Sighs feel like I rather have a review on this whole genre and anime in it instead of making one on Kaiji, but let's just not deviate too much from the topic tho. For the old-time sake, I'll also include some thoughts bout the similarities of Kaiji and Akagi so without further ado
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Kaiji is one of the few anime in its domain that gives us the cruel reality and the emotional feelings of what gambling can make to the man. It's really unique style of animation, combined with the music, voice acting, and characters make the whole show something memorable it's too easy to say.
Hell yea I'm gonna start with the best part of the show. If not for the plot that I doubt it's gonna be boring for you, at least the music is made by none other than that Hideki Taniuchi, you know the absolute lad behind the music of Death Note, just to give you a glimpse of how badass can it sound. Not only that but it sounds just soo well combined with the suspense moments in anime and yea, those are a lot:).
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Artstyle
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If you've seen Akagi firstly, you'll notice by now the similarities of the animation. Why? Well, ain't that a tricky one: maybe bcz it's the same manga creator and same studio? Dunno, just askin'. Nobuyuki Fukumoto, the one behind both Akagi and Kaiji gave us the happiness of endorsing those characters to the max (not really his intention probably but still, u ain't gonna see something like these days not mentioning him at least).
Not much to say here since for me it kinda felt like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, except this time the ugly one was the final antagonist and the rest would be the baddies. Yes, there are sadly few people around Kaiji that rly want to support him the best they can. Many others have their own desires, greed, destiny, etc. u name it and only see Kaiji as a mere fool at first who can manipulate how they want.
Kaiji is your average gambling addict person who has debts after debts after casino losses (if I remember right, it's been some time). Just as it happens, oddly enough, that winning a contest of games on a random cruise would get him out of debts and live a normal life. Whelp, fate has other plans prepared for Kaiji and my oh my, what plans they are:/ Thus Kaiji will enter in madness-loop, trying to survive on that boat and many many more. The thing that will stand by his side will always be his way of thinking, finding the best outcomes in the most unfortunate moments. Imagine what I said combined with the music, juuust...f''k me:)
Kazutaka Hyoudou is like ur average fat ugly bastard, the puppeteer, the millionaire, the master of manipulation, etc. At first, it's not really interested in Kaiji since his full potential isn't showed yet, but damn, things escalate pretty quickly in the end of S1. I'll leave the rest for you to discover:)
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Similarities
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Kaiji is like a lost brother to Akagi, but don't let that fool you. Yes, ofc they're not related but their character also differs in anime. Kaiji throughout the series tends to be more dramatic over any tight situation it hits him, escaping using his good charm and brilliant mind. Akagi on the other hand, being calmer and never loses his composer to any pressure whatsoever. Don't get it wrong, they're both maniac gamblers that would push the limits EVEN FURTHER BEYOND:).
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Final thoughts and conclusion
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By me at least, the gambling genre seems to go idk, nowhere as good enough as it was or even expand its meaning further. What did the industry rly do in this aspect? Like duh I get it there are gambling-related shows still airing, but I'm referring to the rly good ones, ones that stand out from the others at their respective time, ones that aren't full of effects, cliches, etc. and ones that arent' just God among mere mortals and don't suffer at all ffs:( How many people do actually talk about popular gambling shows in their true nature that you can easily slap an 8 rating on it at least and no I'm not talking bout the recent ones. How many are there like 3...4...5 shows that everyone heard of or consider popular? This situation can even be compared to the lack of Viking genre (before Vinland Saga what was idk the trend? wait, no Viking anime at least not after the 2000s and popular?tsch)
My thoughts above obviously, but yeah... more polishing. Not even gonna start a rant over what I've seen recently in gambling.
Should you...considering all I wrote...still watch Kaiji? It's your choice obviously, but if you don't mind the animation, love the music and enjoy the plot, I don't see why not. Watch more than just Kaiji if it got your taste? Yes, definitely, there aren't that many out there anyway but be careful when it comes to the plot (it might not be your style idk)
Thanks for reading and see ya on the next review ~~when it comes~~
