Death's Game (2023)

Butterfly Effect

Talk about the butterfly effect.
I know everyone has written a review on how good the drama is and how the actors have embodied the roles. However, can we talk about just episode one.
Everything in Yi Jae life would have turned out much better in a sense if he hadn't witnessed that man's death. That one thing was what literally spiraled everything out of place. Because he became traumatised he messed up in the interview.
It was almost like a bad omen. Everything after that kept going wrong. And we can literally see that DEATH was gripping unto Yi Jae since that scene. The dying man's grip on his blazer was soooo strong and felt very ominous to me at least.
So yea, everything after that one encounter with death set up the events that occurred after.
Which had me thinking what if? What if he hadn't encountered death that day? What would've happened? So that was just something I found very very intriguing.

Read More

This show has good potential

Loved all the cast but tbh I do not like the main character. He has already lived 7 lives and yet he still hasn't even tried to learn a new strategy to survive but still seeks out money and loves material goods. ig its excusable since he didn't really have any money when he was alive however, he should know by now that they don't matter if he dies in the body he's in. My favourite life was Jae Wooks life as the prisoner cause the way he dealt with the bully pretending to be a psychopath was good. " living a life of fear isn't a life lived" (or something like that). The biggest thing I hate however is the fact that I now have to wait 1 whole month for 4 more episodes like there was no need for that but it had a good cliffhanger so I'm intrigued enough to wait. My guess is that the gun doesn't work on death or maybe he would be punished cause he killed or something. Ps Sunghoons life was hilarious cause he was practically paid to introduce himself and then splat on the earth and royeun celebrating 30% ratings killed me😭. Its a good show nonetheless so I suggest everyone watch it, at least to see your fav actors and actresses.

Read More

A faux-deep show with a harmful message

I’m actually surprised to see how much praise is being sung for Death’s Game. Death’s Game is by no means philosophical, nor does it bring anything new to the table in terms of discussion around the subject of suicide. It simply offers the common - and harmful - rhetoric of “You should feel guilty about (thinking of) killing yourself because your death will hurt others.”

Living to avoid causing pain to others - and by proxy living FOR others - is no way to live at all. In fact, according to this rhetoric, if no one would mourn your passing, then it should be fine for you to die by your own hands. Your desire to live has to come from yourself because the minute it depends on other factors you lose any semblance of control over it.

Death’s Game tackled its message wrong from the start. In my opinion, an anti-suicide show should focus on the “joys” rather than the pains of life. If you’ve ever said something along the lines of “I’m feeling down/sad/upset” and been told “well others have it worse,” did that really make you feel any less upset? Probably not. This is why reincarnations such as the baby’s don’t work as substantial support for the show’s main message.

On the topic of support for the show’s main message: this support is thin. Why? Because so much of it is just pure shock value. There are multiple instances of this. The baby. But also the prisoner reincarnation. One would think this particular story would end with the hit-and-run daughter’s father killing who he believes to be the perpetrator BECAUSE this would tie in with the idea the show was pushing about the consequences of Korea’s lenient juvenile laws. But no, the main character is then stabbed a SECOND time by another twist villain. Did this add anything to the show? No. In fact, it lessened the impact of the previous scene. So why did it need to happen?

On a side-note, the twists in this show are so random. Some I predicted from the start, like the brother being behind the airplane crash. Other twists just exist to be twists. That is not good writing.

Additionally, logically-speaking, why does Death target our main character specifically? Does she give this same experience to everyone? Surely there are others who fit her criteria more explicitly. And, on the other hand, imagine someone who has suffered much worse than Choi Yi Jae. Does said person deserve to experience more suffering (multiple deaths) simply because they sought to put an end to their own? Definitely not.

I really can’t tell what this show wants to be. It feels so ungrounded from reality that I find it hard to take it seriously. The tone feels a bit all over the place. It doesn’t help that the special effects look cheap, and that the dialogue sometimes sounds incredibly comic book-y. All it was missing was some text bubbles. I’m assuming that might be because the show is an adaptation from a Webtoon, but what works in comic format won’t always work in live action. Also, I’m not usually one to comment on bad acting, and I’m sorry to say that despite the cast being visually stunning, this show is chock-full with it.

Lastly, I felt no emotional connection to any of the characters? I wasn’t sad about any of the deaths. Which I find surprising given I’m very empathetic and often have no trouble doing so. Nor did any character relationships particularly stand out. The main character and his gf have the stock template, textbook start to their relationship, and their dynamic isn’t particularly interesting.

If Death truly cared about the main character’s respect for “death” she would show him how to love living again instead of torturing and potentially emotionally traumatizing him for the remainder of his existence.

Death’s game is not as deep and thought-provoking as some laud it to be, and it's honestly worrisome how well-received such a show is. It presents its singular perspective on suicide, which negates and ignores the mental health aspects that come along with suicidal ideation.

Read More

When death is NOT the end but THE BEGINNING.

"What have i done to DESERVE this? What is my SIN?"
"You went looking for DEATH even before DEATH came looking for you."

PLOT/STORY LINE
It's the story of a young man who's greatest sin was to go looking for death before it even ever came looking for him.[commits suicide]
Death angry at his audacity and insulted by his flippant attitude towards dying, comes to punish him with her game and mindfuckery: He is to be reincarnated into bodies of 12 people 12 times just to ultimately die, he must experience death over and over again through 12 other lives. But the only way to change is if he can find a way to survive the imminent death coming for these lives, he gets to live out their lifetime in the same body.
The ML is not A PERFECT HUMAN, no he is just as selfish, greedy, stupid, overconfident. And he is also sensitive, emotional and sentimental. He has faults and i think thats makes the story even more better.

The DRAMA has everything. It has THRILLER, ROMANCE, COMEDY, very DARK HUMOUR[surprisingly], ACTION SCENES.

CAST/ACTING
Holy shit, can i say this cast is like INSANE. Like it screams A MILLION BUCKS and has HIGH BUDGET written all over it in bold. Dare i say this might be the most iconic cast in a decade, like imagine all the famous and amazing K-actors of recent time all coming together to create a big bang with this.
And not only the cast is giving the VISUALS but that acting is a slay. The way each actor portrays the character and story is just chef's kiss.

The way you see the protagonist goes through thousand different feeling during the whole trail makes you feel like you are living the character.
The feeling of hopelessness, sadness, betrayal, pain, anger, frustration is so potent in the series that you feel it in your bones.
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY, THE VISUALS, THE OST, THE BGM, THE PLOT LINE, THE ACTION SCENES.
Everything seems like perfection.

Like i have nothing more to say other than that NOT WATCHING this is a loss. It is damn near the best kdrama i have potentially seen this year.

Read More

Because you came looking for me, before I came to find you

Take notes because this is perfect execution on all fronts.

Choi Yi Jae, at the lowest point of his life as he sees it, chooses to end his life, only to meet Death who is angered with his flippant attitude towards her and is now putting him through a punishment of undergoing 12 reincarnations, each person on the brink of death, Choi Yi Jae is given the chance to save their lives. If he succeeds, he gets to live out the rest of their life, if not, he goes through his trial again.

And punishment it is because he has to not simply find a solution to prevent their imminent threats, but also go through the feelings of sadness, betrayal, pain, helplessness and more when his reincarnation eventually succumbs to their situation. Choi Yi Jae nevertheless goes through his lives with his personal agenda and goals, but with each passing lifeline, his attitude towards life slowly shifts as does his personal goal.

It's such a great beginning honestly, not just with the story, but the execution and the cinematography. And most importantly the cast. Wow. Seo In Guk is honestly such a good actor, plus each of the actors who play one of the reincarnations is brilliant at picking up on the little quirks that Seo In Guk brings to his character so that it looks like each of them is actually Choi Yi Jae. Just the guest cast is stacked, Choi Si Won, Sung Hoon, Kim Kang Hoon, Jang Seung Jo, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun and that's just the first part. I haven't even gotten to Park So Dam yet, every expression and dialogue of hers carries the weight of her character. Every single one of them just brings something great to the table.

This was a really good 4 episodes, the plot honestly wrote itself and I can't wait for the next part.

Read More

Great premise, stupid characters

Was really excited for this as the premise seemed interesting. Then we were introduced to Death. She's an annoying child throwing a tantrum because, according to her, humans don't deserve to kill themselves. She says there are way worse pain than living a crappy life. I guess people being sexually trafficked, liked the gangster's girlfriend, should just go on living no matter how hellish their life is. Oh, and she doesn't like being "disrespected", as if people killing themselves are doing it for fun.

The action scenes and the different lives are interesting, especially the gangster one. Sadly, this Death is not as cool as they could have had her be. She could have had a better reason for the game. Instead she just comes off as petty and silly. I just can't take her seriously with her constant threats, aka constant whinnying.

I know it's based off a webtoon but I honestly think it could have been much better with a different, more interesting reason as to why the game happens.

No hate to the actress. At least she has a cool look.

Read More

Death's Game is a refresh button to k drama

Part 1 of Death's Game is pretty good. I have watched all four episodes and I can say it is a refresh button for k dramas. The story of Death's Game seems pretty unique like how the protagonist has 12 lives and he has to live through it and survive. The ending of Death's Game Part 1 was a shocker to me which is good for me but I can't say for everyone. The main protagonist can die at any time and at an unexpected time, which gives this series a feeling of thrill and suspense. I can say this series is pretty good and I can't wait for part 2 which is on 5th Jan I guess.

Read More

what is this cast?

The producers were probably saving money for decades to get this cast. Even the supporting characters, appearing for few minutes are full blown actirs having their own drama. Man oh man.
The lead actors and the actors playing 12 lives alongwith the support staff is just fire.
I watched the first 4 episodes and its been awesome so far. The story has been good and the life of mc was more based on reality compared to ither dramas.
The death of that parachute guy was too good. Even though it was expected the way it happened , it will still leave you surprised.
Waiting for the rest of episodes.

Read More

Are you really living when you're in constant fear of death?

This show is phenomenal! It is a must-watch for its innovative storytelling and intense emotional journey, provided you're prepared for its stark portrayal of death, suicide, and related disturbing content.

The story is gripping and a contender to dethrone Netflix's The Glory as the reigning psychological K-thriller, if Amazon Prime markets this enough. The work probes into dark but fundamental themes related to the struggle to survive. It explores mortality, love, family, and regret. It exemplifies the narrative depth and scale characteristic of leading K-dramas, filled with moments for laughter, sobbing, and introspection.

The production features an ensemble cast, although not quite at the level of this year's Moving. Writing is tight. Cinematography is beautiful and meticulous. VFX might not match top Hollywood quality, but there are masterfully choreographed set pieces that keep you on the edge of your seat. For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, this is a series that demands attention.

Read More

"DOOM" at "DEATH'S" door!

So I am not a fan of writing reviews mid show ...but I saw no detailed review on the page and hence decided to go for it.
(ain't I such a good human ) - please take of note of it miss DEATH! lol

SYNOPSIS - It's the story of a man who believes that he has failed at life and has nothing that makes life worth holding on to ....penniless, jobless and believing that even his girl friend has moved on he decides to end this once and for all. But death seems to have other plans.

He's given 12 chances to die (yes die not live lol) but if he makes it alive once then he gets to live the life of that person and escape hell. - sounds intriguing , so is the show.
From the first ep on you are hooked and once you hit play there's no going back atleast for my binge watcher delusional self !

To put it in a cool way -
The story is just out of the stove ( i mean to say fresh) and the show portrays humans in a very real way putting us in the shoes of someone whom we as society have failed into believing that he's a failure. His journey with greed, love, betrayal, mortality, regret, self worth, relationships and death has the viewers in its grip and this makes for a perfect weekend watch.
(We have a lot of cutiepie's playing a cameo here so too many eye candies ...❤️)

If you have read other reviews which i did they say that the character has no development and is practically wasting his chances ....but hey it's human and very practical of him to not learn just by dying ...he didn't live those people's lives how can you expect that he'll be affected in the very first minute ...like how ?
It's just been a few days for him to be living in that body ...he's still the same person who considered himself a failure because he wasn't apparently doing well financially. so to me it does make sense for him to be the way he is ...and quite frankly he's learning ....
some also talk about less screen time given to some portrayals but guyss he's not going to live 12 times he has to die 12 times that's the deal man ...if he just lives as that person for 2-3 months how is that starting at the brink of death ?

The show does well in the humor zone alongside human portrayal zone lol ....(idk why i had to write this line but ...) The actors do a pretty well job - special mention - Go Yong Jung (ML's GF) get my girl crush main role you guysss ...she deserves so much more ❤️ and that baby - damn he acted better than the people who were playing his parents ....he nailed it to every bit of perfection ! and so cute 🥺

also all the cameos be doing so well it actually feels like it's the ML ....also makers must've spent a lot to get that start struck lineup man ...too good of an investment tho !

Park so dam as Death is killing it with every look...! I am not a big fan of her dialogue delivery tho but she's doing fine !

Our doom as human is also doing great lol ...guys he used to be god ...how can he be human so soon ...be supportive lol
no but really he's giving out a great performance!

The show also promises you great lines - if you know me you know my reviews will always have a place for them -

MY FAV - "now that I have seen hell I realize being alive in itself was a chance "

"I wanted a clean death - that was the only thing I ever wanted."
"the most difficult thing to achieve is an ordinary life . "
"do you think death's the end ...it's jus the beginning ."
"why did you die?
because all i could see was darkness weather my eyes were open or shut ."
"Isn't it that what you humans do? You care more about the thorn in your own finger than the knife inside someone else's body."
"there are so many in this world who do not have a choice "
"humans only struggle to live after they die not when they have a chance at life "
"life would be meaningless if you can never actually be yourself "

-- THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE SECOND PART AND MY GUESSES --SPOILER ALERT !

tekang groups first son ig he was shown in every death so i hope they have a twist coming up and that he's the main villain
I would like to see how he mourns his dead gf
i hope death helps him in that revenge of his with tekang group
i hope the first man who died has something to do with the story
and the cliff hanger in the 4th ep ...i don't think that gun would work on death i hope it doesn't

-----
CONCLUSION -

this show is definitely definitely worth your time and please try to hold on the message it gives ...live before you actually have no chance at life ...it's a perfect mix of thrill , drama, humor and fantasy ...please DO TRY !.

PS. it also has bullying ...so if you are a kdrama fan who doesn't like bullying then let me know what dramas you watching bec it literally be FUCKING EVERYWHERE !!!! LOL

Read More