Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a 2021 South Korean historical fiction drama film, set in the Joseon era. Directed by Kim Sung-hoon, the film is a spin-off of the Kingdom television series and serves as a prequel to the story. The narrative revolves around the origins of the mysterious and deadly disease that plagued the Joseon people, leading to widespread chaos and destruction. The story centers around Ashin, portrayed by Jun Jun, a young and powerful shamaness who lived a peaceful life in the mountains. Ashin had the ability to heal, communicate with spirits, and read the intentions of those around her. She was also fiercely devoted to nature and the spiritual realm. The life of Ashin and her tribe, however, was turned upside down when the forces of the kingdom invaded and ravaged their village. The film opens with Ashin, who has been imprisoned, reflecting on her past. She remembers the idyllic life she once lived in the mountains, practicing her craft of healing and shamanism. Ashin's tribe revered her as a powerful spiritual leader, and she maintained the balance between nature and their existence. However, their tranquility was brutally disrupted when the kingdom's forces, led by Lord So-moo, destroyed their village and killed many of its residents. While Ashin's fate is left uncertain for the most part of the film, the audience is given glimpses of her time in prison. There, she is subjected to intense physical and emotional abuse, as she struggles to maintain her connection to her culture and her spiritual practices. The kingdom's soldiers view her as a threat to their rule and seek to exploit her powers to serve their interests. Meanwhile, in present-day Korea, a new threat emerges as a powerful force begins to spread the disease that devastated the kingdom in Kingdom. As the people begin to fall, the ruler orders soldiers to seek out Ashin, who is believed to hold the key to a cure for the sickness that is now sweeping across the land. As Ashin is hunted by the kingdom's forces, she reveals her backstory, sharing memories of her childhood, her tribe, and the tragic events that led to their downfall. Through flashbacks, the film shows Ashin's relationship with her tribe and her family, including her brother, Hwang-woo, and her sister, Hwang. Ashin's bond with her family was incredibly strong; however, the kingdom's attacks ultimately resulted in the death of Hwang-woo and the subsequent disappearance of Hwang, a devastating blow to Ashin. Throughout the film, Ashin is driven by a deep sense of vengeance. She seeks retribution for the loss of her tribe, family, and home. With the kingdom's forces closing in, Ashin uses her spiritual powers to seek out an ancient artifact that has the potential to destroy the source of the disease. Her quest becomes all-consuming, driving her to sacrifice everything as she strives for justice. In doing so, Ashin's motivations blur between those of a healer and a vengeful warrior. Although she has the power to heal and bring balance to nature, her anger and hurt push her towards destruction. Through Ashin's transformation, the film explores the complex themes of trauma, betrayal, and loss, highlighting the devastating consequences of war and colonialism. The final scenes reveal that Ashin is the source of the mysterious disease that ravaged the kingdom and the present-day society. In her quest for vengeance, she inadvertently creates a powerful force that spreads disease, illustrating the full extent of the kingdom's brutality and the impact of her anger and pain. Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a poignant exploration of the consequences of trauma, loss, and the unquenchable thirst for vengeance. Through its narrative, the film sheds light on the devastating aftermath of war and colonialism, emphasizing the lasting impact on individuals and communities. Ashin's journey serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of women, as they confront the darkest aspects of human nature and seek justice in the face of overwhelming oppression.