Il Gioco della Morte (2023)

Darker, Edgier and Twistier than your Average KDrama!

First things first, these 4 eps are not the entire show and the last concluding part will come early next year which will finish the story. We should keep our expectations in check knowing fully that this is only half of the show and MY GOD ITS SHOCKING! to say the least.

The last time I experienced something like this was when I watched "Extracurricular" (2020) on Netflix which was as darker and grittier as this show apart from some dark humour. This show although having the trope of dying again and again and realizing the meaning of life and death which has been explored excruciatingly a large number of times in Western media but still seems like a fresh premise in the currently cliched webtoon KDrama adaptation market we have been getting lately.

The story has vibes of famous Final Destination movies and will keep you on the edge as to how the heck our protagonist is going to kiss death each time in either a shocking or a dark way. For the second half of the story, the stage is set for even more dramatic storytelling which I can't wait for anymore.

Coming to the action (which has been choreographed like big budget high-octane thriller movie) and production scale of this drama, you can very well see that it's a big project having several A-Listers in small and supporting roles. Seo In Guk as the main character is impressive in emotional scenes and on the other hand though briefly but Park So Dam looks perfect as the personification of "Death" itself. Go Youn Jung looks stunningly beautiful as always but the scene-stealer performance was given by my one and only current favourite actor Lee Do Hyun. This guy can do nothing wrong nailing every character in every drama ever! (Note: I could be a little biased for him so please my apologies for overhyping in advance!)

The twists and turns of the story in which there is a subtle connection between each reincarnation make it very fascinating and unique! Although, short the 4 eps of the show have captivated my mind like no other KDrama this year and eagerly waiting for the remaining part next year.

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An impressive cast but disgusting message

I don't usually write reviews but this was seriously shocking. I was really excited to watch this after seeing the cast lineup. I've watched a lot of K-Dramas about death and the grim reaper (it's a pretty popular trope) and overall like dark media. However, I'm extremely disappointed after having started the show. As mentioned in the show, South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. The series starts off strong, acknowledging the issues of finding a job in Seoul and the lack of support for those unemployed. The main character suffers for 7 years after working multiple part time jobs, witnessing the death of a man, failing multiple interviews, losing the love of his life, being scammed out of his money and kicked out of his home, he ends up with nothing and no one. This leads him to commit suicide. Instead of giving this topic the sensitivity and maturity that it needs, the writers blew it all by shoving religious ideology into the show. They go on and on about how suicide is a sin and how he deserves to go to hell for just that even though the main character lived an honest life and was a victim. The main character keeps asking what he's done to deserve to be tortured for eternity and Death just keeps telling him it's because he committed suicide. There was no reason for them to dick-ride abrahamic religions with this appalling message. Instead of teaching empathy towards those lost to suicide, they're promoting complete apathy and hostility. There are plenty of great kdramas who have handled this topic tastefully unlike this one. Don't waste your time getting force fed religious propaganda in what's supposed to be a show for the general public.

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The Intricate Tapestry of Life and Death in 'Death’s Game

"Death’s Game" unfolds as a tapestry of intricate lives and destinies, drawing audiences into a captivating narrative propelled by a stellar cast and a plot rich with complexity and depth. The story commences with Choi Yee-Jae, a character whose life, marked by seven years of unemployment, takes a dark turn as he contemplates ending his own existence. Little does he know that this decision will propel him into a realm of new possibilities and challenges beyond the threshold of death.

The initial episodes of the series meticulously delve into Yee-Jae's life, chronicling the adversities that lead him to the edge of despair. From failed job interviews to financial scams resulting in bankruptcy, a heartbreaking breakup, and eviction due to unpaid rent, the sequence of misfortunes becomes the catalyst for his tragic decision to leap from a building.

The ensemble cast is a highlight of "Death’s Game," each character contributing to the complexity of the narrative. One such character is Park Jin-Tae, the 33-year-old second son of the Taekang Group’s owner. His victory in a fierce competition against his brother positions him as the representative of the group in the afterlife. The intriguing concept of Yee-Jae’s "death game" emerges, aligning with the idea of a parallel timeline where the original person is long gone, and Yee-Jae, upon 'respawning,' strives to evade his own death. This brings forth the stark reality that his first life is marked by his demise.

The series takes an adrenaline-filled turn with Song Jae-Seob, a 38-year-old extreme sports enthusiast holding four Guinness World Records. Yee-Jae's entry into Jae-Seob's life during a mid-air respawn introduces a daring challenge—a no-parachute skydive with the tantalizing reward of 3 billion won from a sponsor. However, the pursuit of riches leads to Yee-Jae's fatal crash. The intricate twist lies in the realization that, despite inheriting the person’s memories and abilities, Yee-Jae fearlessly dives into danger, sealing his fate in the second life.

Kwon Hyeok-Su, a 17-year-old student facing relentless bullying, becomes the vessel for Yee-Jae's consciousness in the third life. The struggle against tormentors takes a tragic turn, leaving Yee-Jae beaten and ultimately killed with a brick. The cyclical nature of Yee-Jae's deaths unfolds, each life revealing the complexities and challenges of the characters he inhabits.

Lee Ju-Hun, a 35-year-old fixer involved in shady dealings, enters the narrative as Yee-Jae’s journey continues. His theft of 10 billion won for a woman sets off a chain of events that lead to a relentless pursuit by his boss’s men. Yee-Jae's successful escape, characteristic of a Korean hitman, ends abruptly as he is killed by the woman upon revealing the money's location. The series masterfully weaves the threads of Yee-Jae's successive lives, each marked by unique challenges and resolutions.

Jo Tae-Sang, a 21-year-old aspiring fighter, steps into Yee-Jae's shoes in the fifth life. Taking the blame for a hit-and-run in exchange for 200 million won lands him in jail, where he confronts Lee Jin-Sang, the killer of Kwon Hyeok-Su from the third life. Yee-Jae's quest for justice takes a tragic turn as he is stabbed by the hit-and-run victim’s father and killed by a fellow inmate over the money. The intricate dance of fate and consequence unfolds, shaping the narrative with each successive life.

The introduction of Jang Seung-Jo, a 24-year-old model with ambiguous aspirations, adds a layer of complexity to the storyline. His involvement in retrieving money from a subway station connects him with Park Tae-Woo, the Taekang Group’s representative. Yee-Jae's vague recognition of Tae-Woo sets the stage for a series of events that intertwine the lives of these characters.

The narrative takes an emotional turn as Yee-Jae, working at a café in his next life, encounters his ex-girlfriend Lee Ji-Su. The revelation that the money she gave him was from a novel prize and the man driving her home was her brother leads to a poignant reflection on Yee-Jae's ignorance and insecurities. As he shares his death experiences with Ji-Su, a tragic incident unfolds when Park Tae-Woo, once again drunk driving, collides with them. Ji-Su meets instant death, while Yee-Jae succumbs to Tae-Woo's actions. The seventh life ends in tragedy, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Yee-Jae's motivations and the intricacies of the interconnected lives.

The narrative takes a deliberate turn as Park Tae-Woo, through cleverly linked deaths, emerges as a pivotal character. His role in hiring killers for Jin-Tae, paying for Tae-Sang’s hit-and-run cover-up, and perpetuating deaths through drunk driving becomes a central plot device. Yee-Jae's resolve to avenge Ji-Su gains momentum, propelling the storyline into a web of vengeance, morality, and interconnected destinies.

The revelation that Yee-Jae's suicide from the building inadvertently caused another person's death raises questions about the morality of his actions. The crushed victim, alongside a doll that hints at a pregnant woman, adds a layer of complexity to Yee-Jae's punishment—experiencing various deaths linked to these events, particularly involving Park Tae-Woo. Ji-Su's death becomes Yee-Jae's sole remaining reason to live, fueling his determination to avenge her at any cost.

The introduction of Zheng Jue Zhe, a 33-year-old artist with a unique talent, introduces a darker aspect to the narrative. Witnessing a horrifying scene, Zheng channels his inspiration into a painting hailed internationally for its portrayal of human cruelty. Yee-Jae's intention to use Zheng's body for revenge against Park Tae-Woo sets the stage for a calculated confrontation. Knocking Tae-Woo unconscious and taking him home, Yee-Jae's plans take an unexpected turn as Zheng falls into a coma due to a brain tumor.

The tables turn as Zheng wakes up tied to a surgical table by Park Tae-Woo. Yee-Jae's plans to dismember Tae-Woo end in a painful death for Zheng, marking the eighth life. However, Zheng's death is revealed as a calculated sacrifice, with the artist recording the entire murder process in anticipation of his demise at Tae-Woo's hands. The abrupt end of Kim Jae-Wook’s role, killed by Park Tae-Woo in one episode, unravels the intricacies of Yee-Jae's connection to Tae-Woo's actions throughout multiple lifetimes.

Ahn Ji-Hyeong, a 42-year-old detective with aspirations to follow in his father's brave footsteps, emerges as a key player in the unfolding drama. His mother's illness, stemming from the fear that he might share his father's fate, adds a layer of complexity to his character. Ji-Hyeong's internal struggle, compounded by the disdain from colleagues for prioritizing his safety, transforms him into a disheartened detective.

The loss of Ji-Hyeong's mother becomes a turning point, with cold stares from colleagues exacerbating his disheartenment. The acceptance of his changed character, shaped

not by intentions but actions, sets the stage for Ji-Hyeong's unexpected role in resolving the intricate web of interconnected lives. His journey becomes pivotal as he goes to Zheng Jue Zhe’s house, retrieves video evidence, and attempts to expose Park Tae-Woo's crimes.

Tae-Woo's cunning manipulation, turning to the police and claiming he was kidnapped while fighting Zheng, adds layers of suspense and complexity to the narrative. Ahn Ji-Hyeong's calculated moves, utilizing memories from many lives, introduces a thrilling dimension as he plants a bomb on a plane, pilots it with Tae-Woo aboard, and parachutes before Tae-Woo awakens. The intricate dance of revenge unfolds as Ahn waits on the ground, intending to run Tae-Woo over with a car.

Yee-Jae's initial plan to kill Tae-Woo takes an unexpected turn as he recalls Ji-Su's words while seeing a pen on the ground. The narrative takes a poignant twist as Ahn, in a final confrontation with Tae-Woo, witnesses a gust of wind causing Tae-Woo, entangled in a parachute, to collide with a speeding truck. Tae-Woo's saga concludes with severe injuries, rendering him a vegetative patient.

Ahn's visit to the lawyer in prison, eating the memory card in front of him, seals Tae-Woo's fate, dashing any hopes of exoneration. Ahn's heroic demise in a confrontation with a criminal marks the end of the ninth life, adding layers of depth to the exploration of justice, revenge, and the consequences of one's actions.

The narrative takes a poignant turn as Yee-Jae, reincarnated as a homeless person, attends Ahn Ji-Hyeong’s funeral. An encounter with the junior he saved on the stairs turns bitter as the junior questions Yee-Jae's identity and right to speak. The profound realization dawns on Yee-Jae as he contemplates the truth in the Death God’s words—living as someone else, regardless of the duration, is ultimately meaningless.

The homeless man's memories flood into Yee-Jae's consciousness, prompting him to run down the stairs and fall to his death. The tenth life concludes with a tragic yet contemplative note, emphasizing the transient and fragile nature of borrowed identities.

Reincarnated once more, Yee-Jae returns to the origin of everything, inhabiting the body of the person hit by Park Tae-Woo, affecting his initial interview. However, Yee-Jae's surrender or reluctance to change becomes evident as he is struck by Tae-Woo at the same time and place, startling his past self en route to the interview. The eleventh life ends in a poignant reflection on the potential for change and the inevitability of certain outcomes.

In the final reincarnation, Yee-Jae faces his greatest test—reincarnating as his own mother. This transformation allows him to understand her struggles, her bravery, and the sacrifices she made in raising him. Climbing a mountain with her memories, Yee-Jae faces a perilous fall off a cliff. In other lives, he might have given up the will to live, but in his mother’s body, he strives to survive. The narrative takes a poignant turn as Yee-Jae wakes up in a hospital, having grasped life’s profound lesson.

The twelfth life unfolds as Yee-Jae tenderly cares for his mother’s body until her natural death, 32 years later. This life becomes a culmination of the lessons learned, a testament to the transformative power of empathy and understanding. The exploration of life, identity, and the intricate interplay of choices reaches its zenith in this final reincarnation.

Returning to the Death God, Yee-Jae kneels and pleads for another chance to live in his own body. The Death God, acknowledging Yee-Jae’s victory over her, grants him a last chance with a bullet in a revolver. Yee-Jae pulls the trigger and finds himself back before his suicide attempt. The story concludes on a profound note as Yee-Jae takes the call from his mother instead of jumping, symbolizing a rebirth and a newfound appreciation for life.

In conclusion, "Death’s Game" stands as a masterpiece of storytelling, intricately weaving together diverse characters, complex plotlines, and profound themes. The series explores the fragility of life, the consequences of choices, and the transformative power of empathy. Choi Yee-Jae's journey through multiple lives, each intricately connected to the actions of Park Tae-Woo, offers a riveting exploration of morality, justice, and the pursuit of meaning. The narrative's depth, emotional resonance, and thought-provoking twists make "Death’s Game" a timeless and compelling work of fiction that lingers in the minds of its audience long after the final credits roll.

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Original and Thought-provoking

When I got to see the title and poster, my idea for the plot was totally different, I was completely surprised by the originality of this drama. I will not give out any spoilers, but you should know that you will get stuck to your seat and won't be able to stop watching (I personally binge-watched everything in some hours) , as the unpredictable scenarios created by The Death are really, really creative and original, and you will start to question and trying to figure out alongside the protagonist a way for him to survive. The clever phrases and reflexions are also phenomenal! I didn't think the end of Ep. 4 was very logical, though it could be explained in the 2nd Part, to which I'd say I'm quite looking forward to watching.

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A little gift from Santa fr

So many good shows have been coming out this month, especially this one. I had such high expectations coming into this to the point that I was worried it wouldn’t reach my expectations, but goodness golly gee I think this show far exceeded my already sky-high expectations fr

The writing for this show so far is so captivatingly written, and it has an interesting blend to it. It’s meaningful, suspenseful, and actually quite humorous. Speaking of the humor, if you’re interested in stories with some dark comedy in it, this would be a great show for you. The writing for the characters is phenomenal as well; each character is very memorable, and I love how each of lives that the protagonist enters serves an important purpose to the plot, despite a quarter of those lives being extremely short-lived (im talking especially about the ceo and the skydiver guy lmao).

The acting was great, I mean you can’t expect anything less from the avengers type cast this show has (I swear every reel I see talking about this show is of the user thirsting over the cast lmao). The cinematography is amazing as well; the shots are creative and the coloring is just right.

Anyways pookies I’m really bad at writing reviews but the point is this show is rlly good and you guys should like watch it frfr (especially for the cast)

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A MUST WATCH SERIES FOR THE NEW YEAR

Great cast and satisfying plot. As someone in her mid 20s and had to face challenges in adulthood, this series truly a reflective experience for me.

One of the best things about this series is the way all the actors able to remained consistent in portraying the character. You can still see choi yee jae in all of them.

The character build up from ep 1-4 to ep 5-8 is amazing too. In the first 1-4 you can see the protagonist making reckless impulsive decisions, just like how we first started in the early round of playing a new unfamiliar game. Then, in later ep, he started to get the hang of it and used up all of the advantages that he had. Very satisfying plot.

Seo in guk deserves award for his acting✨ and Kim mi kyung (yee jae’s mom) was also great, theres not a scene of her where I didnt cry. I love Goo youn jung”s acting too, it was short but she was able to deliver the right emotions, especially her facial expressions as death.

Although I have to say the ending kinda give me mix feelings since I have watched all of the things that had happened but then again it was such a nice closure and I am very much satisfied with it.

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Unpredictable Thrills in 'Death's Game' - A Perfect 10/10

"Death's Game," available on Amazon Prime, is nothing short of a revelation, earning a well-deserved 10/10 rating. With an ensemble cast that truly shines, this gripping series keeps you engrossed from beginning to end. What sets it apart is its ability to consistently surprise and astonish viewers with its unpredictable twists and turns. Each episode leaves you on the edge of your seat, craving more, as you become deeply invested in the intricate storyline and the fates of the characters.

This drama is an absolute must-watch for those seeking an electrifying and suspenseful experience. "Death's Game" not only defies predictability but also keeps you talking about it long after the credits roll. It's a testament to the quality of storytelling and the power of a well-crafted plot that can leave you both shocked and craving more. Don't miss out on this captivating drama that sets a new standard for the genre.

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Heartfelt, Meaningful, and Brutal— Featuring Some of The Most Insane Crossovers In Drama History

"Death‘s Game" is one of those shows you inadvertently stumble on, get hooked on the first episode, and end up devouring the entire plate in one sitting; greedily overwhelming your tastebuds with all those flavors all at once.

It’s also one of those really good shows that emerge once every six years or so and leaves you feeling like an entire different person after, like you’ve just lived a once-in-a-lifetime experience solely just by watching it. Everything from the casting, cinematography, storyline, and overall production, are brilliant. Not only did the drama do an excellent job at making a strong impression right at the get-go, it also manages to maintain your attention throughout the drama through its atmospheric setting.

Don’t underestimate those 8 episodes, as you’re going to experience a roller coaster of emotions for each one of them. At times, you’re going to feel like you’re watching a melodrama; at other times, you feel like you’re watching a gripping tale about revenge, or even a psychopathic thriller. I find that the most suitable word to describe the overall plot is by using the term "mixing-pot." now, throwing in a plethora of ingredients (in this case, genre’s) may sound like a call for disaster. However, it can also produce an extraordinary concoction— one that allows the taster to experience flavors of sweetness, bitterness, disgust, revolt, and numbness, and Death’s Game is just that!

Since I haven’t read the original work, I don’t have much of a day in regards to how faithful the adaptation was to its source material. However, Death’s Game was an incredible watch nonetheless. Cinematography, soundtrack, acting, and overall production were brilliant. No complaints there. Plot-wise, it has an original and unique premise, solid pacing, and manages to captivate the audiences attention throughout with its excellent plot execution. Just when you’re a sobbing mess, the plot hits you with some thrilling scenes that’ll leave you with your butt clinched. Sure, there might’ve been a few plot holes and worldbuilding could’ve been focused on a bit more (SPOILER: reincarnation is a difficult genre to tackle. In this case, more clarification was needed to explain where the original hosts souls go after it gets occupied by our main character’s). In addition, the ending didn’t really make any contextual sense and completely disregarded the drama’s worldbuilding. However, I can overlook the first two for the most part because the experience of watching it alone was so mind-blowing and completely destroyed me.

Not to mention, this drama features some of the most ICONIC and UNEXPECTED crossovers in ALL of kdrama history. If you’re a seasoned k-drama veteran like me, you’re going to have a lot of moments where you’re like: "Ariana, what are you doing here?" since you’re going to be seeing characters like (SPOILER) Baek Hee-Seong encountering Mo Tae-Gu and find yourself stumbling for a bit.

All in all, among the 2023-2024 drama lineup, Death’s Game definitely takes the spot for the most memorable, and will remain one of the most highly-regarded masterpieces in (possibly) all off k-drama history.

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JUST GO AND WATCH IT ALREADY!!!!!

Deaths game was a thrilling drama about a man who commits suicide and so death punishes him by making him live twelve more different lives and dying in each one of them.

But this drama was more than a fantasy about reincarnation..it was a thrilling and exciting yet emotional journey filled with lots of heartwrenching and heart warming moments.

The cast was the reason why I anticipated this drama and I don't regret doing so because they all devoured in their specific characters...the characterisation was spot on and even those with the least screen time managed to live an impact regardless...

The acting was insane the rage each one of the characters had was an absolute delight and it was a strong factor that added to the beauty of the series.

The story was exciting intense but emotional and also a bit funny ( but not so funny) it was mostly an emotional roller coaster but I loved the dialogue and the life lessons the drama was trying to put across.

What more have I not said, I highly recommend this if you are looking for a short yet satisfying drama to watch!!!

You should go in with a box of tissues though because you'll need it other than that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED EVERY BIT OF THIS DRAMA.

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Episode 4 is the best

اول حلقة كانت شوي مملة بي الباقي وااااو و خاصة الرابعة

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

ضيوف الحلقات كلهم تمثيلهم خيالييييييييي

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

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