Rampant

"Rampant," a thrilling Korean action-horror film, stars Hyun Bin as Prince Lee Chung, a Joseon dynasty warrior who battles nightmarish demons that have overrun his kingdom. Directed by Kim Sung-hoon and featuring Jang Dong-gun as the ambitious minister Kim Ja-joon, the film cleverly blends historical drama with zombie horror, offering a unique take on the undead genre that captivates and terrifies.

Set in the 18th century, Lee Chung returns to Joseon after years in captivity only to find his homeland plagued by monstrous creatures known as 'Night Demons.' These beasts, once human, have been transformed into relentless predators that threaten the survival of the kingdom. Amidst this chaos, Lee Chung is pulled into a political conspiracy orchestrated by the sinister Kim Ja-joon, whose thirst for power knows no bounds.

The film's visual aesthetics are a spectacle, combining the dark, eerie settings of a kingdom under siege with the lavish costumes and elaborate set designs typical of the period. The action sequences are intense and meticulously choreographed, featuring Hyun Bin in a standout performance that showcases his sword-fighting prowess against the horrifying creatures that lurk in the shadows of Joseon.

"Rampant" not only serves as a high-octane action thriller but also delves into themes of loyalty, power, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The dynamic between the charismatic yet conflicted prince and the power-hungry minister provides a compelling narrative that drives the film towards its explosive climax. With its blend of historical intrigue and modern horror, "Rampant" is a must-see for fans of both genres, offering an unforgettable adventure that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 창궐
🌎 Also Known As: Outbreak, Changgwol
🎭 Genres: Action, Horror, Historical
🏷 Tags: Zombies, Joseon Dynasty, Political Intrigue, Sword Fight, Undead
✍ Screenwriters: Hwang Jo Yoon
🎬 Directors: Kim Sung Hoon
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: October 25, 2018
📺 Original Network: N/A (Theatrical Release)
⏰ Duration: 129 min
🔞 Content Rating: Not Rated (typically, films like this might be rated R for horror and violent content)

Best Scenes

Prince Lee Chung’s First Encounter: The gripping scene where Lee Chung first confronts the night demons sets a terrifying tone for the film.
Palace Invasion: A visually stunning sequence as the undead breach the royal palace, showcasing intense combat.
Final Standoff: Hyun Bin and Jang Dong-gun face off in a dramatic showdown that mixes personal betrayal with visceral horror.
The Defense of the Fortress: An epic battle where Lee Chung leads a desperate defense against hordes of invading zombies.
The Secret Passage: The suspense-filled scene of navigating through a secret passage filled with lurking dangers captivates viewers.

Filming Locations

Korean Folk Village: Used to recreate the historical setting of the Joseon Dynasty, providing authentic backdrops for the story.
Hwaseong Fortress: This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a prominent location, enhancing the film’s epic scale.
Jeonju Hanok Village: Features traditional Korean houses, which were used to depict the historical era accurately.

Visual Design and Costumes

Historical Accuracy: Costumes reflect the elaborate attire of the Joseon Dynasty, enhancing the film’s authenticity.
Night Demons Design: The creatures are uniquely designed to merge traditional zombie looks with a touch of historical horror.
Set Pieces: Large, intricate sets recreate a kingdom on the brink of collapse, filled with darkness and decay.
Lighting and Atmosphere: Dark, moody lighting enhances the horror elements, making the night scenes particularly chilling.
Weapons and Props: Authentic Joseon-period weapons add to the film’s historical accuracy and action scenes.

Themes and Messages

Power and Corruption: The film explores how the pursuit of power can lead to ruin, using the backdrop of a zombie plague as a metaphor.
Duty and Sacrifice: Highlights the protagonist’s journey from a carefree prince to a leader willing to sacrifice for his people.
Fear and Courage: Tackles the theme of overcoming fear to face overwhelming odds, echoing through the film’s intense action sequences.
Historical Reflection: Engages with the historical context of Korea’s past, interpreting it through the lens of a fantastical horror scenario.
Survival and Humanity: Questions the essence of humanity in the face of monstrous transformations.

Interesting Facts

Star-Studded Cast: Features renowned actors Hyun Bin and Jang Dong-gun, drawing significant attention and fan interest.
International Reach: The film was marketed globally, showcasing Korean historical cinema fused with popular zombie horror.
Advanced Visual Effects: Employed state-of-the-art visual effects to create convincing and terrifying undead creatures.
Historical and Cultural Research: Extensive research was done to ensure cultural and historical elements were portrayed accurately, despite the fantasy setting.
Fan Base: “Rampant” gained a cult following due to its unique blend of genres and strong performances.

Awards

The film was recognized for its unique blend of historical drama and horror elements, and it featured performances from well-known actors such as Hyun Bin and Jang Dong-gun, but it did not receive accolades in major award ceremonies. The focus might have been more on its box office performance and international reception rather than competing in film awards.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There are no publicly known stories or reports of real-life romantic relationships developing among the cast members during the making of “Rampant.” The film, with its intense shooting schedule and action-heavy scenes, seems to have maintained a professional and focused atmosphere on set. The actors involved were deeply committed to bringing this unique historical horror narrative to life, which likely left little room for off-screen romances to develop.