Drama Digest
The first-ever anime aired on Netflix, The Great pretender, follows a unique, lively, and refreshing story of all heroes and their graceful heists. Concerning the 1995 song covered by Freddie Mercury with the same title, recently, the musician himself described that there was more to this song than just pretending to be happy. He mentioned, how in life, mirroring his stage persona, he’s pretended to be various characters all along hiding his real self. The characters, each of them, are inspired by taking the same element of Freddie’s lyrics. A harmonious blend of action, humor, drama, be ready to be endeared and entertained as the story unfolds.
The Feel-Good Part
When anime studios driven by purpose get set on creation from an unpopular genre, that very change turns into a masterpiece; something that is truly outstanding. And well, The Great Pretender is exactly that.
From the brilliant art style, detailed backstories to the use of original scripts, and incorporation of Jazz in its soundtracks, this anime serves the viewers with its elegant scope and smooth transitions throughout events.
The Disappointing Factor
The heists are pretty simple but still engaging, Makoto’s character is side-lined by being manipulated often. The ending and the exploration of each character’s relationships with each other could have been expressed more meaningfully.
In-Depth Analysis
Makoto Edamura, a Japanese con-man gets involved with the French thief, Laurent Thierry, which further drags him into a whole world of swindling across countries. The story spans from L.A. to Singapore, Europe, and the mega-corporations of Asia. Each arch has its unique theme and atmosphere inviting the viewers to the epitome of each scene.
All through the different robberies, the viewers are walked through each nook and corner of the plan and the characters to get them in a state of thinking that they know everything that’s going to happen, by using this stance the anime lands its sudden twists. But don’t worry, you aren’t alone, these very twists serve as a surprise for the audience as well as our very own Makoto Edamura whose discovering this big world of con artistry.
the actual criminal activity in the show is used to push forward character exploration which lets the viewers get worthy glimpses into each character’s story and the life which makes the plot even more interesting. Despite their conflicting worldviews, how each member of the gang plays off with adaption and change is endearing to watch when it’s apparent how much they trust each other.
The action flow of the Great Pretender is dynamically unique that giving the scenes a sense of reality, also making it easier for the viewers to follow through on what’s happening. The incredible art direction of the series helps create a perfect blending of humor and drama, nothing more, nothing less.
Star Power
Bringing out each character’s colors this profoundly, while maintaining the consistent and lively flow of the series required by the scam genre wouldn’t have been possible if the cast weren’t as interesting and wholesome as the characters themselves.
Overall Opinion
Usually, movies or dramas are recommended to people depending upon their likes and dislikes. But some shows are worth a watch for anyone, regardless of any second thoughts. And, The Great Pretender is now a part of that category.
