Drama Digest
The year is 2071, and the earth has been destroyed by toxic air pollution. The surviving 1% that survived have a strict social class. No one leaves home and has to wear gas masks to protect themselves. How do people communicate and send things to one another? The people have devices and a group of deliveries called knights to deliver their packages and protect them. These people are the primary source of security for the people. They have no names but are labeled as knights with numbers. Our story follows Knight 5-8, who is highly skilled in physical combat. He meets a refugee named Sa-Wol, who also dreams of becoming a knight. Sa-Wol gets saved by Seol-A, who is an officer in the Defense Intelligence Command. With a new family and safety, Sa-Wol trains to become a knight with the help of Knight 5-8. Will he succeed, or will he perish in this nightmare world? Why does Seol-A help this refugee? Why does Knight 5-8 help him? And who is Knight 5-8? Is the class system here to protect the people from whatever lies ahead? Or is there something more sinister than what meets the eye? Watch this futuristic dystopian drama to find out.
The Feel-Good Part
The drama as a concept is exciting. Any dystopian drama is sure to spark interest because it gives viewers and creators open new avenues of what we know drama to be. It has a lot of important things to say, and it does so in a pretty thought-provoking manner that is equally fun and exciting while still being suspenseful and, at times, heartbreaking. The acting in the drama is stellar. There is not one performance in this drama that feels out of place or less than any others. Each actor in the drama pulls their weight and delivers a fantastic performance. Visually, the show is stunning. It can truly capture the greatness and devastation of air pollution while capturing the luxury of those who still exist in higher classes.
The Disappointing Factor
This drama might not be for everyone. It is more thought-provoking and challenging to watch than most dramas. However, it is not a problem as it does give us some moments that we can all relate to and can get invested in. Another disappointing factor is the decisions within the show. While some may be frustrating, others seem odd, especially in a dystopian drama. Especially, when the refugee kid aims to be an officer rather than fight the power or understand what is happening. But regardless, these issues get resolved as the show goes on.
In-Depth Analysis
Living in a dark and lonely world is bad enough but being a person that people rely on is a lot of pressure. The show’s greatness is its ability to talk about subject matters such as class, order, climate change, and the will to live. It is strongest when it focuses on these topics. It is an exciting look at how dystopian dramas can change the drama landscape as we know it, especially with the rise of more thought-provoking and intense media becoming popular with the mainstream audience.
Star Power
The drama was directed by Chou Ui Seok, who is the reason for many great moments within the film. His direction is genuinely world-class and can be seen in the final product. He worked as a screenwriter for Golden Slumber and provided double duty as a screenwriter and director for Master, Cold Eyes, The World of Silence, and Make It Big. Our three leads are Knight 5-8, Seoul Ah, and Sa-Wol, played by Kim Woo Bin, Esom, and Kang Yoo Seok. Together the three deliver a phenomenal performance that is made even better with the fourth lead role of Ryu Seok, played by Song Seung Heon. As mentioned earlier, no one feels out of place, and no performance feels less than their other castmates. Kim Woo Bin started as a model and started acting in dramas and movies such as Vampire Idol, School 2013, The Heirs, Master, Twenty, and The Con Artists. Esom stars in Because This Is My First Life, The Third Charm, Save Me 2, Samjin Company English Class, Inseparable Bros, and Microhabitat. Kang Yoo Seok stars in Melting Me Softly, Start-Up, Growing Season, The Interviewees, The Grotesque Mansion, and The Flatterer. Song Seung Heon stars in Calla, Make it Big, He Was Cool, Three Guys and Three Girls, Autumn Tale, and When a Man’s in Love.
Overall Opinion
Black Knight is a drama like no other. It has some elements that make for a great viewing experience that is both exciting, nail-biting, intense, and thought-provoking all at the same time. It is worth the watch, and exciting to see what Cho Ui Seok does next.
