass rampage of the zombies attack in the palace, how Lee Chung attracted all the zombies to the main hall and especially the final swords play, is impressive.
My 2 other favorite scenes were when Lee Chung fought the so many zombies single-handed in the main hall and the swordplay sparring between him and Minister Kim.
A lot of thought was put into safety precautions while filming the zombie fight scenes as there need to be safety distance between the acting crew while swinging swords and other props.
Watch Hyun Bin slay the zombies single-handed and also the showdown between him and Jang Dong Gun. You’d be pleased with how both actors wield their swords like a pro.
It was just such a lovely sight to behold.
– The Impeccable Chemistry between Hyun Bin & Jang Dong Gun
It’s true that when you are best friends in real life, it aids in evoking much better chemistry when you act together. Most of us may feel awkward to act as opponents with your bestie but when it comes to 2 charming actors with acting chops, you would see and feel the difference.
There was no sense of awkwardness between the 2 leads. It’s true that they would be able to rely on each other a lot and get to learn from each other as a professional actor.
That was mainly what we were in the cinemas for – to see how well their chemistry would turn out on screen.
I would say, both shone in their respective ways, yet not stealing the limelight from each other since they complement well with each other and all other cast members.
Moral of the story + Questions you may have
At the end of the day, Korean movies will always have a moral of the story and some message that they wish to bring across to audiences.
This movie is a lot about duty and responsibilities, political tensions, human greed and ambitions which would lead to an impending downfall.
It is the King who serves the people, not the King who owns the empire. Without the citizens, there will not be a king.
Then again, JDG’s role brought out a good point for thought.
The kingdom does not belong to the Lee Family alone and the reason why people want Prince Lee Chung to ascend the throne is just because he is the son of the late king.
究竟是效忠还是愚忠? 我觉得张东健在戏里无非也提出了值得思考的一点。
想要做统领也并非易事。On top of being a good leader, you need someone who has the abilities and willingness to assume these heavy responsibilities.
While some may be born into the royal family with duties and responsibilities like Prince Lee Chung, it was also a rude awakening and he had to learn things the hard way.
Whether you choose to be “good” or “bad””, it all boils down to options and choices in life.
While some may be forced by circumstances, most people would have an option to choose.
There’s always a consequence and price that we may have to pay for making such choices.
Minister Kim’s下场 is a good portrayal of how it is good to have ambitions, but when it turns to personal greed, it will eventually lead to your downfall, or ultimately self-destruction.
The pitfalls
The 1st hour was dreadfully slow and there wasn’t much character development or emotional engagement. If you are expecting something like “Train to Busan”, it will leave you dismayed. It’s just another zombie flick but with amazing swordplay scenes and 2 hunks with acting chops.
Most characters were pretty one-dimensional and the plot is pretty predictable.
The reason why “Train to Busan” was a huge success was because it was in a league of its own, paying much details and attention to their character and emotional development that most zombie flicks lack.
Hyun Bin – Prince in Distress who was forced to grow up
身为第一男主角，玄彬的角色的确比较讨喜，也拥有更多的时间可以来为角色注入转变。从浮夸，调皮，不爱理朝政或百姓，只想过清闲日子的太子，却成为了大英雄，救世主。但大半部戏都不愿为百姓付出的他，即便是历经许多患难，还是想逃到清朝的他， 突然要为大家奉献，牺牲的转变，有点太唐突。
There was more screen time for Hyun Bin to have gradual character development as the story progressed, from a 吊儿郎当 Joseon prince who had no interest to take over the throne, to the hero who saved the day by staying on to protect his homeland.
In a way, you can feel how 迫切 Minister Kim wants to rule the empire no matter what it takes, including self-sacrifice, but you can’t feel that willingness of Prince Lee Chung to even want to fight the zombies, not to mention protecting his people.
It was a little abrupt in my opinion, for the switch towards the final showdowns.
Hyun Bin could probably do better, for we know he has yet to unleash his full potential. With a script that weak on their characters’ development, that’s likely the best of what the actor could make of.
He fared well in some of the intricate moments during emotional scenes whereby you could feel the pain and angst Lee Chung experienced when he lost his family or friends.
Compared to his 感情戏, Hyun Bin had more notable action scenes fighting against zombies, showcasing amazing swordplay skills. It must been very strenuous and physically exhausting for him.
Hyun Bin mentioned about his challenges filming the movie under harsh weather conditions during winter. Even while watching the movie, thoughts of how could we even have survived such zombie attacks if we aren’t as tough like Lee Chung, popped up in my mind.
Jang Dong Gun – Master Level Acting as a Treacherous Minister
As long as you can make the best of your screen time, it doesn’t matter if you are not the No. 1 male lead.
Jang Dong Gun is the scene stealer. Minister Kim’s vast ambition & greed was portrayed subtly initially but it intensified when JDG unleashed his power towards the ending scenes.
Jang Dong Gun brings playing a villain to another level. It isn’t just a flat one-dimensional character. He stayed true to his words about putting thoughts and efforts into adding depth and layers to his villain role. He was able to showcase not just his scheming antics, immense ambitions to rule the Joseon Empire, but also the devastation when it came to his downfall.
It has always been an enjoyment watching Jang Dong Gun act. He has the looks and the acting chops. Be it playing the good or bad guy, he’s always ready to assimilate the role and we can say his acting is of “Master” level in “Rampant”. We know he’s a villain, but he was able to start from being subtle, to going deeper as the plot unveiled.
He shone as a villain, but he did not steal the limelight from everyone else. A “seasoned veteran actor” like him, is more focused on creating and bringing out the harmony on set, than to focus just solely on his character.
不管是穿着龙袍登基的那一幕，犀利的眼神。。还有惊警觉自己被咬到后嚎啕哀嚎, 崩溃的模样。。决一死战的最后几幕，都令人为之动容。
演奸角的厉害之处，不是单方面地让观众对你咬牙切齿，恨之入骨，而是能让观众也感受到你内心深处的出发点 (即使那不是好的)。他的歇斯底里，已传达到观众的心里。
他迫切地想拥有整个皇朝，不管是牺牲了多少无辜的性命，甚至对自己残忍也在所不惜。宁可奋战到底，也不肯妥协。
那已经绝望到底，也要捍战到底的毅力，的确会让你为他感到稍微的心疼。
这就是我们所谓的 “内心戏”。
他的每个表情，每个眼神和每个动作，都流露出“大师级别“的演技。
The only thing I felt he could have done better was the reciting of the Chinese poem. While it’s already difficult enough for us to fully understand the meaning of the poem, not to even mention reciting it properly, it was definitely tougher for him.
Some lines were pronounced very accurately and beautifully recited though.
This man is like wine, he just gets better with age. We are anticipating future great works from him.
Notable Supporting roles
Jeong Man Sik’s role as the servant, Hak Soo, added much humour to the movie. He was timid, yet loyal to Prince Lee Chung. There were many hilarious moments instilled into this horror genre because of him, but he also brought us one of the most heartbreaking moments. Without Hak Soo, this movie would have been a little too serious.
Kim Eui-sung, who was the selfish train driver in “Train to Busan”, took on the role of King Lee Jon in “Rampant”, who was just obsessed about women and wine but also worried that others would overthrow him.
Seo Ji Hye’s cameo as Concubine Jo was also a pleasant surprise. I’ve always loved her acting. Her appearance was brief, but an impactful one. Her transformation was key to the development of the movie and it was so excruciatingly painful to watch but SHIOK at the same time.
Jo Woo Jin’s role as the head of rebel, Park Eul Ryoung, was one that may evoke a little of your emotions towards the ending.
It’s a real pity that Lee Sun Bin’s role as Deok Hee, was nothing more than a potential love interest for Prince Lee Chung and a skilled archer, but failed to create much impact in this male-dominated movie. I was expecting more from her role on how she can be the heroine.
The above reasons would give you good enough gauge as to whether you would want to watch this movie at the cinema.
If you want to watch a zombie flick with a refreshing time setting back in the Joseon Dynasty, or have been either a JDG or Hyun Bin fan, or fan of both, it is definitely one blockbuster not to be missed.
