LogFAQs > #917011861

29. Kaiji
https://myanimelist.cdn-dena.com/images/anime/10/25467l.jpg
@MysticBrohan

What a quality show. I was always a bit biased against Kaiji. People talk about it more than Akagi, which I love (more than Kaiji), and Kaiji himself is such a loser protagonist. I wasnt really sold on the show at first, but wow is it good. Kaiji being a total pathetic wimp allows the author to put him in some really terrible situations, and also keeps the show from feeling too mean-spirited because he does a lot of it to himself. Almost all of the games in Kaiji are super interesting, even when they seem like theyll be boring at first. They usually start with Kaiji failing at them miserably, though the way this is presented throughout the show evolves in a pretty solid way as Kaiji gains more confidence and becomes (a little) less pathetic. The tissue box scene in S1 was a real highlight. One problem is that I figured out by the end of S1 that Kaiji always lost when he explained his plan beforehand, and won when he didnt. I think S2 handled this a little better by showing little parts, but it was still a bit disappointing to see the formula like that.

The dramatic tension is always incredible. I kind of cant imagine the manga version being as good, since the atmosphere is definitely helped by the amazing music (especially in S2), the way things are directed, and the fabulous narrator (He hates it! one of the greatest anime quotes). I actually read a chapter or two of part three and stopped out of disinterest, though I didnt really give it a fair shake. Its a show thats full of emotion without using typical sad or emotional storylines. I definitely teared up a couple times in S2. If the show has any flaws, its that the failure in the show can sometimes get frustrating to watch, and the pace is a little slow sometimes, but both of those work in the shows favor for the most part, so I cant complain too much. Kaiji is just plain great.
---

All the stars in the sky are waiting for you.