Apuesta

I wasn't familiar with the source material but I am a casual watcher of anime. That being said, I understand that the acting style, characters, storytelling, cinematography, etc. Are all influenced by anime. I kept that in mind as I watched it and was happily entertained. I was glad to see that it wasn't overtly sexual but still playful, with hints of spiciness. I don't know where the story is going, but I'm glad there was no obvious supernatural or superpower aspect because the show doesn't need that. I think it's just the right amount of being over the top in terms of believability. Some characters are quite likeable, especially the main character Yumeko, played by Miku Martineau. I first noticed her in the movie, Kate, and I felt it was only a matter of time until we'd see her in other projects. I was actually pulling for her to be in the new Karate Kid movie, but I think this show fits her better. I hope Bet gets a second season because while the first season was good, I'd really like to see them take it to another level.

I really enjoyed watching this show, in fact I binge watched it all within a day. I would really like for netflix to hurry up with the next series so I can watch more of it as soon as possible. Lots of twists and turns to lead up to the finale, there is a very much "mean girl" style hierarchy within the school which makes it exciting waiting for the hopeful downfall. I like Yumeko, she's fun, crazy and unpredictable, a fantastic actress for the role. However, the show could be set anywhere as there isn't much focus on the school aspect of it which makes it less of a "teen" show and more of a show for any appropriate age.

Kakegurui didn't need this. The anime was stylish, chaotic brilliance, and the original live action adaptation already captured that well enough. This remake is a total insult. It reeks of lazy Americanization, stripping out everything unique and replacing it with bland, safe garbage. The actors look like they were pulled from a casting call for toothpaste commercials hawkweed, unattractive, and completely lacking the unhinged magnetism the roles demand. The cinematography is flat, the energy is gone, and every creative choice feels sanitized by clueless execs chasing trends. It's not just bad. It's embarrassing. Don't watch this.

At one end of the critical spectrum I bet we have the anime faithful who feel betrayed in whatever capacity, and at the other I'll wager we have friends and families of the live action adaptation. I'm putting my money on Yumeko, since Ms. Martineau is clearly having a field day playing an unhinged gambler with a hidden feudal Japanese clan agenda. The rest of the cast is acting like they have an actual stake in this game, and the overall vibe is I daresay, delightfully mischievous, with a sprinkle of Sex Education (minus the good vibes). Plus, how can you go wrong with the message that the world is controlled by soulless cheats who run it like a roulette table with a hidden switch. Of course our true overlords are the tech idiot savants who are ruining the planet, but their avatars on this remake of Kakegurui will do.

It isn't actually that bad if you stop comparing it to the anime. The plot is good and the charcters are designed to portray their personalities that follow the plot. The aesthetics of the series were also not so bad. I liked that they made the student council stand out with the black suits as well.

We can all agree to disagree that this series would have been better on its own though. But lets remember that it is BASED on Kagegurui, it is not meant to be accurate.

Miku did a great job portraying Yumeko and the rest of the actors did their best. A reminder to be kind to the actors as it is not their fault for being casted.