The newly released 'Death's Game' emerges as a thought-provoking web series that has captured audiences' attention far and wide within a day of its release.
'Death's Game': Cast & Crew
Director: Ha Byung-hoon
Cast: Seo In-guk, Park So-dam, Choi Si-won, Sung Hoon, Kim Kang-hoon, Jang Seung-jo, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Do-hyun, Kim Jae-wook, Oh Jung-se, Go Youn-jung, Kim Ji-hoon, Yoo In-soo, Kim Mi-kyung, Nam Kyung-eup
Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Premiere Date: December 15, 2023 (Part I)
Genre: Fantasy, Thriller, Reincarnation
Language: Korean
Duration: 45 mins to 65 mins
'Death's Game': Story
"The most painful death to a mortal is one that is foreseen." What a powerful way to start the show, enough to know it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
'Death's Game' revolves around Choi Yi-jae (played by Seo In-guk), known for his bright and kind nature. However, in the years to come, life takes a harsh turn for him, and things don't go his way. Unemployed, homeless, abandoned by his girlfriend, and succumbing to a scam, Yi-jae felt like life wasn't fair to him. Giving in to societal pressures, he decides to end his life. But to his surprise, even that doesn't go his way. Death (embodied by Park So-dam) presents a challenge that goes beyond his wildest dreams: he must live through 12 different lives, each culminating in death. He not only becomes that person for the time being but also the memories and abilities of the body's original owner come to him. If he can escape any one person's death, he can live as that person for the rest of his life.
In these four episodes, Yi-jae has embodied a wealthy CEO, a high school student who was bullied, an infant who was a victim of child abuse, a thief who was betrayed by his lover for money, an innocent mixed martial arts fighter who took the blame for someone else's murder, and lastly a handsome model. Death tells him that his sin is so terrible that even God wouldn't forgive him. In his quest, he must figure out what that sin is. However, if he is not able to do so, he'll go to hell, irrespective of surviving any death.
The plot profoundly delves into human existence and the importance of human choices. In whichever body Yi-jae entered, only one thought was on his mind: the money he stored in a locker. Little do we realize that those very choices alter the course of our lives. It metaphorically looks at many of the negative emotions that humans face: suicide, greed, betrayal, overly desperate for companionship, and the unpredictable nature of humanity.
'Death's Game': Performances
This series is graphic and violent, so it's not everyone's cup of tea. But the outstanding performances by the lead cast will keep you hooked on the show.
Park So-dam and how she has portrayed Death can only be described in one word: fierce. She exudes strength and intensity and ensures that Yi-jae reaps what he sows for his laidback attitude and the lazy idea of death. Her aura, persona, and presence, donned in a dark outfit and bold makeup, radiates dominance. With fewer words and maximum body gestures, she comes off as a figure you can't help but be terrified of. In a genre where male figures usually take on the role of someone as assertive, seeing So-dam embody the influential role of Death was a refreshing sight.
Seo In-guk's portrayal of Choi Yi-jae was shown in a way that an ordinary man could resonate with it. He portrayed his character with a required vulnerability but just as innocent. Striving for survival and freedom from a nightmare, his choices significantly impact those around him, including his mother and girlfriend, revealing a self-absorbed side of his character, which he played brilliantly. Though he repents this later upon interacting with the two, which is what Death aims to awaken in him, it's already too late. It felt as if the actor could feel all these emotions, which is why he came off as the only character you could relate to.
Apart from them, the star-studded cast who played the different bodies Yi-jae entered, known as "reincarnations," delivered commendable performances in portraying their characters. Though their roles were brief, they played a significant role in carrying forward the story. There were also guest appearances, such as Ryeoun, Kim Sung-cheol, and others, which added more enjoyment for viewers. Unfortunately, many of these seven reincarnations don't get enough screen time or a back story, making it challenging to connect with them. Only a few stand out and can be easily remembered as their stories unfold at a well-paced rhythm.
The antagonist (played by Kim Ji-hoon) revealed at the end of the fourth episode, wasn't someone you could suspect from the start. The actor chosen had a villainous look to him. Though he didn't have many shots, his connection to the four bodies Yi-jae had entered made sense toward the end. In the fourth episode, we see Yi-jae's girlfriend before he dies. The emotional connection between the two as he told her the truth will make you shed a few teardrops.
'Death's Game': Script, Direction, & Technical Aspects
Aside from the incredible performances, the production quality of 'Death's Game' stood out remarkably. The brilliance of the show lies in its visual aesthetics and cinematography. The way the colors are blended is impressive. To deal with scenes where Death is involved, there is a dark aura, and to go into a flashback, there is a nostalgic effect. How it portrays Yi-jae facing death and going from one life to another adds a surreal touch to the drama.
The writing, done by the director himself, crafts an entirely immersive world. Seamlessly blending fantasy with profound storytelling, it explores dark themes while showcasing exceptional performances. In a world dominated by K-dramas, it has emerged as a true gem, offering the connection between alternate lives and messages about life and death, wherein you shouldn't take either for granted. Within the first few minutes of the first episode, you're sold on this idea of a make-believe realm, believing fiction to be reality. While the dialogues were powerful and impactful, giving each reincarnation a distinctive punchline could have made them memorable.
Kim Jung-won and Lee Eui-yeol's cinematography is one of the main reasons this show will stand out. It's evident in how the sets have been designed and created and how the scenes have been shot. The smooth camerawork creates a seamless effect, minimizing errors and enhancing the viewing experience. Additionally, the diverse ways characters are captured, often with direct-to-camera and closeup shots, elevates enjoyment. Also, the landscape, where Death and Yi-jae reconcile after every death, is just as a layperson would imagine.
Park Hyun-jung's editing is truly a masterpiece. Some scenes in the middle felt stretched and could have been trimmed, but you forget about it when you see the transitions from reality to Yi-jae's past and how that has been treated with care. The editing seamlessly moves between Death's abode and Seoul City, creating a cohesive visual flow. The show has drawn a delicate balance between fantasy and reality, skillfully integrating CGI when needed, not overdoing it.
Even though the original soundtrack album has yet to be released, and only two songs have been released by Sondia and Seo In-guk, the music by Park Sung-il is bound to be great. It's guaranteed!
'Death's Game': Can Kids Watch It?
Absolutely not! This show is highly violent, disturbingly graphic, uses foul language, and discusses mature content that is not suitable for young children and can leave a significant impact if watched.
Outlook's Verdict
So far, the first four episodes of 'Death's Game' were fast-paced and delivered incredible performances and fantastic writing. The show doesn't leave you at a cliffhanger because you know not all reincarnations have occurred yet, so the viewer knows what to expect. One can only hope that the remaining five reincarnations are given a good backdrop to them. Will Yi-jae and Death have an enemies-to-lovers trope, or will Yi-jae get to live at the end; it's almost impossible to say how this show will end. With an enthralling plot, a different concept, profound messages, a stellar cast, visually appealing scenes, and overall exceptional, dare I say, everything, skipping such an impressive web series would be a shame and something you would regret.
