Rating: 3/5
Summary
“Kingdom 4” is part of ‘The Kingdom’ series, based on Yasuhisa Hara’s manga. The story follows Shin (Kento Yamazaki), a war orphan, and his comrades as they experience a range of human emotions in their quest to unify China. Shin’s determination to become the greatest general ever is central to the narrative, which spans intense training and numerous battles.
Plot
In the ongoing battle to unify the region, Qin faces an unexpected invasion from the neighboring country of Cho. Eisei (Ryo Yoshizawa) prepares for war, appointing General Ohki (Takao Osawa) as commander-in-chief. Shin (Kento Yamazaki) greatly admires Ohki, naming his own unit the Hishin unit after him.
As the story progresses, Shin and Ohki join forces in the Battle of Mayang against Cho. Initially, the situation looks bleak, but they eventually turn the tide and secure a victory. Amidst the triumph, a mysterious shadow begins to follow the Hishin unit, hinting at future challenges.
Review
“Kingdom 4” brings back familiar faces, with Kento Yamazaki reprising his role as Shin, Ryo Yoshizawa as Eisei, Takahiro Hira as Mouten, Masami Nagasawa as Yotanari, and Shinnosuke Mitsushima as Kyoukai. A standout performance comes from Takao Osawa as the one-eyed Titan, whose return signifies the film’s grand scale.
The film picks up where “Kingdom: Unmei No Hono (Flames of Destiny)” left off, showcasing Eisei’s efforts to combat internal corruption and the Hishin unit’s victory over Zhao. The cost of victory includes the departure of Kyoukai, and the looming presence of a rival shadow adds suspense.
“Kingdom 4” transcends being just a movie, offering audiences a remarkable blend of stellar performances and an exceptional plotline. A key moment is Shin’s transition from a boy to a leader, embracing the responsibilities that come with leadership. Despite its strengths, the film doesn’t fully reach its potential, resulting in an overall rating of 3/5.
