Il Gioco della Morte (2023)

UGH

This is like The Emperor's New Clothes. Like why is everyone praising this show? I would love to know what stood out so magnificently from this that everyone is throwing up their guts praising this. This show is probably one of the most pointless drivel I have watched since I started watching Kdramas. The only reason this isn't a 0 out of 10 stars is that: 1) Production was good, 2) The character of Death was okay, and 3) Episode 4 was actually good.

Summary: Dude kills himself. Get punished to die 12 times again. But he's given the chance to try and save himself and live as that body. Then he proceeds to be an idiot 12 times in a row. 12 times is not enough. This dude should just be punished to die over and over for eternity. How is he so stupid and selfish and annoying and-

Plot: The premise is interesting but the execution is so far from good that it makes the premise sound stupid too. There's no proper stake here. You would think eternal damnation vs. a chance to reinvent yourself would be such a simple and driven goal, right? Wrong! Because the main character makes no move to actually save himself. The lives are too short, too so you end up not really connecting with any of these characters. What we learn about them is thrown at us as exposition in little montages. That is just unimpressive. The relationships that could be invested in like the girlfriend and the mother are not there long enough for it to go anywhere. The personalities are disjointed, especially in case of male lead who first comes across as a simple and dejected young man but through out the reincarnations or whatever you call it, he's just a greedy, pathetic, selfish loser who wastes every chance he's given, never tries to guard the precious lives in his hands and instead focuses on power trips he was denied in his first life and money. Why would you root for such a character? A jerk. And the reincarnations aren't better either. With the exception of the the kids and the last one, the others are just nothing characters. Bland. I couldn't care about any plot point because all I was focused on was saving these lives and this dude was into everything but that. That's a dissonance between what drives the character and what you as a viewer want from this show. As a result, it was a dissatisfying watch with very very VERY annoying beats. Plus, most of the show is just focused on nonsensical, sensationalized fight scenes or special affects moments which while impressive as a production fact, didn't really add flesh to this flimsy plot. Episode 4 was slightly better but having watched episode five since then, I know that the show did nothing with what was built in that episode so the potential for any character development was wasted away too. Making even that one good episode feel like a pointless blip.

Acting: This show is stacked with heavy weight actors. What a waste!

Music and production: Music was, I don't know, okay? The production value is very high. But this is a classic case of sacrificing substance for technicalities. The show is made with high technological value but what's the point of all that pomp and ceremony when the plot is nonsense and weak?

Rewatch value: None

Negatives: Everything.

Overall: I don't know, if you liked this, we probably have vastly different taste and could never recommend anything to each other. I hated this. Awful. Horrible.
Edit: You wanna read my part 2 review too...trust me!

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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.

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"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

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Great part 1 - Disappointing part 2

1/ STORY:
ML sees his life as gloomy and because of struggling too much he decides to commit suicide. But Death takes him to the entry of hell and tells him he need to be punished by living 12 other deaths and then go to hell. If he can avoid a death by his choices, he will be able to live that life until the end.

So, it is not reincarnation. It is Soul jumping into bodies of other people and live their life... and their death.

2/ WHAT I LIKED:
- The main thread/plot that links the different characters together. It was well made, especially in the first part.
- The different deaths. Some are really funny.
- The refreshing, original, mysterious, and funny events that happen throughout the story in the first part.
- The demise of the bad guy.

3/WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
- The characterization of the bad guy. I wished he was more cunning and had a bigger purpose. He was mostly a psycho and that undermined the quality of the story.
- The revenge plot that happens too suddenly and is completed even more suddenly with the ML becoming some kind of super agent.
- The ending is in contradiction with its the motto of the drama. If you can only be alive if you are yourself and you should not fear failures but always try, the last soul jumping makes no sense as he decides to live for a reason that does not belong to him. Also, I did not understand why Death gave him a final chance on a lottery.

4/CHARACTERS:
- The stellar cast was excellent in serving this drama and portraying great characters. All the people the ML jumps in are interesting, endearing and convincing.
- FL : I liked her. She was cute but I did not really understand why what happened to her happened to her.

5/OST: I enjoyed it.

6/REWATCH VALUE:
Some good, fun, and emotional moments but the second part disappointed me so probably I won't rewatch.

7/OVERALL:
I was a little frustrated after watching this.The ending and final are unclear to me because if he gets what he gets in the end, how will he deal with the events that will happen? It is not really a proper ending. I would recommend it for the fun but I am still mixed about it. 8/10

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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.

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Completely packed, engaging , and sinks down right into your bones

Guys , this one did have great achievement CAUSE IT GOT MY FIRST REVIEW. Eventhough i havent completed it yet anyone can say it gonna slay even more in the second half. I loved it everything , everyone the only thing i hate is it should have release all 8 episodes, i am gonna enter this new year with anxiety disorder. And just neglect these down voters the rating will surely go up.

Now, onto the story Mannn...the concept is already a banger and the best thing is keeping some of those 12 lives connected. if all those lives are independent it wouldn't be as interesting as this. Now due to this remaining dramas will never be the same again. I want more of these.

and its good that this is taken as a mini series, cause its completely packed without any drag and keeping us hooked.will update it on Jan 5th night but sure the rating will be same just will add some more praises.

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a very good plot wasted towards the end.

First of all, great casting. which is why I had HUGE expectations. tbh everyone did amazing. they did absolute justice to the roles they played. even the supporting roles. the plot started great and it was very satisfying to see how the justice was served episode by episode.

only for all of it to end by returning to square 1. May be they're planning on a season 2 for better development of the story which I hope will be much better with all the answers. it wasn't a bad drama, but due to the large number of plot holes, it cannot be considered a great drama either.

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A bit of a frustrating watch but it has a brilliant concept

So this is sometimes incredibly dumb. Outrageously so.

But it has a brilliant concept.

The biggest problem with this show is that the protagonist is… a fool. In the opening scenes, he loses all his money but it's his fault for investing in such an obvious scam. He loses his apartment because he lost all his money which was his fault. He loses his girlfriend for being literally too dumb to know and/or remember who her brother was after 7 (seven!!) years of dating. Who confuses the brother of their girlfriend with a potential lover after 7 years of relationship?

Only a fool.

Basically, we're meant to root for him because of the bad things happening to him, but he's not a down-on-his-luck guy, he's just an incredibly dense guy. Even when Death tells him how stuff works he catches on later than most would. She literally tells him that he is a dumbfuck. How are we supposed to root for him? Rofl.

Maybe it's just me who has a hard time rooting for idiots.

However, it's still entertaining to watch his progress, and he does have great character development.
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Stunts - 68/100

Narrative - 77/100 | It's a shame because this started out mostly great, like amazing even, the main character notwithstanding. What's most frustrating is that a majority of the glaring issues in this show are easy, minor fixes to the script. But they end up hurting the whole thing quite badly.

Fight Choreography - 68/100 | Decently brutal.

Enjoyment - 68/100 | I can see an alternate reality in which this show is a masterpiece and everybody (including me) would be raving about it. Sadly, it is not, at least to me. Too many lost opportunities. It was always at least mildly interesting though.

The school episode was particularly gripping. Leagues ahead of the others. Loved it, the student actor was amazing.

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Solid drama with great acting: some of the incarnations stole the show !

Death's game is a series about a man who decides to kill himself and is therefore forced to play an horrific game with Death herself (or at least a personnified version of it) as a punishment for insulting her while committing suicide. He will be reincarnated in several individuals facing imminent death circumstances and needs to find a way to survive in order to win the game imposed on him.

The idea of the series as well as the visuals and production value are really great. You are totally immersed in the drama and it is super interesting to follow. The soundtrack is not overly present but I enjoyed a lot the songs ending each of the episodes.

The cast is fabulous. The incarnations are played by good and different actors, each bringing his own touch and nuances to the role with their characters' own unique background. So far, my favorites stories were the ones of the 3rd, 5th and 7th incarnations. And the most traumatic for me was the 6th one...I really was impressed by the way the stories are somewhat interconnecting within each other, making the bigger picture more and more intriguing.

The series is not totally without flaws. I personnally do not like as much the parts that are set in the limbo with the main male lead and Death chatting and bickering. Those parts are critical for the set up of the story, as well as to see the evolution of the main character as he goes through failures...But I think they are missing something to make it as captivating than the incarnations scenes. I would have loved also to be more invested in the romance side of the story but the ending of Part 1 improved on that.

I would recommend this series to people that are looking for a thriller with a fantasy twist. Given the topic, this drama can be very triggering and is super violent. There are some elements I wish would be better developped but it is overall a very solid show which manage in only four episodes to keep you on your toes...It is never easy to review a series at the halfway mark, I hope the second part will successfully manage its landing because Part 1 raised my expectations.

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Not perfect but interesting take on suicide

This is an easy binge that though it is episodic has a decent story as well as character development to make it interesting.

Though I am not really a huge fan of the way they portray hell and parts of the story do kind of bother me... There are also some parts that may be just a little to predictable if I am honest while others actually did surprise me. I am also a bit bothered by peoples screaming and displays of emotion... Not that they are not justified but they can get to be just a little bit to much, lowd screaming and crying are simply not my thing.

The high score goes to how easily bingeagable this is the great performances of the star studded cast, how well woven this is and the fact that I keep wanting to press that next button.

I am also happy I do not have to wait for the second part, that would probably have ruined the experience as it ends on top!

Will it be able too keep the high score in part two or will it be taken over by healing mumbo jumbo... and more talk of hell?

Ill probably let you know sometime tomorrow , as I am off to binge part 2

P.S there are a lot of ways to die... like a lot!

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He wanted a clean death and now he is going to die 12 more times.

What can I say? ?
This is so intense guys!!!
I felt like I died in every episode and the waiting time for the part 2 literally kills me!

I am amazed, it is an incredible drama with so many deep meanings that you can actually take so many things for your own life!
The acting was incredible, all the actors were so damm good and of course Seo Inguk never ceases to amaze me.

Choi Yi Jae is desparate , sad and broken. His suffering will slowly hit you and although he seems very unlikable at first you will see his desparation and raw emotions.
He isnt a typical hero or a villan, he is just human and that makes you empathise with him so much. Because it good be you is his place.

This is intense, devastating, desparate, sad and so gripping that I finished it in half a day and then cried for the rest of the day because the part 2 isnt available yet.

Cant wait! Watch it because you are missing out in life or could I say death? ?

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IT KEEPS YOU ON THE EDGE

I was not sure whether I wanted to watch this one or not but I tried the 1st ep and boom it got me exciting and craving for the new ep. if you're in the mid of the ep you'll surely relate to this. I don't usually watch crime, thriller drama but if felt like squid game 2.o

it's fun watching the ML getting a glimpse of diff lives & how he make efforts to surpass all obstacles no matter what. it's like a video game where you have 12 lives & on top of that you don't even get to choose the kind of character you'll be getting into.

i totally loved the concept.

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