Kingdom (JP) is an anime series based on the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara. The show premiered in 2012 and features Masakazu Morita as Xin, Jun Fukuyama as Zheng, and Rie Kugimiya as Diao. The series is set in ancient China, during the Warring States period, a time of great turmoil and unrest. It follows the story of a young slave named Xin, who dreams of becoming a great general and conquering the world. One day, he meets a young boy named Zheng, who is the true heir to the throne of Qin. Together, they set out on a journey to unify the seven kingdoms of China and bring peace to the land.
The show is a mix of action, drama, and politics, with battles and war strategies taking center stage. The fight scenes are intense and well choreographed, with a good balance of sword fighting, archery, and hand-to-hand combat. The characters are all well developed, with their own motivations, backstories, and personalities.
Xin is the main protagonist of the series, and his journey from a lowly slave to a great warrior and general is the driving force of the story. He's a strong-willed and determined character, with a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect those he cares about. His relationship with Zheng is also a central point of the series, as the two become close friends and allies on their quest to unify China.
Zheng, on the other hand, is a much more complex character. He starts off as a timid and fragile boy, but as he becomes more confident and learns to trust in his own abilities, he grows into a strong and charismatic leader. His struggles with his own identity and his place in the world also make for interesting character development.
The other characters in the series are just as interesting, with their own unique personalities and motivations. Diao, for example, is a fierce warrior and loyal friend to Xin, but also has a hidden agenda of her own. Wang Qi, one of the Seven Warring States and a rival to Qin, is a cunning strategist and powerful warrior who serves as an excellent antagonist.
The show also features a strong political aspect, as the characters navigate through the complicated web of alliances, betrayals, and power plays that come with the territory of a war-torn era. The show does a great job of depicting the different factions and kingdoms of China, with their own unique cultures and customs. The world-building in the show is top-notch, with attention to detail in everything from the architecture to the clothing.
One of the standout aspects of Kingdom (JP) is the animation quality. The characters are well designed and animated, with smooth movement and attention to detail. The backgrounds are also beautifully rendered, with a great attention to detail and a sense of grandeur befitting the ancient setting. The use of colors and lighting is also impressive, with the show making use of both bright and dark hues to effectively convey different moods and emotions.
In terms of sound, the show features a solid soundtrack that fits the tone of the series well. The opening and ending themes are both catchy and memorable, and the voice acting is top-notch. Masakazu Morita's performance as Xin is particularly noteworthy, with his ability to convey emotion and intensity adding a lot to the character.
Overall, Kingdom (JP) is an excellent series for fans of action, drama, and historical fiction. The mix of compelling characters, intense action, and intricate politics make for a thrilling and engaging ride. The show is a great example of how anime can tackle serious and complex subject matter while still delivering on entertainment value.
Kingdom (JP) is a series that ran for 6 seasons (148 episodes) between June 4, 2012 and on FUNimation
