Reviews by:
@the_owlseyes
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“It Amazes Me That I'm Willing To Do Anything Just So That I Can To Survive. If We Weren't Willing, We Might As Well Die.”
Yuzuha Usagi
PLOT
"A group of bored delinquents are transported to a parallel dimension as part of a survival game" or "Squid Game Made in Japan"
SCRIPT
The series it's made of two parts and, in a way, they collide in terms of tone and characters. In the first part the series introduce the protagonist and his three friends. They're well developed till the series decides to threw all this work away to focus on other character which were briefly introduced previously and new ones. Sure, the characters in the second part are more interesting and compelling, but it feels odd and, to be sincere, it's hard to connect well with them. In the second we're introduced to a lot of concepts and characters which, in my opinion, feel redundant.
That's a pity because the script touches interesting but unoriginal themes which are present in the majority of Eastern animes and media. Surely they are appealing for an Eastern public but I find them repetitive and derivative.
The ending is a sequel bait but it left me with just one question: Do any of the characters in the series ever played with a deck of cards? Because they looked speechless when a certain card showed itself in the new phase teased at the end of the last episode.
Script: 7/10
ACTING
With the script, this is the only why this series isn't a complete turf. The main actors deliver a remarkable performance, especially Kento Yamazaki, who plays the deeply torned protagonist, and Nijirô Murakami, who is able to build up a character which is both fascinating and compelling. The others are good as well but not in a way which kept me interested to their characters.
My only criticism is that sometimes the drama is too exaggerated to the point of becoming cringy and dull.
Acting: 7/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
Like the editing there isn't much to praise about it. I like the fact that the series use a different filter to make the parallel universe more impactful but it isn't enough to say that it's good. There're some interesting scenes of an empty Tokyo which feel quite off putting considering that it's is one of the most populated cities in the world.
Photography: 6/10
EDITING
It isn't impressive, not at all. I find it a bit stale and repetitive because there isn't anything special about it. I would describe it as tasteless.
Editing: 6/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
They're used well but the ones used in the last episode aren't exactly top tier and they downgrade the overall quality of the series. I've hoped for more practical VFXs instead of a misuse of CGI.
Special Effects: 6/10
SOUNDTRACK
I've expected much more from it. I just think that it's the usual you can find in other japanese anime or live action series. Sometimes, when pop songs are used it becomes slightly better, just a bit.
Soundtrack: 6/10
COSTUMES
There isn't much to say about them because there isn't anything impressive or remarkable which makes them memorable.
Costumes: 6/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 7/10
Acting: 7/10
Photography: 6/10
Editing: 6/10
Special Effects: 6/10
Soundtrack: 6/10
Costumes: 6/10
AVERAGE: 6,28
A decent series. Watch it if you want mindless entertainment but don't expect more than that.
Director: Shinsuke Sato
Screenplay: Yoshiki Watabe, Yasuko Kuramitsu
Cast: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Yūki Morinaga, Keita Machida, Ayame Misaki, Nijirō Murakami, Yutaro Watanabe, Sho Aoyagi, Ayaka Miyoshi, Dori Sakurada, Aya Asahina, Shuntarō Yanagi, Mizuki Yoshida, Kina Yazaki, Tsuyoshi Abe, Nobuaki Kaneko, Riisa Naka
Soundtrack: Yutaka Yamada
Running Time: 45 min
By @the_owlseyes
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