So Good, It'll Make You Want to Live... Forever (Just Kidding)

As I started watching the second part of "Death’s Game," I carried with me a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The first season had set up an intriguing premise but stumbled in its execution. I hoped part 2 would build on the foundation and address the issues that held back its predecessor. However, my excitement started to wane after episode one. The quality of the narrative took a sharp downturn. Episode two felt like it belonged to a different series altogether, resembling a generic crime drama filled with exaggerated corruption and untouchable chaebols. The over-the-top acting and simplistic resolutions left me feeling disappointed.


The most problematic aspect of this part was its handling of the suicide theme. The last two episodes, in particular, hammered home a singular message: suicide is selfish, and one should endure suffering for the sake of others. This approach felt incredibly narrow and, frankly, irresponsible.

One part that did stand out to me was the story of the suicidal salaryman. This narrative arc shed light on the harsh reality of the societal and governmental pressures in South Korea. It was a brief yet poignant exploration of the protagonist’s disillusionment with the dream he had been brainwashed to pursue. However, the show didn’t delve deeper into this critical insight. Instead, it reverted to guilt-shaming the main character through his interactions with his mother, missing a crucial opportunity to explore his true desires and struggles.


As someone who values a comprehensive approach to storytelling, I was frustrated by the show’s failure to address the root causes of the high suicide rates in South Korea, such as poverty and unemployment. Instead, it seemed to push a government-endorsed narrative, urging viewers to endure suffering for the greater good. This approach felt like a cheap shot, especially when considering the complex realities of mental health and personal agency.

The show’s narrow perspective on suicide was particularly infuriating by the end. It didn’t explore the mental health states of suicidal individuals or the various circumstances leading to such a difficult decision. For instance, while the main character had a caring mother and a girlfriend, their lack of support when he needed it most was glaring. His mother’s revelation about hoarding money that could have helped him years ago added to my frustration. This aspect of the story felt underdeveloped and missed the mark on addressing the protagonist’s real-life pressures.


I found it difficult to connect emotionally with the characters. While the cast delivered strong performances, the relationships and dynamics felt superficial. The main character’s relationship with his girlfriend followed a clichéd template, and their interactions lacked depth.

The ending left me feeling conflicted. While the main character got a second chance at life, it seemed to invalidate everything he experienced in other people’s bodies. The deaths that were supposed to happen would still occur, and the villains remained unpunished. This resolution felt hollow and unsatisfying.


Reflecting on part 2 of "Death’s Game," I’m left with mixed feelings. The production quality and cast were superb, but the controversial message and disappointing ending overshadowed these strengths. The show had moments of brilliance and potential but ultimately fell short due to its flawed execution and narrow-minded approach to sensitive topics.


Part 2 of "Death’s Game" attempted to explore profound themes but was marred by controversial messaging and missed opportunities. While the quality of the production and the cast’s performances were commendable, the series failed to deliver a satisfying and thoughtful narrative.

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A Show That Goes from Profound to "Oh, Found"

After finishing the first part of "Death`s Game," I find myself with mixed feelings about the series. On one hand, it attempts to tackle profound themes of life, death, and redemption, but on the other, it falls short in several critical areas, making it hard to fully embrace its narrative.


Choi Yi-Jae`s journey is compelling in parts. His gradual realization of his past mistakes and attempts to rectify them provide some emotional depth. Each reincarnation offers a new perspective, adding layers to his character, which kept me somewhat engaged.


The show does not shy away from asking difficult questions about life and mortality. It makes you think about the value of life and the impact of one's choices, which is commendable. The philosophical undertones, though not always executed perfectly, add a layer of complexity to the narrative.


The visual elements are notable. The dark, moody aesthetic fits the show's themes well. The transitions between life and death scenes have a surreal quality that enhances the storytelling.


One of the most problematic aspects of "Death's Game" is its approach to the subject of suicide. The show seems to promote the harmful idea that one should feel guilty for contemplating suicide because it would hurt others. This rhetoric is not only oversimplified but also potentially damaging. It suggests that one's worth is tied to the pain their death would cause, rather than addressing the individual's mental health and intrinsic value.


While the show has its strong moments, it is often bogged down by plot twists that seem more for shock value than narrative coherence. The reincarnations, such as the baby and the prisoner, felt more like sensationalist elements rather than meaningful contributions to the story. These twists sometimes detract from the emotional impact rather than enhancing it.


Despite Choi Yi-Jae's character development, I found it difficult to connect emotionally with him or any other characters. The relationships, particularly between Yi-Jae and his girlfriend, felt generic and lacked depth. This emotional disconnect made it hard to invest in their journeys.


The special effects often looked cheap, and the dialogue occasionally bordered on the comic book-y. This detracted from the show's serious tone and made it difficult to take certain scenes seriously. While adaptations from webtoons can be challenging, the transition to live-action here felt clunky and unpolished.


The show's tone feels ungrounded and all over the place. At times it aims for deep, philosophical reflections, while at others, it resorts to sensational twists and melodrama. This inconsistency makes it hard to discern what the show truly wants to be.


The acting was another weak point. Despite the cast being visually appealing, their performances often fell flat. The emotional scenes, in particular, lacked the punch needed to make the audience feel connected to the characters' plights.


By the end of the first season, "Death's Game" left me with a sense of unfulfilled potential. It had the ingredients for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant series but failed to blend them effectively. The show tries to tackle deep themes but stumbles in its execution, resulting in a series that is neither as deep nor as engaging as it aims to be.

If you're looking for a show that challenges you to think deeply about life and death, "Death's Game" may offer some moments of reflection. However, its problematic approach to suicide, inconsistent tone, and lackluster execution make it a difficult recommendation. I give "Death's Game" a 5.5 out of 10, acknowledging its ambition but also its significant flaws.

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OKAY!

I found the movie to be okay, not particularly good or bad. The acting by the actors and actresses wasn't particularly impressive, but the cinematography was good.

However, the story of the movie was quite good. If the director and the production team wanted, they could have made the movie even better. Nonetheless, the director did try his best, perhaps.

I have seen various types of fantasy, tragedy, and romantic movies, and the story of each movie was different. However, there were some very common elements in the movie such as the character who tries to harm the main character but ends up making the main character look great. I won't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for anyone (if I reveal spoilers, people may get angry with me).

In conclusion, if you need to watch a movie to kill some time, then you can watch this one.

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Contract relationship drama ?‍?

Generally, in a typical contract relationship drama, the hero and heroine get into a contractual relationship and slowly realize that they have fallen in love with each other. Amidst various obstacles in their lives, they eventually overcome them and end up together, resulting in a happy ending. This drama is no exception, but the perspective is different, while the theme remains the same.

I hope you can understand how I felt about the story of this drama. The drama had its good points, and the acting of the actors, especially Shin Hyun Seung's performance, impressed me the most.

In conclusion, you can watch it if you want. The comedy scenes in the drama were also very good.

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