As the Gods Will

Definiton of Failed Potential

Before anyone gets upset at my review please understand that this review is coming from a place of no bias. I haven't watched anything from this director before, I have not read the manga, and I have no attachment to any of the actors. Full disclosure I have an attachment to 2 actors in this movie but they played (borderline) nameless characters that die within the first 10 minutes of them first appearing on screen. That being said, this movie is just wasted potential. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but it could've been so much better if it WASN'T a movie. It's already hard in nature to make a written piece of media, into a visual form of entertainment, but to try to cram it all into one 2-hour long movie...wild. I'm a very sensitive person who cries easily at movies...not once did I cry in this movie. Not a single thing affected me deeply because I wasn't given enough to time to form attachments to that character. I wish I could've gotten to see these characters get fleshed out more. The entire movie was just running from one game to another. There should've been gaps in-between for us to learn more about each character. This would've made the deaths in this movie a lot more impactful. But then again, there's only so much they can do with such little time. That's why a show adaptation would've been a much better decision for movie.

In conclusion, it was an enjoyable movie but it's hard to form attachments due to how rushed the movie is in moving from point A to point B.

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..INTELLIGENCE, ENDURANCE, IMAGINATION. . .LUCK

..yes, these are the things that one's person possess to win a game..
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..first, I already watch Alice in Borderland, compare to this movie, what I like the most is about the time where the game ended, not always a last second which always happens in AiB (maybe just to add some intense scenes)..
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..also, it is a game where a teamwork is a must, unlike to other bloody game genre, here, it didn't need someone to kill just to win the game or have some sacrifice, or to be a traitor (except what Takeru did since he wants to kill), the winner continues, the loser dies..
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..the game itself is so tricky for me that even if I put myself on it can make me win, but some of the game are easy to get. . .the game are well explained on how they win too and made me amazed..
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..the ending is kinda disappointing yet satisfied and unique, you won't expect that even if the ML may have love interest it doesn't mean they will stay up to the last game. . .sadly isn't..
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..and yes, one of the best game genre to watch..

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Interesting entertainment

I don't know what it is with Japanese people but they seem to really like death games and I'm all here for it. As the Gods Will, will definitely keep you entertained throughout the whole movie with twisted "fun" games. My eyes were glued to screen and one scene had me visibly cringing into myself. The characters weren't as developed as I wished but you're here for the gore and wackiness not character depth. The acting wasn't bad, I was able to feel some of the character's horrible pain so I guess that's good. I'd want to rewatch this with friends just to see their reactions. I didn't really pay attention to the music so I don't think there's anything to be said there. Check it out for fun and even better with a group of friends!~

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Directed by Japanese director, Takashi Miike who is known for its rather violent and bizarre films often uncensored films; this is the first of his works that I've actually watched (and I think it won't be the last).

Truth be told I did watch this because of Fukushi Sota, although it has an interesting and intriguing story. Japanese films are known for either its love stories, action and horror. Well, As the Gods Will being based on a manga, surprisingly is quite refreshing. Although the initial concept of teenagers fighting against each other for survival isn't new (Battle Royale/The Hunger Games), the idea of using children's games as a mean for the plot to take place is interesting and ironic at the same time.

While the movie has its fair share of gripping scenes, sometimes so violent that I had to avert my eyes, it's still one of the those films that have its typical tropes. Exhibit A: that one sadistic student that everyone should be wary of. Some cheesy out-of-nowhere lined romance (I get the purpose but really though...) and the fact that there wasn't much background to begin with left the story hanging, though it makes everything open-ended. I did love how it also took some risks...that surprised me.

As for the characters...they lack depth. I know it's a survival movie and we don't have time for that but in order to root for someone or at least feel a connection with the people who are fighting to live, we must at least get to know them. Fukushi Sota is such an eye-candy but his acting is still so mediocre. I did think that the actor who played the sadistic student was better. The CGI was okay...wasn't top-notch but wasn't too bad as well.

All in all, I think it's still an entertaining watch.

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