Movie Digest
The sequel to the live-action remake of the iconic anime is here. This time, something is about to shake the council to the core. This time, Hyakkaoh Private Academy, the school for the rich and elite which survives on a gambling structure, begins to crumble when Yumeko Jabami enters the picture. Slowly, Yumeko Jabami begins to defeat various council members one by one. To save the council’s reputation, Yumemi and Yuriko ask the council president, Kirari, to bring back a former suspended gambling legend. This gambling legend is Makuro Shikigami, and the president agrees. What will happen to the council with the addition of this unhinged character? Will Yumeko overcome this opponent? Watch the movie and find out.
The Feel-Good Part
It’s amazing when a live-action version of a beloved anime can maintain the quality and hype of the original. What makes the movies so great is that they do not just remake the anime in a live-action format, but it builds on the series with newer storylines and characters. This movie shows the weakness of the corrupt system. It is a great exploration into the true insecurity of the council and an understanding that if not for their status, they would be nowhere. Visually, the movie is great. There are plenty of beautiful dynamic shots which add to the insanity and craziness of the franchise. The gambling standoffs are intense and accompanied by great music and dramatic editing, which are just wonderful.
The Disappointing Factor
The movie is not exactly perfect. Plenty of unnecessary and dramatic moments do not add to the story and linger around, dragging the runtime. A lot of elements in Kakeguri can be excused in anime form. Whether it’s the over-the-top dialogue, crazy expressions, or all-around silliness, the idea of all that being animated does not make us question it a lot. In a live-action movie, however, it feels a bit odd and eccentric. But then again, the beauty of Kakeguri is in its oddness and absurdity. Your ability to enjoy the Kakeguri live-action movies solely depends on how you feel about dramatic acting.
In-Depth Analysis
This movie shows how scared the council is of Yumeko. Yumeko’s presence is a threat to how invincible the council is. Even though she has no intention of claiming the status and notoriety that comes with defeating the council, she gains lots of pleasure from just winning a match. So when you put two maniac compulsive gamblers face to face, there is bound to be a lot of mess and chaos. The themes of this film are very prevalent and showcase just how much each person will go to maintain their place in the school’s established hierarchy.
Star Power
Hamabe Minami’s portrayal of Jabami Yumeko is as great as ever. The actress cannot only portray the iconic character twice and capture the unsettling nature of the character. Hamabe Minami is best known for her roles in I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, Murder at Shijinsou, and even the Kakeguri anime. Fuiji Ryusei delivers an amazing performance as the equally unhinged and compulsive gambling addict Makuro Shikigami. The member of Johnny’s WEST provides an amazing performance. The singer has also starred in several movies and dramas, including Dare mo Shiranai J Gakuen, Again!, Samurai Tenkosei, and Kansai Johnny’s Jr. no Kyoto Uzumasa Koshinkyoku! We also have several supporting roles that capture the insanity of the Kakeguri universe. Takasugi Mahiro, Morikawa Aoi, Ikeda Elaiza and more deliver amazing performances with perfect expression and dialogue delivery. Hanabusa Tsutomu is the screenwriter and director of the film. The director is best known for his works, such as Handsome Suit, Go! Boys High School Drama Club, Ingakike no Moshu, Tori Girl, Grand Blue, and more. The other screenwriter is Takano Minato, who has written for works such as Shinhannin Flag, Kamen Rider Zero-One, Anata no Ban Desu, and more.
Overall Opinion
Kakeguri: Ultimate Russian Roulette does not disappoint. It is unhinged and crazy and lives up to the expectations set by the franchise. Is it perfect? No. But it is still enjoyable. It is an excellent extension of the Kakeguri universe.
