Kakegurui the Movie (2019)

Note: This film is (I guess) the finale to the series, so go watch that before you see this! It’s a good way to gauge if you’ll be interested in this one as they're tonally consistent. My words, in this case, can act as both a review for the series and the film.

At its core, Kakegurui is an over the top satire of modern capitalism. Amidst a backdrop of reckless gambling, it develops its narrative of class warfare—from humble beginnings in strategic maneuvering (characters must, literally, “play the game” to survive) to full-on proletarian revolution. By setting itself in school, the narrative plays out in a microcosm of the real world, allowing its characters to engross in messy politics while also reminding us that—no matter how twisted things are on the surface—it all means something else entirely.

Corruption. Power. Dominance and submission. The elite versus the poor. These are the contexts Kakegurui is interested in dissecting. In many ways, what this adaptation most reminds me of is pink eiga—violent and sexual, but also highly political. Although there is nothing approaching the gratuitous violence and sex of the genre’s most notorious, it plays with similar themes and pushes the envelope when it can. (And if anyone tries to tell me otherwise, I’ll be sure to point out the pet play.) A lot of people will be turned off by the pseudo-sexual content, but by allowing itself some focus on the intersection of sex and politics, the film's themes are given unexpected layers.

Now, some other things: when I say Kakegurui is over the top, I do mean it’s over the top. All the actors here are giving some of the hammiest performances they will likely ever give in their careers. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re willing to suspend disbelief—or even better, let yourself get sucked in—it’s fun to see the young cast giving their all. Production also refuses to fall behind: although sets are finite, each one is lavish, enhanced by lighting that’s theatrical, outright bordering on Broadway musical.

Whether Kakegurui succeeds with what it’s trying to be will be up to viewers, but if you’re interested in what it’s got to say, then take a gamble on it. It may just surprise you.

Read More

Overall
I recommend if you have seen both seasons of the live-action and enjoyed them and now is craving a side story.

Story
The story was okay as a side story. It was nice that the storyline was teased in the second season, but overall it was left in a completely blank slate and you don't have to watch it moving forward. The twist that it had was enjoyable to me and I actually did not see it coming

Characters/Acting/Cast
Fukuhara Haruka as Arukibi Jueri was a great addition as the main character of the movie. I liked her character and her twist at the end was not expected from me.

Hamabe Minami as Jabami Yumiko continues to be amazing. I liked her even showing her annoyance with Suzui at times in the movie. Continued to be great.

Takasugi Mahiro as Suzui Ryota was a good actor but the character was a big disappointment. In the first two seasons, I had enjoyed him but in this movie, he was just not good. From the part where he tries to go behind Yumiko's back to get cards instead of trusting her and then not getting that Yumiko was not wanting to win anymore and tried celebrating with her were annoying. When he did let Yumiko know that he could not go along with her and lose was actually good though, as that's how someone that is normal would react.

Music
The OP was better in the first season but the ending songs were still great.

Read More

A Smart and Exciting Movie That Keeps You Guessing

All I can say is—what a movie! I love that it picks up right after Season 2, so nothing feels out of place or confusing. The pacing was well-executed, and the flashbacks were just enough to refresh your memory without dragging things out.

The plot this time around is thick and well-written. We're introduced to The Village, an anti-gambling student organization led by Murasame, who surprisingly has a history with the student council president, Kirari—he even defeated her once, which definitely shocked everyone. Naturally, this piqued Yumeko’s interest, drawing her into the Village and its ideals.

But of course, not everything is what it seems. The student council launches a new election game where every student must participate, or face expulsion. The Village is forced to join, and two representatives—Arukibi and Inuhachi—step up, as Murasame refuses to play.

At first, it looks like the Village reps are doing their best to protect their cause. But then we learn Arukibi has her own agenda: she wants to destroy the Village from the inside by losing, knowing that if they fail, many of the students will fall into debt. She also has a history with Kirari and hopes to join her, but Kirari isn’t interested in her.

Arukibi and Inuhachi win games and reach the semi-finals. But then, Arukibi has Inuhachi kidnapped, forcing Murasame to step in as her new partner. Together, they face Mary and Kiwatari and win 4–0, gaining massive popularity and votes.

Then comes the final match: Yumeko and Suzui versus Arukibi and Murasame. Here’s where things get really interesting. Arukibi plans to throw the match, causing those who voted for her to lose—and fall into debt. Yumeko quickly gains 3 points, but what stood out was how she knew Arukibi’s plan from the start. She went along with it, staying one step ahead.

Even while being paired with Suzui, who genuinely wanted to win to avoid a 200 million yen debt, Yumeko remained in full control. Instead of finishing the match, she intentionally loses to mess with Arukibi’s plan. That reverse strategy was genius.

What I loved most was the unpredictability, the mind games, and Yumeko’s wit. She’s a master of strategy and poker face—like in the rock-paper-scissors game, where she calmly sipped tea the entire time and still pulled off a win with one card in hand.

Even though she “lost” the game, she made sure Suzui didn’t end up in debt by asking Mary to place a 200 million yen vote for Murasame—so when Murasame won, they won the bet.

This movie was exciting from start to finish. No dull moments, smart twists, and Yumeko once again proving she’s not just lucky—she’s brilliant.

Read More