Kakegurui: O Filme (2019)

Note: This film is (I guess) the finale to the series, so go watch that before you see this! It’s a good way to gauge if you’ll be interested in this one as they're tonally consistent. My words, in this case, can act as both a review for the series and the film.

At its core, Kakegurui is an over the top satire of modern capitalism. Amidst a backdrop of reckless gambling, it develops its narrative of class warfare—from humble beginnings in strategic maneuvering (characters must, literally, “play the game” to survive) to full-on proletarian revolution. By setting itself in school, the narrative plays out in a microcosm of the real world, allowing its characters to engross in messy politics while also reminding us that—no matter how twisted things are on the surface—it all means something else entirely.

Corruption. Power. Dominance and submission. The elite versus the poor. These are the contexts Kakegurui is interested in dissecting. In many ways, what this adaptation most reminds me of is pink eiga—violent and sexual, but also highly political. Although there is nothing approaching the gratuitous violence and sex of the genre’s most notorious, it plays with similar themes and pushes the envelope when it can. (And if anyone tries to tell me otherwise, I’ll be sure to point out the pet play.) A lot of people will be turned off by the pseudo-sexual content, but by allowing itself some focus on the intersection of sex and politics, the film's themes are given unexpected layers.

Now, some other things: when I say Kakegurui is over the top, I do mean it’s over the top. All the actors here are giving some of the hammiest performances they will likely ever give in their careers. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re willing to suspend disbelief—or even better, let yourself get sucked in—it’s fun to see the young cast giving their all. Production also refuses to fall behind: although sets are finite, each one is lavish, enhanced by lighting that’s theatrical, outright bordering on Broadway musical.

Whether Kakegurui succeeds with what it’s trying to be will be up to viewers, but if you’re interested in what it’s got to say, then take a gamble on it. It may just surprise you.

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Overall
I recommend if you have seen both seasons of the live-action and enjoyed them and now is craving a side story.

Story
The story was okay as a side story. It was nice that the storyline was teased in the second season, but overall it was left in a completely blank slate and you don't have to watch it moving forward. The twist that it had was enjoyable to me and I actually did not see it coming

Characters/Acting/Cast
Fukuhara Haruka as Arukibi Jueri was a great addition as the main character of the movie. I liked her character and her twist at the end was not expected from me.

Hamabe Minami as Jabami Yumiko continues to be amazing. I liked her even showing her annoyance with Suzui at times in the movie. Continued to be great.

Takasugi Mahiro as Suzui Ryota was a good actor but the character was a big disappointment. In the first two seasons, I had enjoyed him but in this movie, he was just not good. From the part where he tries to go behind Yumiko's back to get cards instead of trusting her and then not getting that Yumiko was not wanting to win anymore and tried celebrating with her were annoying. When he did let Yumiko know that he could not go along with her and lose was actually good though, as that's how someone that is normal would react.

Music
The OP was better in the first season but the ending songs were still great.

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