“Myself! The only one who can save me is myself!”
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is not a series for the faint of heart. With long, almost inactive dialogue scenes that are sprinkled with a couple of truly brutal moments, it is a series that may push some of its audience to the limit. So, as an early warning, if you don’t like series that rely on dialogue a lot then Kaiji might leave a sour taste in your mouth. However, if you find inner monologues and psychological discussions interesting, then Kaiji is well worth watching.
The series’ premise is an intriguing one; utilising characters that have nothing left to lose and placing them in gambling situations where things can only get worse. This establishes an exploration into the relationship between hope, trust, and gambling as the characters are pushed to breaking point time and time again. Kaiji’s evaluation of trust and hope extends beyond the characters and to the audience as our expectations are toyed with and there is often a need to re-evaluate how we perceive certain actions or characters.
There is a subtle inevitability in Kaiji that is portrayed well, whether it is for failure or the draw that pulls the characters back into the gambling world. It really emphasises one of the most dangerous aspects of gambling; that it can easily become a self-destructive cycle that offers very little way of escape. Whether it is through a character’s own choice or the situation they are in, Kaiji really portrays this “pull” well; often drawing the audience in along with the characters.
By establishing its own rules for familiar games, Kaiji eases the audience in and doesn’t require any prior knowledge of gambling. This makes the show more accessible and allows the core themes to shine more brightly as the audience finds themselves rooting for Kaiji. It also allows the series’ progression into a noticeably darker territory to stand out, matching the plot developments and mirroring the rising stakes that are synonymous with gambling. Despite this, Kaiji keeps its cards close to its chest; retaining a layer of mystery that keeps the tensions high throughout its run.
Kaiji is nicely animated and, while a majority of it is spent on close-ups of characters' faces and talking, it conveys tension and emotion well while retaining its distinctive style. This is especially true during moments of emotional distress where the combination of facial expressions and distorted backgrounds really drill in how the characters feel. For some, the series may be a little bit too stylised but, if you find yourself thinking this, then give the series a chance as the style will grow on you over time.
The animation works well with the soundtrack to foster a foreboding atmosphere that draws its audience into the tension of the scenes. There is always a feeling that something is going to go wrong which is a difficult element to sustain effectively. One of the most notable stylistic choices is the sound effects which are atmospheric and become a useful shorthand for the audience however, by the end of the series, they can begin to feel a little bit repetitive.
There is a small number of interesting characters in Kaiji, especially those who act as antagonists as they work well to consistently increase tension. The transition between antagonists is also well-handled, remaining a realistic interpretation of the tight power structures which envelope the world that Kaiji is trapped in. It heightens the futility of the character’s actions, yet it also makes the audience root for them more. As the main character, Kaiji offers an interesting perspective on the world that he is thrown into and his conviction is something that keeps the audience on his side. He also shows a more human reaction, not shying away from the cowardice and fear that most would feel in his place. In keeping him as an average guy, the series allows him to make mistakes that don’t feel like contrived plot devices and keeps the audience on their toes.
The secondary characters are more of a mixed bag. Some work well; propelling the plot forward while challenging Kaiji’s beliefs and assumptions, but they don’t have much characterisation outside of this. Ishida is one of the few who really stands out and also highlights the flaws of the other minor characters. Towards the end of the series, they become more of a homogenous mass which, while matching the tone of the narrative, makes them a bit difficult to care for.
Having a narrator is a necessity for a show like Kaiji as he conveys key information about the plot and games, although he can be a little bit repetitive. This is especially true when he regurgitates what we have already heard from the characters themselves. This issue is replicated by the sheer amount of internal monologues used. It is clear that these are also necessary for a weekly series, but at times it can feel more like they are a necessary evil. I think one of the best ways to make these elements less overbearing would be to watch Kaiji more intermittently as this breaks up the narration and monologues enough for them to not disrupt the flow of the narrative as a whole.
Overall, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is an intense series that draws its audience in and presents them with a number of intriguing scenarios. It doesn’t shy away from gambling as a subject matter; especially the darker and more psychological elements which are often glamourised. It is definitely a must-watch for anyone who likes the gambling genre.
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