lovetune
Philippines
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.
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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