This is the series of the decade!!!
The best series of the decadeThe stories were captivate.
Interesting the difference between the characters between their life stories and the potential that they might have!
The storyline were very clever.
Seo in Guk is an excellent actor, as Park So Dam and with the other excellent casting of this serie don't make me surprised about the result of this.
The production, the montage, the direction even the music were all on point.
The best based to webtoon series ever?!
Yeah this is a must-to-watch masterpiece!!
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This review may contain spoilers
An Unexamined Life
A young graduate (Seo In-guk) doing it very tough in the existential scramble for jobs, has come to the end of his tether. After several years of juggling part-time jobs and not achieving that holy grail — a corporate position at Taekang Group — he concludes that his life has been an absolute failure. From the top of a high rise, he takes the plunge, ends his life, leaving behind a loving single mother and his longtime ex-girlfriend. It is important to note that his despair is exacerbated by a particularly bad day that culminates in a break-up with his girlfriend which he initiates after seeing her with another man. One thing after another he believes that his death is the solution to all his problem and will end all the agony that paralyzes him. That is until he wakes up and finds himself in a kind of purgatorial location face to face with Death herself played by a suitably menacing Park So-dam. This begins a drawn out debate between Death and our protagonist about the value of his life and life in general.I went into this not knowing much except the bare essentials and on hindsight the surprises increased my engagement with the plot. The element of surprise pumps an extra layer of enjoyment as there are plenty of thrills in the offing especially in the first 4 episodes aka Part 1. Be warned: It’s not for the faint-hearted. The crime elements are unyielding in this and there’s bloody violence all about in precarious situations. If violence is no barrier to entry, this can be an amazing adrenaline rush as the viewer embarks on this seemingly convoluted journey of discovery with Yee-jae who reluctantly… and often defiantly takes on each challenge to prove his case.
From the perspective of a seasoned viewer, it’s undoubtedly one of the more creative K drama endeavours I’ve seen in awhile. The plotting here is everything. On the surface it appears to be just another one of those transmigration stories that have become K drama staple but from the way it blends genres, it’s a superior work of art to all the others.
The other highlight has got to be the top tier cast. Plenty of familiar faces and the director certainly used the best of the best to optimize the storytelling. It’s also good to see the underrated Kim Ji-hoon getting a lot more work these days in these bigger high profile productions. But the star of the enterprise is the script begging the question... when was the last time a K drama had plotting this good?
My analysis — best read after viewing and not before… Spoilers ahead.
Somewhere between the third and fourth episodes, it occurs to me that Death’s Game is a darker, certainly more violent reimagining of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. And while we’re at it, why not throw in Charles Dickens’ great classic, A Christmas Carol for good measure? We know which inspired which there. So what do these stories have in common? For one they are second chance stories but the protagonists in these stories aren’t necessarily aware that they are being offered a second chance at the start. They undergo an arduous punishing journey of self-discovery that on the surface is more excruciating than edifying. If Death is to be believed, then Yee-jae is being punished for committing suicide.
But is he, really? Should we really take Death at face value or are her threats strategically made to egg him on to play the game game and force him out of his despondency? Is she manipulating him with reverse psychology. Hell awaits if he fails and it’s a terrifying thought now that he’s seen what it looks like. If punishment is really the endgame, then why take Yee-jae on this journey to solve a matter of grave injustice but to give him a glimpse of what’s life like for those who are left behind? If he was the burden he believed himself to be, why are his mother and ex-girlfriend, Ji-su still grieving for him?
Because the first “body” belongs to the second son of Taekang Group, it signals immediately that these challenges are somehow linked to Yee-jae’s life before death. But how do these pieces of the puzzle fit together? Why can’t he see the forest for the trees? Corporations in K dramas are seldom portrayed positively and yet it seems to be the dream of every university graduate to seek employment in these detached monoliths. Yee-jae attends two interviews at Taekang. The first is a write-off as a result of his encounter with a suicide victim on his way. In the second seven years later he interacts with Park Tae-woo (Kim Ji-hoon) the oldest son and CEO of Taekang Group and mistakenly assumes he has had a positive encounter with his potential employer. It’s an illusion. One of many. Park Tae-woo is a double-faced psychopath with violent tendencies. He’s a fraud. His benign public image is a cover for something far more sinister. He uses his clout as CEO of a corporation with deep pockets to pay off corrupt officials to cover up his crimes. He can use his infinite resources to engage organized crime. He sets himself above the law. He styles himself as Milton’s Satan ruling in hell. No one can get to him. Except through a miracle.
Furthermore the purpose of Taekang Group in the narrative is not only that it represents a festering merciless evil behind the facade of wealth but it is a symbol of a larger critique of materialism that drives the rat race and the participants to despair. The society in which these people live define success in terms of wealth, status, possessions. Yee-jae mentions this more than once that everyone has the same goals — a good job at a large company, marriage, children who do well at school, financial security. The reality however is that not everyone can achieve all of this. Nor might they want to. It is in the interest of these corporations with the help of governments to turn men and women into economic units — slaves of a system that tethers them to the economic engines of the nation with no regard for their spiritual, mental, physical well-being that make up the whole person. Big Business is first and foremost about profits. Governments are about control. They don’t see their clientele or electorates as individuals but entities to be exploited managed.
This perspective is given added merit by the fact that when Yee-jae finally realises that the people around him are more important to him than clinging on to wealth that’s not even his, he finally has clarity about the nature of Death’s game. It isn’t punishment per se but revelations/insights into his life that were not available to him previously. These insights serve a dual purpose insofar as they offer him an opportunity to re-evaluate his life and a compelling reason to exist. He didn’t have much by way of material wealth. In the order of things he was a “nobody” but he loved and was loved. His life had value by virtue of the fact that he was born.
In his case Yee-jae’s depression arose from unrealistic, unhealthy social values that just don’t account for individual differences and the unpredictability of life. Working for Taekang isn’t that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but it has become a lie perpetuated in his world to prop up a class based social system that devalues the “losers” based on their monetary value. This is also reiterated in the other highlighted suicide where unlike Yee-jae, the individual makes it at Taekang for a while and lives the South Korean dream only for the bubble to burst in middle age when all his accomplishments and attempts to climb up the corporate ladder are rendered meaningless in a single moment. The problem with material possessions is their transience and lifelong pursuit of them is meaningless. Our ability to cling on to them in life is tenuous at best. And no can take it with them when they die.
At the core of this is the question of what makes us human. Are we just mere bodies to be “filled” by a soul? Are we just a sum of our memories? Like in Neo in The Matrix, Yee-jae is able to “download” abilities ie. access the abilities of his “hosts” and use them for a far greater purpose that transcends the lives of any of these morally dubious men. He is able to co-opt their memories for a greater cause — justice for victims of heinous crimes.
Hence the analogue to It’s A Wonderful Life and to a lesser degree A Christmas Carol. Instead of Clarence the angel or the three Christmas ghosts, Yee-jae’s instructor and messenger is the hard task master Death who brings out the whip and cracks it with unholy glee to keep him on his toes. As with the case in these second chance stories, these men come to realise that material prosperity isn’t everything but the relationships, the people we leave behind when we die are the true legacy of our lives. It’s not punishment at all but compassion to be shown how you’ve been led astray and be given another chance to refashion one’s life not governed by the materialistic impulses of our culture.
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This review may contain spoilers
The game continue...
This drama leave a strong impression in the first part. And for me this drama end it with strong point. With a little dissapointment in the end...After Choi Yi Jae (YJ) learn the thread that connect all of his 'death' he started to plan for revenge & plan everything carefully... With the plan he also unravel the big conspiracy & corruption in the police department & other important government department. Make 'him' quite important for the public.
But the reality hit him hard when he dead once again & Death asked him: "Who is he...?" Yeah... In the end whose people recognize for doing all the stuff is not YJ himself, rather the 'man' he became. And after that everything start to collapse again & make YJ doubtful & once again don't give a sh*t about his life.
YJ only start to really think about everything in the last 2 of his chance. When everything became so interesting to watch.... And in the end he finally understand what Death mean by my death remained behind with those who loved me.
By reading other review I also realize this controversial topic to begin with. With no mean to minimize all people that have depression & think about ending their life. I think this drama deliver important messages for them too... "As i disappeared from this world, my death remained behind with those who loved me"
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Don’t take anything for granted , not even your death
Second part is an emotional ride. Glad I watched this drama. I can’t believe this work is from the same director of “the sound of your heart”.some shots are beautiful but sad at the same time. Every actor did a great job. Oh Jung se did beyond the great acting as he always did before .This is not just a drama but a lesson or a mind changer for all the people who are suffering with depression or having suicidal thoughts. Sometimes we ignore the helping hand or opportunity while indulging in our own depressive thoughts. I’m really thankful to the team for bringing this project to everyone.,as it may save at least one person who watched this. Death really gave us great lesson in this drama. Don’t ever think that death is merely a means of ending the pain. The pain will always passed on to the living..
The last episode really did squeezed my heart though.
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THESE DRAMA NEEDS OSCAR!
The episodes captivate viewers from beginning to end, delivering a riveting narrative filled with numerous plot twists. The storyline intricately weaves through many philosophical situations and moral dilemmas, compelling the audience to engage in profound contemplation. Moreover, the series offers a unique perspective on the afterlife, exploring the consequences of choosing death before it naturally arrives to greet us.However, the narrative tends to adopt a somewhat preachy tone, heavily laden with religious elements. Regrettably, it falls short of addressing the core issue of suicide – the deteriorating mental health of individuals. The storyline neglects a profound exploration of societal challenges that drive people to resort to such drastic measures. Furthermore, it seemingly disregards the protagonist’s internal struggles, focusing solely on the repercussions of his actions on others. Adding to the complexity, what initially set out as a contemplation on life and death quickly transforms into a revenge-driven narrative, significantly veering away from its original thematic essence.
Death's Game Part 2 Review: Entertaining Yet Struggles to Strike the Right Balance Amidst Heavy-Handed Preaching
Nevertheless, the narrative is undeniably captivating, to say the least. It unfolds with a myriad of crucial facets that shed light on unique scenarios, providing us with insights into situations we might have never contemplated before. Beyond its informative elements, the storyline proves to be thoroughly entertaining, drawing viewers into its rich tapestry.
The commendable performances of the cast contribute significantly to its allure, with Kim Ji-hoon standing out prominently. His portrayal is particularly noteworthy, infusing the character with depth and nuance. Equally praiseworthy is Seo In-guk, who consistently embodies his role, immersing himself completely in the narrative and adding layers of authenticity to the overall storytelling experience.
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fascinating !
After the first part, this is my review : It is without any doubt a wonderful series. You are not bored a second, it is always in motion, the casting is great, the plot is original. All this is made with several tough subjects, and they managed to deal with them pretty well.Yi Jae will face several deadly situations (all of them are original), can he change this ?
Obviously some scenes are difficult to watch but this is the price to pay to have the maximum realism.
Seo In Guk is awesome, as expected, but the entire cast is compelling (always a pleasure to see Kim Jae Wook after Alchemy of souls).
Edit : after the end of the series : it is still great ! I wont spoil, but you have so many surprises lol ! The writers play with our nerves it s very nice !
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A Drama that SHAPED my Life :-)
LEARNING has no End !!!At any stage of Life , each and every second , from each and every being , We can learn something .
I am a person who believes in that.
So I always questioned myself -
"What did I learn from this drama ?"
"What did I learn from this situation ?"
"What did I learn from this person ?"
"What did I learn from my Experience ?"
"What did I learn Today ?"
etc. etc.
But never ever,
Not even in my dreams,
Even for once,
Did I question myself -
"What can we learn from DEATH ?"
This DRAMA has taught me that !!!
.....................................................................................
I always heard and believed -
"We get to live only once ! "
Never did I think about -
"We have to DIE only once - was muchhh more of a blessing than living once ."
.....................................................................................
Although this drama talks about DEATH
I'm really really grateful for giving it a watch .
Because it taught me - " THE VALUE OF LIFE !!! "
P.S.- Also , It's hard to Rewatch it , because It's not a drama you can forget easily ;-)
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Good Enough
Korean Drama '' Death's Game '' is a webtoon adaption of an action packed story.The drama has multiple layers, as it goes from a melodrama, to a tragic love story, to a family emotional drama, to a murder mystery, to a fantasy philosophical story. And, as it follows multiple stories, it provides the main plot with many elements that come together in the end.
And even though the start of the story is hectic, the drama settles to its rhythm in the episodes to come, giving the story a nice and original ending and plenty of emotional scenes.
Finally, the performances were all great by everyone in the cast.
So, overall, eight out of ten.
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The message is not helpful... but the acting and the action scenes were exciting.
I really had high expectations about this k-drama, how not to get excited with such a good cast and the performances really met my expectations, but about the story itself I do have some things to say. First of all, I consider that it is obvious that this is not the right k-drama to prevent and give knowledge about such a delicate subject as suicide, if that was one of its objectives it failed to achieve it, because at the end (as well as other kdramas of this style) they show this act as selfish and almost senseless, and that the one who commits it should be punished, which is very ineffective in most of the real cases. Using this resource is a bit risky and delicate, but leaving that aside and from my own point of view, I found the first part quite exciting and intriguing, the chase scenes were probably my favorite, however, in the second part it took a turn, although it was not my favorite, it still managed to capture my attention, unfortunately in its last two chapters it became a little boring and personally failed to move me enough, as it seems it was intended. I don't think it was totally bad, in fact it was okay, but I think some things could have been better executed (I clarify that I didn't read the webtoon, so I don't know how well adapted it was).Was this review helpful to you?
Plot: Season 2 doesn't have the majority of the pacing and goals issues that season one had. In fact, it's so good at setting small stakes that not only do the first two episodes have a separate revenge-style agenda set for the main character but the final episodes also have a clear sense of risk and drive. While the main character is still an unpleasant dumbass, the show is finally more at pace with it and it comes across as an inside joke between the viewers and Death than just a badly written MC. Plus, the emotional connections that season 1 lacked are here galore and it can really get to you by the end of the show. I actually liked this part a lot. I guess the issue was always a pacing problem but I give the writers some credit, it feels like a difficult plot to balance. There was still plenty of melodramatic violence and I want to say some was gratuitous but at least this time it worked with what the plot was trying to achieve.
Acting: I feel like maybe this half also had a stronger cast? They brought the characters alive and sure, we had more time to connect with these characters (thank goodness!) so it was easier to have emotional investment in them but the good acting helped too.
Music and production: Same as season 1
Rewatch value: Hmmm still none.
Negatives: The MC really is an absolute idiot! So it didn't ruin the show this time but he does frustrate a lot. And the jump from episode 4 to 5, there is such a dramatic shift from fighting death to revenge plot that I was a little skeptical at first but it was well-executed so it wasn't so bad. But they sure took their time to make a very simple point!
Overall: This half was actually good. I know it wouldn't be a meaningful show without the first half though. So this is a conflicted review. I can't tell you to watch the first half because I really disliked it and 50% is a lot of a show to tolerate for the longest build-up. But if you're willing to sit through that, this half of the show was very enjoyable so definitely keep watching. I mean, it's not a top ten show of the year or most loved or anything for me but it was watchable.
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Dorama anti-suicídio necessário
A história gira em torno de Yee-jae, que está insatisfeito com sua vida, seja no sentido pessoal quanto profissional. Por conta disso, ele acaba se suicidando, porém a entidade da "morte" o pune, de forma que ele terá que aguentar mortes em 12 corpos diferentes para que ele não vá ao inferno.O dorama trabalha de uma forma muito linda o suicídio (tópico sensível para mim, que me acabei de chorar, principalmente nos episódios 4 e 8) e deixa diversas reflexões para os telespectadores.
A atuação, produção e roteiro simplesmente impecáveis, já estou criando muitas expectativas para o próximo drama da Amazon Prime.
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