The world of Black Knight has a charming and whimsical appeal that contrasts with the desolation of its dystopian backdrop, even though it may not always enthrall with the same intensity it tries for. This can be partly due to the fact that it was originally a Webtoon adaption, but it goes much further than that. Due to the introduction of dangerous competition, some people may rapidly draw analogies to other South Korean series like Squid Game. However, a more appropriate comparison may be made with the extraordinary masterpiece Mad Max: Fury Road. Black Knight’s six episodes may fall short of that movie’s ambition and self-assurance, and its visual effects occasionally make their inadequacies obvious, but the overall impression has an enduring charm.
Once the narrative gains momentum and the focus shift towards an impending uprising that will reshape the characters’ world, Black Knight truly comes into its own. It takes some time to reach this point, but the payoff is worth the journey. Set in the year 2071, in the aftermath of an asteroid collision that decimated the population and transformed the majority of the Korean peninsula into a toxic wasteland, life is fraught with perpetual danger. Whether it arises from the toxic air itself or from malevolent forces vying for dominance, the foundations of this rebuilt society remain precarious. The only thing holding it together is the renowned Knights, who serve as delivery drivers transporting essential resources to survivors.
Among these Knights is the legendary 5-8, portrayed with a fittingly cool and composed demeanor by Kim Woo-bin, known for his recent role in the film Alienoid. One defining scene encapsulates his character: he navigates his colossal vehicle through the desolate landscape while leisurely puffing on a cigarette. It’s a somewhat comical sight, given the state of the polluted air, yet one that he manages to pull off effortlessly. When he develops a bond with the determined Sa-wol, portrayed with youthful sincerity by Kang You-seok, 5-8 begins to recognize the escalating darkness encroaching upon their already treacherous world.
Subsequently, 5-8 undertakes the task of training the young Sa-wol, molding him into a delivery driver who possesses the potential to play a crucial role in the fight against the increasingly corrupt powers that control every aspect of their lives.
