Directed by Japanese director, Takashi Miike who is known for its rather violent and bizarre films often uncensored films; this is the first of his works that I've actually watched (and I think it won't be the last). Truth be told I did watch this because of Fukushi Sota, although it has an interesting and intriguing story. Japanese films are known for either its love stories, action and horror. Well, As the Gods Will being based on a manga, surprisingly is quite refreshing. Although the initial concept of teenagers fighting against each other for survival isn't new (Battle Royale/The Hunger Games), the idea of using children's games as a mean for the plot to take place is interesting and ironic at the same time. While the movie has its fair share of gripping scenes, sometimes so violent that I had to avert my eyes, it's still one of the those films that have its typical tropes. Exhibit A: that one sadistic student that everyone should be wary of. Some cheesy out-of-nowhere lined romance (I get the purpose but really though...) and the fact that there wasn't much background to begin with left the story hanging, though it makes everything open-ended. I did love how it also took some risks...that surprised me. As for the characters...they lack depth. I know it's a survival movie and we don't have time for that but in order to root for someone or at least feel a connection with the people who are fighting to live, we must at least get to know them. Fukushi Sota is such an eye-candy but his acting is still so mediocre. I did think that the actor who played the sadistic student was better. The CGI was okay...wasn't top-notch but wasn't too bad as well. All in all, I think it's still an entertaining watch.