Liar Game

This is one of the best thrillers I've seen of it's kind, if you like shows about swindlers or mind games, this is the show for you.

Although this show is altogether about swindling money from each other, I couldn't help myself be reminded over and over again while watching, of the show "death note", because in many respect it is the same.

You have before you a game in which you think you know the rules, and always finds yourself dazzled by the ways they are being twisted to make a whole new game, on which the most cunning will win.

The acting of this show where uncharacteristically good for a live action (a Japanese comics, aka manga, that made into a movie or a short series), although, they show could not escape entirely from the overly theatrical nature of the manga.

Its watchable I guess. I don't quite like the acting, it seemed forced and unnatural. The main character is supposed to be naive, trusting and easily deceived. Because of this, the dialogue sometimes repeat a lot because the main character is not quick witted to understand the deception. This sometimes get irritating and stretch a one minute scene to five minutes.

Its an okay series, but I don't think it deserve rating more than 7. For fan of its manga, probably worth a watch. I bought the DVD of this series because of the IMDb rating. My expectation was high, but it turns out just an okay watch.

Usually I don't watch Japanese drama because of the "bad" acting. Always, in case of live action, manga is better so why bother with live action series when I can experience it better as manga. I read Liar Game manga and I like it very much so why not giving a chance to live action.

I just blow my mind. Acting is great and actors are perfectly chosen. Yes whole shows seems like theatrical piece but it gives charm. Camera angles, stage decoration, lighting is amazing. Plus awesome music.

Don't think this is stupid because of the irritating characters, that characters are based on manga and they show the unchangingly nature. It is great that they kept original integrity of the manga, didn't try to make it more realistic.

Best part is the thrill that show gives you with great innovative games. Especially cute explanations of each game and ways to win.

It is worth watching.

If u remember few of your maths lessons from high school and appreciate probability, you will enjoy this for sure. The show is truly captivating and takes its time to explain everything in great length.

It starts when Nao (too honest for her own good) gets an invite for the Liar Game and is forced to play it unintentionally. The premise though not very unique is thought provoking and somewhat original.

That being said, the acting is below average and sometimes irritating. I haven't read any manga so this is coming from someone who is just watching this show like any other, without any prior knowledge of the plot or expectations. Although the 1st 3 rounds of the game were highly enjoyable the last round seemed to drag a bit. It beat around the bush too much to show the subplots and flashbacks which consumed the last 2 episode (12 & 13) fully. I think it could have been dealt with a more subtle way. The calculations and tactics too became a bit confusing at the same time. As you progress with the episodes Nao too will seem more and more stupid but it supports the finale and the whole plot to some extent.

That being said, my advice is to indulge yourself in the experience just for the sake of it. This is a really bold attempt at making a show that focuses completely on human psyche and explains everything properly unlike Sherlock. You might be disappointed a bit at the end but overall it was pretty interesting. Kudos to the Japanese.

It's nice to find the Japanese originals of what later got scaled up into international sensations such as the Squid Game. I'm amused with how much the Korean movie-makers "borrowed" from the older Japanese content.

Liar Game also got remade into a separate Korean spin-off, which I could only watch for a few minutes before giving up.

This original is excellent. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, the overall message, and the actual games of course.

The only thing which annoyed me was the visual style. I know they wanted to preserve the manga heritage, but in my humble opinion they really overdid it. The constant whoosh-whoosh, whoa! Bammm! Tadaa-boom! Was enjoyable for one episode, mildly annoying after 5, and unbearable towards the end.

Also, the visual device of showing the participants' shocked or angry or whatever faces with a quick zoom and whoosh every so often got really tiring really soon.

Other than those annoying visuals, and the unexplainable decision to show a full, 2-hour long story recap midway, everything was awesome.