4
KingC
A Renascence in All Ways.
The Liar Game returns after a two year hiatus, completely invigorated with power and deviousness. This series might be one of the few sequels out there that outshined its predecessor.
☆ Kanzaki Nao-chan and Akiyama-kun are pitted along with Fukunaga (AKA the Mushroom from S1) two years after their last match. However, this time, they are headed for the semi-finals. The games in the second season are unflinchingly deceitful. While the players of the S1 were pulled into the labyrinthine game against their will and with no choice left, the players in this one are clearly worthy of the arena. Not only are they experienced with the workings of the game; none of them are completely unintelligent. The stakes are much higher and the opponents far more stronger. I felt incredibly like an imbecile while watching the games unfold. All of them appeared facile, but once they begin, they are a far cry from what the players were promised. The psychological play on human minds was boggling to watch. It was a battle of brains that was absolutely nerve-wracking and thrilling.
(As an added bonus, I inadvertently got to know the rules of all the games mentioned in Poker Face by Lady Gaga.)
☆ While the Nao-chan in season one was forced to become enlightened about the depth of human greed and deception, this season is where she actually proves her worth. She maintains the same personality as in season one, but it's evident that she has actually grasped the concept of the Liar Game. Still dubbed as "stupidly honest", I suddenly realized why she was an integral part of the game.
Akiyama Shinichi is still the prime mover, but he is forced to face opponents who are as skilled as he was at his craft. He is as eccentric and enigmatic as he was in the past, but we see different facets of his that we hadn't seen before.
☆ The production style is definitely outdated, but the comically dramatic laughter of the 'villain' was more sporadic than the first season, which is definitely an improvement. I also found the OSTs to be absolutely fitting for such a thrilling drama. I loved both the Capsule songs used: Sugarless Girl and Love or Lies.
☆ The first season was tamer and provided the perfect basement for the second to be built upon. I admire the writer for managing to maintain the mysterious aspect of the show and deepening the purpose behind the ridiculous game of deception. For once, I didn't find them to be desultory, but witty and intelligent. It was a true test of human nature. This aspect is given much more focus in S2, which is undoubtedly more explosive than the first.
I can see why fans of such psychological gaming shows find this absolutely unforgettable and riveting. It left me pondering about how the game represents the real world and how vacillating humans have become due to their guile. I couldn't dislike Nao-chan. Someone like her was not meant for a game like this, but she is ultimately the player who breaks all rules.
Japan adds their own flavor in all the dramas I've seen and they did their magic with this one as well. Definitely one of the few series that got me scratching my head out of sheer confusion, but kept me glued to the screen to know the outcome.
☆ Kanzaki Nao-chan and Akiyama-kun are pitted along with Fukunaga (AKA the Mushroom from S1) two years after their last match. However, this time, they are headed for the semi-finals. The games in the second season are unflinchingly deceitful. While the players of the S1 were pulled into the labyrinthine game against their will and with no choice left, the players in this one are clearly worthy of the arena. Not only are they experienced with the workings of the game; none of them are completely unintelligent. The stakes are much higher and the opponents far more stronger. I felt incredibly like an imbecile while watching the games unfold. All of them appeared facile, but once they begin, they are a far cry from what the players were promised. The psychological play on human minds was boggling to watch. It was a battle of brains that was absolutely nerve-wracking and thrilling.
(As an added bonus, I inadvertently got to know the rules of all the games mentioned in Poker Face by Lady Gaga.)
☆ While the Nao-chan in season one was forced to become enlightened about the depth of human greed and deception, this season is where she actually proves her worth. She maintains the same personality as in season one, but it's evident that she has actually grasped the concept of the Liar Game. Still dubbed as "stupidly honest", I suddenly realized why she was an integral part of the game.
Akiyama Shinichi is still the prime mover, but he is forced to face opponents who are as skilled as he was at his craft. He is as eccentric and enigmatic as he was in the past, but we see different facets of his that we hadn't seen before.
☆ The production style is definitely outdated, but the comically dramatic laughter of the 'villain' was more sporadic than the first season, which is definitely an improvement. I also found the OSTs to be absolutely fitting for such a thrilling drama. I loved both the Capsule songs used: Sugarless Girl and Love or Lies.
☆ The first season was tamer and provided the perfect basement for the second to be built upon. I admire the writer for managing to maintain the mysterious aspect of the show and deepening the purpose behind the ridiculous game of deception. For once, I didn't find them to be desultory, but witty and intelligent. It was a true test of human nature. This aspect is given much more focus in S2, which is undoubtedly more explosive than the first.
I can see why fans of such psychological gaming shows find this absolutely unforgettable and riveting. It left me pondering about how the game represents the real world and how vacillating humans have become due to their guile. I couldn't dislike Nao-chan. Someone like her was not meant for a game like this, but she is ultimately the player who breaks all rules.
Japan adds their own flavor in all the dramas I've seen and they did their magic with this one as well. Definitely one of the few series that got me scratching my head out of sheer confusion, but kept me glued to the screen to know the outcome.
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