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Action historical film

Kingdom (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Kingdom (2019) movie poster

Kingdom is a 2019 action historical film directed by Shinsuke Sato, starring Kento Yamazaki as Li Xin, Ryô Yoshizawa and Masahiro Takashima. It is partly based on Kingdom, Vol. 1 by Yasuhisa Hara and Nathan A. Collins. It runs 2 hours 14 minutes and earned $50.6 million worldwide. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
worldwide gross
$50.6M
Echo Score
81
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Kingdom (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 14m (134 min)
Director
Shinsuke Sato
Genres
Action , History , War
Original language
Japanese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Kingdom About?

The premise of Kingdom without spoilers, adapted from Kingdom, Vol. 1 by Yasuhisa Hara and Nathan A. Collins. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In a war-ravaged land, a young orphan's life takes a pivotal turn following a friend’s sacrifice for the emperor-elect. As his martial skills are developed, he joins forces with the monarch to fight for the throne. Their journey is fraught with peril, as they confront ruthless assassins, powerful armies, and the dangerous mountain clan. This unlikely pair must overcome widespread chaos and political intrigue to unite the fractured states and restore order.

Kingdom Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • live action remake of anime
  • china
  • blood feud
  • chinese man
  • chinese woman
  • historical event
  • warring states era
  • sword fight
  • warrior
  • based on manga
  • live action adaptation
  • live action manga adaptation
+38 more
  • orphan male lead
  • japanese drama
  • historical fiction
  • friendship
  • military
  • betrayal
  • edged weapon
  • sword
  • male versus female
  • child
  • assassin
  • handheld weapon
  • close quarters combat
  • loss of friend
  • boy
  • map
  • weapon
  • night
  • long haired male
  • first part
  • younger version of character
  • melee weapon
  • battle
  • ancient history
  • wilderness
  • bladed weapon
  • nighttime
  • long haired man
  • combat
  • general
  • manual labour
  • asia
  • male assassin
  • dual wield
  • mammal
  • slave
  • male protagonist
  • wooden sword
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Cast & crew

Kingdom Cast & Characters

Kento Yamazaki leads the cast as Li Xin, with Ryô Yoshizawa as Yin Zheng, Piao and Masahiro Takashima as Chang Wen Jun. Directed by Shinsuke Sato; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Kingdom

· 6 more
Ratings

Kingdom Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Kingdom 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (68).

81 /100

Kingdom Echo Score Breakdown

In its adaptation of the popular manga, the film excels in visual craftsmanship and energetic set pieces, though it shows occasional pacing unevenness and tonal shifts. Critics and viewers note the film’s thrilling combat choreography and vivid production design, balanced by moments of overindulgent flashbacks and mixed character performances. Strong cinematography and a driving soundtrack underpin the engaging narrative, even as originality and story depth feel modest. Overall, the film delivers a consistently entertaining experience, with minor drawbacks that prevent it from achieving true mastery.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, the film showcases impressive cinematography and detailed production design, delivering vivid period environments. Costume and makeup work receive consistent praise for authenticity, and dynamic editing keeps action sequences fluid. Stylized combat choreography and bold color palettes reinforce its visual impact. Minor shortcomings in directorial nuance do little to diminish an overall assured display of filmmaking craft.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the cast generally anchors the narrative with believable portrayals and emotional resonance. Several leads convey the manga’s inner conflicts effectively, contributing genuine moments of tension. However, intermittent over-the-top performances and a slight tonal inconsistency among supporting roles temper the overall impact. Despite these uneven notes, most characters exhibit clear motivations and engaging chemistry.

  • Story & Flow 68

    In terms of story and flow, the adaptation maintains clear stakes and a generally engaging structure that reflects its source material faithfully. Audiences appreciate the energetic pacing and well-defined narrative arcs that sustain interest throughout. Criticisms arise around occasional sluggish scenes, repetitive flashbacks, and a conventional sequel-bait conclusion. Overall, the plot offers reliable engagement despite modest originality and occasional rhythm disruptions.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When considering sensory experience, the film delivers a robust orchestral score and cohesive sound design that support its action-driven sequences. Visual style benefits from a consistent color palette and dynamic visual effects, enhancing its period setting. While the soundtrack is effective, it lacks a distinctly memorable theme. Overall, the sensory elements create an immersive atmosphere, reinforcing the film’s energetic tone and spectacle.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film’s high-energy sequences and engaging visual design invite multiple viewings. Its faithful adaptation retains fans’ interest, while the emotional stakes and dynamic combat encourage continued appreciation. Occasional narrative shortcuts may lessen depth on repeat, but the film’s lively pacing and striking imagery prevail. Overall, viewers are likely to revisit the experience for its enduring entertainment value.

Plot

Kingdom Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Kingdom from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Orphaned by war, Xin Kento Yamazaki is sold as a slave to a small village, where he befriends Piao Ryō Yoshizawa, another slave. Growing up, Xin and Piao train together, dreaming of escaping their low status and eventually becoming great generals. Chang Wen Jun Masahiro Takashima visits their village in search of soldiers to aid the king Ying Zheng, but he will only accept Piao. Some time later a mortally wounded Piao appears at Xin’s house, warning him that Ying Zheng’s brother, Cheng Jiao Kanata Hongô, has started a power struggle and urging him to go to a point marked on a map he gives him. Xin sets off immediately, not knowing that his village has been set on fire and all the villagers murdered by Cheng Jiao’s army.

Full summary

The whole story of Kingdom, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Kingdom Box Office

Kingdom grossed $50.6 million worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$50.6M

International
$50.6M
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Kingdom?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the orphaned protagonist who is sold as a slave?

Details

Kingdom Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “Kingudamu” and “キングダム:2019”.

Also known as
  • Kingudamu
  • キングダム:2019
  • มหาสงครามกู้แผ่นดิน
  • 킹덤
  • Царство
  • キングダム
  • 王者天下
  • คิงดอม มหาสงครามกู้แผ่นดิน
  • Кралство
  • Vương Giả Thiên Hạ
  • Regat
  • Reino

Seen Kingdom?

FAQ

Kingdom FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Kingdom, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Kingdom?

Kingdom runs 2 hours 14 minutes (134 minutes).

When was Kingdom released?

Kingdom was released on August 16, 2019.

Who directed Kingdom?

Kingdom was directed by Shinsuke Sato.

More films by Shinsuke Sato

Who is in the cast of Kingdom?

Kingdom stars Kento Yamazaki as Li Xin, Ryô Yoshizawa as Yin Zheng, Piao and Masahiro Takashima as Chang Wen Jun, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Kingdom make at the box office?

Kingdom grossed $50.6 million worldwide.

How is Kingdom rated?

Kingdom has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 62 on Metacritic and 17% on TMDB.

Is Kingdom based on a book?

Yes. Kingdom is partly adapted from Kingdom, Vol. 1 by Yasuhisa Hara and Nathan A. Collins.

Does Kingdom have a post-credit scene?

No. Kingdom has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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