Kingdom

During China's Warring States period, a relentless dragon of conflict engulfed the land for five centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous kingdoms, paving the way for new generations of leaders to vie for dominance. Amidst this chaos, seven formidable states emerged from the ashes of relentless warfare.

In the realm of Qin, Xin, an orphaned slave of war, dedicates himself fervently to rigorous training alongside his closest friend, Piao. Both harbor a shared aspiration: to ascend as Great Generals of the Heavens. However, their destinies abruptly diverge when Piao is unexpectedly summoned to serve in the royal palace under a King's aide.

An unexpected turn of events transpires when Piao, grievously injured, reunites with Xin. He imparts a crucial mission that leads Xin to an encounter with Ying Zheng, the youthful King of China, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Piao. From here, "Kingdom" chronicles Xin's journey as he steps into the blood-soaked annals of China's history, embarking on a profound quest to etch his name as a Great General within the tumultuous era of the Seven Warring States.

"Kingdom" captures the essence of historical struggles and the evolution of characters against a backdrop of real-life political upheaval and warfare. Xin's character development is particularly engaging; his journey from a humble slave to a figure vying for greatness is depicted with excellent depth, enhanced by vivid portrayals of the complexity of relationships, alliances, and betrayals within the Seven Warring States. The dichotomy of friendship and rivalry between Xin and Piao, as well as Xin's interactions with Ying Zheng, the King, also underscores the intricacies of power dynamics in this era.

Release: 2012

MyAnimeList Score: 7.92/10