I admit I have never read the manga, I have actually never heard of it until I randomly stumbled across it on MDL. It had one of the highest ratings for any Japanese drama that I have ever seen, so I decided that I should give it a shot.
AND I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID!
PLOT
What a fantastic, brilliant, intelligent, smart, shocking, amazing PLOT! So full of colour, so psychological, so surprisingly intriguing (a little like Death note) Any 'game' setting for manga or anime gives that plot a wide scope, but it's how you execute and manipulate these games that then make it so intriguing to watch! All I want to say is that each round after round, it get's better, it get's even more psychologically interesting, and some construction of episodes completely mindblows me! Especially in the Second Rebirth Round, where Nao and Akiyama's plan incorporated a bit of stock market strategies and gambling strategies. It was just jaw-dropping to watch! This show grips you from the start, and never let's go until the FINAL STAGE!!!
CHARACTER
A unique unique set of characters! I really really love Yuji Fukunaga, because he never fails to surprise me! Like when I thought he had turned good, he becomes evil, and when I thought he was going to be more evil, he suddenly becomes good!
Image may be NSFW.
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I also love the character development of Nao, tbh I totally expected her to be reliant on Akiyama throughout all the games, and become a damsel in distress, but the way she steps up and sets everything up later on, and become a kind and morally justified pro liar, makes me extremely happy. The chemistry between the character are absolutely wonderful, although I wished there was a bit more of an romantic element! But the romance would have taken the excitement away from the games, so I kinda understand.
ACTING/CAST
I think all the characters did a fantastic job of acting, especially Akiyama's actor, the way he says, "You have lost!" sends a chill down my spine everytime. And Nao's actress made me cry whenever she becomes deceived. Of course, Fujisawa's character acted so well I thought he was insane half the time, and feared for my life! Chemistry was fantastic between all the characters.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
MUSIC
Nothing that was memorable, but fantastic use of BGM! I love the synthetic and electronic music plus added glock and bells, to create that suspenseful atmosphere and sense of mystery. However, at some bits, the music does overdramatise and overwhelms the scene, maybe turn the volume down a bit? :P
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Japanese cinematography unfortunately cannot really compete with Korea, but I liked the panning of game set-ups. They flow relatively well and I liked the use of visualisations of card-set ups and close up shots of component's faces.
Overall, I gave it a 9.5/10. It is a fantastic live action adaptation, even though I haven't read the manga, I'm hoping to start it soon. Love the characters, love the plot, love the cognitive intrigue!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
I also love the character development of Nao, tbh I totally expected her to be reliant on Akiyama throughout all the games, and become a damsel in distress, but the way she steps up and sets everything up later on, and become a kind and morally justified pro liar, makes me extremely happy. The chemistry between the character are absolutely wonderful, although I wished there was a bit more of an romantic element! But the romance would have taken the excitement away from the games, so I kinda understand.
ACTING/CAST
I think all the characters did a fantastic job of acting, especially Akiyama's actor, the way he says, "You have lost!" sends a chill down my spine everytime. And Nao's actress made me cry whenever she becomes deceived. Of course, Fujisawa's character acted so well I thought he was insane half the time, and feared for my life! Chemistry was fantastic between all the characters.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
MUSIC
Nothing that was memorable, but fantastic use of BGM! I love the synthetic and electronic music plus added glock and bells, to create that suspenseful atmosphere and sense of mystery. However, at some bits, the music does overdramatise and overwhelms the scene, maybe turn the volume down a bit? :P
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Japanese cinematography unfortunately cannot really compete with Korea, but I liked the panning of game set-ups. They flow relatively well and I liked the use of visualisations of card-set ups and close up shots of component's faces.
Overall, I gave it a 9.5/10. It is a fantastic live action adaptation, even though I haven't read the manga, I'm hoping to start it soon. Love the characters, love the plot, love the cognitive intrigue!
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
