Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Death's Game (2023)
"Death's Game" is a wildly imaginative TV series produced by Amazon in Korea.
What is happening with North Korea lately? Ever since Netflix started acquiring all their exceptional shows, it appears like they have been going all out, producing highly creative shows with superior production values that, aside from the need for subtitles, are incredibly appealing to Western audiences.
The show revolves around Choi, who offends Death, not by committing suicide, but with his suicide note which indicates a profound disregard for death. Death decides to punish Choi, by making him play a game of death, to instill in him an appropriate respect for death, before being consigned to hell for eternal punishment. Choi is thrust into situations where death seems inevitable, but if he survives in any of the 12 incarnations, he will be allowed to continue living. Death maintains that all the situations are survivable. But who can outwit Death in Death's game?
A range of actors portray Choi's various incarnations. Most are men, who bear resemblance to the original actor Seo, and all do an admirable job of playing the same character who is reincarnated in different bodies. The one consistent performance is by Park So-dam, who plays Death. She delivers an exceptional performance, but I am not convinced that a beautiful young girl is the optimal choice for the personification of Death itself. But who am I to disrespect Death?
"You are guilty of coming to find me before I came to find you."
- You are uncomfortable with concepts of death and afterlife.
- You are under the age of 16, the series contains mature themes not suitable for younger viewers.
- You prefer light-hearted and feel good series.
- You don't enjoy suspense or thriller genres.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Death's Game"? I mean, it's like a twisted version of Groundhog Day, but instead of learning to play the piano, our protagonist is trying to dodge the Grim Reaper's sickle. And it's not just once, but twelve times! Talk about a bad case of déjà vu.
And who knew Death was so sensitive? Choi writes a suicide note and suddenly Death's got a chip on his shoulder. You'd think after eons of being the ultimate party pooper, Death would have a thicker skin, but no. Apparently, Death needs to be respected. I guess what else is the Grim Reaper going to do to entertain itself.
And let's talk about these "survivable situations". I mean, what can a baby do to survive an inevitable death? But hey, if you make it out alive, you get to keep on living. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Now onto the casting. You've got a dozen actors all playing the same guy, Choi. It's like a Korean version of Orphan Black, but with less clones and more death. And they all look like Seo, but aren't actually Seo. So it's like a Seo look-alike contest where the prize is not dying.
And then there's Park So-dam. A pretty young girl playing Death itself. Now I've seen everything. I mean, who's she going to scare? The only thing deadly about her is her looks. But hey, who am I to judge? Yo, Death, if you are reading this, I mean no disrespect!
"Black Mirror" (2011):
If you were captivated by the frequently moving cast and rich character development in "Death's Game", you might enjoy "Black Mirror". Although this British show takes a more digital detour, it tackles present-day societal issues and confronts our mounting dependence on technology. Each episode is a unique story, set in either an alternative present or near future, usually with a dark and satirical tone. If the reincarnation aspect of "Death's Game" was one of your favorites, you'll appreciate that "Black Mirror" offers a new cast, story, and setting with each episode, playing with the concept of existence and identity in a technology-driven world.
"Squid Game" (2021):On the off chance that the intensity and the life-or-death games in "Death's Game" kept you on the edge of your seat, you might appreciate "Squid Game". This Korean survival drama series which, like "Death's Game", presents a grim plot where characters participate in children's games, with deadly stakes. The character dynamics, vivid visuals, and cutthroat competitions that made "Death's Game" gripping are all key parts of "Squid Game". Just like Choi in "Death's Game", the protagonists in "Squid Game" are propelled into a life-changing (or ending) journey, forcing them to question their values and boundaries.
"Heaven's Official Blessing" (2020):If you're drawn to the mythological elements present in "Death's Game" and the philosophical questions that it raises about life, death, destiny and reincarnation, you might like this Chinese animated series. "Heaven's Official Blessing" combines supernatural, romance and action genres, revolving around a prince who's been banished from his own kingdom, and a god who's been forgotten by the world. The plot, similar to the concept of reincarnation and spiritual existence in "Death's Game", addresses themes of fate, reincarnation, and supernatural creatures. This series, just like "Death's Game", takes complex metaphysical concepts and ambiguities and subjects them to dramatically cinematic treatment.
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