Death's Game Part 2

The sum of our parts.

Death's Game is an interesting narrative on being left alone in the world, including the worlds we make for ourselves, whether purposefully or through a vast turn of events that stack up one after the other.

I had a lot of complicated feelings finishing the second part of this series.

It all started with Choi Yee Jae and his difficulties in life - a death on a day that he was supposed to be opening up a world of opportunities, isolation, struggling through jobs, being looked down on, and alienation. After a clinching decision, we then follow him on a journey of others who feel the same, and how he comes to terms with what he thought was true.

Something I really liked about Death's Game was that it really showed how being depressed made one forget all the good moments that led up to the darkness. How difficult it is to realize that the people around you are precious and don't find you a burden, and how, in those darkest moments, all you have left is yourself in a pit of despair that you were given with no choice in the matter.

The acting, build-up, cinematography, and overall storyline was amazing. I enjoyed it down to its grisly, bare bones. The star studded cast didn't disappoint, and they pulled out all the stops to it, which resulted in an absolute masterpiece of a drama.

So here's the clinching reason why I had complicated feelings towards this, and why I'm unlikely to come back to this despite how well it's pulled off. The subject of death, despair, depression, and understanding of love is prominent here, and I was absolutely enthralled by the relationships and portrayal of them. But since the series starts out addressing suicide, and then how it continues to tackle it in a rather outside looking in way, I'm not sure I was a fan of the message it subtly gave. If you watch this and deal with depression or have those near you that struggle with suicidal thoughts, I would go in prepared with several tablespoons of salt.

Other than this though, it was an enjoyable series, and even when I was annoyed, I was never bored of the storyline. It progresses quickly, nails all the underlying plot points, joins together beautifully, and really gives you some insight into those that deal with depression. All in all, I would say give it a go and form your own impression of it, but do so knowing this series is not in any way a light watch.

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The Guests Were More Interesting Than The Mains

First off, I did not hate this drama. There is a lot to like and I found parts of the drama thoroughly entertaining. However, I kept bumping into some major problems as it went along. The main issues were… the mains; the main plot, the main characters, the main actors, and the main message.

But let me start with the things I liked. The production value is STELLAR. Every "life" felt like a different drama that was often so cinematic that each felt like their own movie. The cinematography is exquisite and creative, each life with its own vibe and theme. Some of the action sequences were incredibly exhilarating and got the blood pumping. Each incarnation and the side characters in the different lives were unique and believable. Not to mention the crazy A+ gallery of guest lead actors!

So this leads to my issues with the mains. The subplots were more compelling than the main plot. The incarnations were more deserving of life than the main character. The ML is a whiny brat. Death is boring and does very little. We would often have to cut away from some incredible story arch, only for it to end abruptly and be met with the constipated sad sac face of Choi Ye Jae and the bland and petty Death standing in an empty black room. "NOOOO!" I thought, "Go back! That was way more interesting!"

Also, I think it has to be said... Seo In Guk seems limited as an actor. Choi Si Won, Sung Hoon, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, and pretty much every incarnation were acting circles around him. To the point where I had trouble believing these people were the same character. After each death, we see the same forced expression from Seo In Guk, with little to no growth of his character throughout the entire drama. Shouldn't you show some change after living and dying in each life? I don't mean to be mean, It's just my natural reaction while watching the drama. I have seen him in other dramas where he had shown himself to be a capable actor who can bring a certain charm and suaveness to a role. But I can't help but think he was horribly miscast as some studious, impoverished underdog. As for Park So Dam, she is a legendary actress, one of the industry's best. I can not for the life of me understand why she chose this role. The role itself is so limiting and lacks any depth or dynamic. 99% of her role is standing in a dark room talking blandly at Seo In Guk. A complete waste of Park So Dam.

Which leads me to the main message. I have to agree with a lot of the other reviews. The message of suicide being portrayed so shallowly and haphazardly and blaming the victim is not only overly simplistic and problematic but also dangerous for anyone struggling with such real issues. Perhaps something was lost from the webtoon source material but the message spoiled an otherwise great premise.

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Had a lot of potential but ultimately a letdown

The drama started off strong, though I wasn’t a fan of the underlying message about suicide. The idea that “you committed suicide when life wasn’t that hard” didn’t sit well with me. Still, part one was a banger, and I found myself hooked, especially as Yijae’s character evolved. I loved watching him become more radicalized with each tribulation he faced, as his growing anger and resolve felt authentic and gripping. One of my favorite arcs was when he reconnected with Jisu. The two lifetimes that followed, where he took revenge, were satisfying and really added depth to the story. There was a real intensity in how he pursued revenge.
Even though I loved the progression, I couldn’t shake the sadness from Jisu’s death. It was a heavy blow, and while I understood it was important for Yijae’s growth, it still left me feeling heartbroken. Despite this, I enjoyed almost every one of Yijae’s reincarnations, except maybe the last one. In that final life, I had really hoped that his mother would be able to live her own life, free from the burden of struggles. Instead, Yijae ended up living through her, which left me conflicted. It felt like she never got the chance to live for herself

Another issue that started creeping in for me was about the original hosts of the bodies Yijae was taking over. At first, I was caught up in Yijae’s tribulation and didn’t think much about it. But as the story progressed, I began to feel sad for these people, especially since they just disappeared without ever knowing how their lives would have ended. They were used as vessels for Yijae’s journey, but we never really got to see any closure for them (other than the psychopath i wish all of them had a closure). The fact that their lives were erased so abruptly started to bother me as the plot moved forward.

By the end, Yijae being given a second chance at life felt like it canceled out everything he had done in other people’s bodies. It made all his previous actions seem futile, and I started to question the point of his journey. Death’s warning that Jisu would die regardless made me feel even more uneasy, as it implied that Yijae didn’t have much time left with her, which added a bittersweet tone to the ending.

Lastly, the fact that there were two psychopaths still on the loose by the end of the story left me feeling unsatisfied. It was hard to grasp how all of Yijae’s efforts could be undone so easily, and it left me wondering what the real message of the drama was. While I enjoyed many aspects of the show, the ending left me feeling frustrated and confused, as if everything Yijae had fought for ultimately didn’t matter.

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Great adaptation of the webtoon

Wow. Daebak. I don't know what words could I use to describe my appreciation. The drama's cinematography was top notch. I especially loved the landscape shot after the 12th death. Based on the locations they chose and the actors that were in it, you can tell that the budget for this must be huge.

I have read the webtoon but the drama made it so much better. The connection of the reincarnations to one person and the incident that started it all created an impact that the webtoon somehow lacked. The last reincarnation was expected but that twist for the second to the last (11th) reincarnation wasn't.

Oh Jung Se as the detective was definitely the one that shined the most for me in this 2nd part of the drama but the other actors did so great as well. Kim Jihoon was so convincing that I don't think I want to be close to him no matter how handsome he is, though to be honest I have felt this way about him since I've seen 'Flower of Evil'. The resolution of his arc might be unrealistic but was satisfying.

As an adaptation, this was truly great but it stayed on the limits of the webtoon. Like the original IP, it ended up just moralizing on the effect of suicide, somehow blaming those that killed themselves but did not delve into the how we can address the issues of mental health. But still, this is a show that I can definitely recommend.

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DO NOT JUDGE ME BUT...

While most people live with the hope that tomorrow may be better, we still have chance. I always lived with the hope that i have the power to kill myself and end it all! If life gets unbearable than I can just give up on this material body.
But this drama portrayed the afterlife so badly! I understand the message they wanted to deliver was to prevent people from doing so, but guilt tripping suicidal people doesn't seem to be a good way.

As for me, I liked the entertainment part of it. Every part of it was so gripping! An unique plot is all we need!

Though I know this is not how afterlife works, still somehow, I feel even more hopeless and I'm sure it's not just me, more people are out there who feels like I do!

I liked how they portrayed the "Solipsism" theory. Lastly, I'd say it's worth watching.

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Sometimes Fates can be way worse than Death.

The show and the cast did total justice to the webtoon. Each and every character was played so well you do end up feeling all the emotions they wanted us to feel, from sympathy to hatred. The show sheds light on many dark topics that exist in our society and shows the monstrous side of humans.

Park So Dam's comeback as the entity "Death" was a damn killer. She nailed it with her gothic vibe, cold and mysterious swag.

There were moments where it felt that the emotional development could have been done more like in the case of police inspector and the little girl one but otherwise there were moments which brought tears to my eyes like Yi Jae realizing the pain he ended up giving his mom by killing himself and then living as her watching all the pain and suffering she went through before and after he was born was so hard hitting.

Damn I felt so satisfied with the fate of KimJi Hoon, dude was evil to the core and deserved fate worse than death which he got. Live the rest of his life rotting and wishing for death. KJH really knows how to pull psychopaths off and make everyone hate his characters.

I hoped for a more concluding ending rather than just a 5 sec clip. After all the pain, trauma and self realization he went through I really wanted to see the ending being a happy moment of reunion between him and his mother or Ji Soo.

Overall the show had a stellar star cast and an engaging story which will keep you on the edge. Hell of a start for 2024 with this show.

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OMG THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK ABT

I literally just finished this and all I got to say is wow. This series was something else.
From the first start when I saw the cast I screamed and automatically knew that this series was going to be lit but this lit? Just like we can just start of the acting with THE CAST. Just OMFG THE CAST IS THE CAST. Every EVERY character was on point and was on fire along with the story. Just like Lee Jae Wooks character matched him so well and ofc he killed it but like he killed it SO MUCH. Also Lee Do hyun KILLED IT HIS CHARACTER FITTED HIM SO DAMN WELL! And literally every other. Having Seo in guk as main was a GREAT PLOT HE ABSOLUTELY KILLED THIS SERIES. A clear 10/10 on the acting and cast.

Not even starting at the story cause omg. The story and plot is just so good. Something rare AND I LOVE IT. I can’t describe how much I love them for this story cause it was so good. NOT A SINGLE BORING EPISODE, and I’m also someone how skips like a little here and there but on this I DID NOT SKIP ANYTHING CAUSE OH MY. MY EYES WERE GLUED IN TO THIS.

The ending was just good. Like not bad not kinda opened but I don’t know what I was expecting so I’m happy about it.

I really recommend this series like don’t hesitate if ur trying to choose if ur going to watch it cause ur not going to regret it AT ALL. A clear 10/10 for me l. Want more series like this !

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Don't take life for granted.

I never thought this drama would have me rethinking a lot of stuff in my life. The drama overall was really great. With a great plot and a great cast, a drama can succeed. What started as selfishness ended up being awareness.

With almost all of the lives connecting to Taewoo, I liked the way it ended with him. With all of the lives he cost, he got what he deserved.

Yijae's mom, Jisoo, Hyuksoo, and the baby's deaths made me cry so much. Those kids and Jisoo weren't connected to Taewoo in any way but still died in the hands of absolute psychos, and those deaths hurt the most, especially the kids. I'm glad Yijae's last life was through his mom. He needed that wake-up call because what he did really hurt his mom. She lived her life for him, and in a way, he did the same in return. With that, I'm glad he realized his mistake and got his second chance.

While looking through the lives of others and walking in their shoes can be exciting, it doesn't mean they're your size. Walking in other people's shoes can only be uncomfortable because they're not your shoes to walk in. There is only one of you. Only you can truly be you. That's what this drama has been trying to tell us this whole time.

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You've Got to Watch This Drama!!

Wow! Wow!

I cried a bucket of tears after finishing the last episode and I still feel the reminiscence of this drama lingering even after. I loved season 1 and how it was about death and the games it played with Yi Jae. It felt like a game then and then you come into this season and you realize it was never a game for death, it was never meant to be one as I thought, but rather it was about making Yi Jae realize the worst sin he had committed. Not taking his own life, but the pain he put his loved ones, the ones left behind even after he is gone.

I wasn't expecting the last life to be his Mom. I wondered if death would give his Mom's life as the last one but then thought it would be too cruel. And then when it happened I was just flabbergasted, because yes, it was definitely the most cruel and scariest punishment he could've gotten. To feel the pain his loved one's felt by his actions. And it brought him down to his feet as he should've been. He took his own life thinking it would put all the pain to an end without a thought about what will happen to his partner or his mother. He was selfish and even after dying countless times he still didn't understand what did he do so wrong or why what he did was a selfish act. It was a humbling moment to be put in his loved ones pain and live their life feeling those pain till their end. And while in other soul's he found death easily, death never sought him while he lived as his mother. It took its sweet time, making him live it over and over again.

This drama handles a very sensitive and triggering topic. One that can't be made fun of or taken lightly and I was scared that this would make it look too insignificant. So, I loved it when this drama showed the graveness of suicide and what happens when you choose an easy way out. What happens to the ones left behind. That it is the most sinful act you could do to them, not to yourself but to the loved ones.

Lastly, the rest of the supporting cast in this drama is A++++. It's insane how the casting director casted these characters so aptly and I was just impressed with the whole cast and how I loved each character. Though I knew death was around the corner for each and every single one of them, the story telling made me want to just let them live. Let them not have this unfair ending.

I would definitely recommend this drama to every drama lover out there. I don't think I would rewatch this since it's a painful topic and it was triggering here and there, I am glad I did watch it once.

Truly an amazing story with an amazing stellar cast!

Rating: 9.5/10

P.S. I wish the director would make a variety show with all the casts in this drama so the ache would go away a bit!

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There is only one you in the world

Part one was near perfection, and this was a masterpiece.

I'm still reeling from what I witnessed because what began as a revenge plot turned into one of the most poignant retrospect about life.

It's all too complicated to explain the experiences and emotions that Yi Jae is put through his 12 reincarnations, the pain of leaving his loved ones behind, losing someone he loves, living not knowing who he is, and living as if he isn't really living. It isn't until he finally experiences the memories and feelings of the 12 people in full does he truly start living.

Once again, the cast just, wow. I have no other words to describe how amazing this cast was. The guest stars, it is incredible how each of them portrayed their own characters, in addition to portraying their character as Yi Jae. Seo In Guk and Park Seo Dam get an extra round of applause, they played off each other so well, and boy can Seo In Guk act! Admittedly, these four episodes were much more emotional than the previous ones and he brought his A game.

This was a genuinely incredible drama, it is difficult to deal with this many genres and still provide a flawless production in just 8 episodes. However the interpretation, whatever it was that caught your attention, this is an enjoyable ride, through and through.

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