Liar Game (2007)

An intellectual, mindblowing series that unfortunately grated on my nerves with its over-the-top acting.

THE GOOD
Two reasons:
1.) The mind games
I loved how this drama stimulated my mind. I loved the mathematical formulas, theories and solutions to the problems in every round. It was quite thrilling and impressive to watch. I've often wondered just how hard the writer of the manga and the staff of the dorama must have worked in researching about mathematical principles every day to keep things going. It's not easy to come up with new tricks in every episode, and in very creative ways at that!

2.) Akiyama Shinichi
I just loved how brilliant he was! His tactics were meticulously thought out. Definitely one of the most intelligent characters ever. There were a lot of instances when I'd think that their team would face an inevitable defeat because of a "winning" strategy by the opposing team...only to see him reveal a genius plan that would have Einstein make a run for his money in the end. It also helped that Matsuda Shota looked really hot and good-looking LOL. It's pretty heartwarming to see that he's always so protective of Nao, considering how jaded and detached he is from people. I personally think that they would make a great couple because they balance each other out. But most importantly, they transform each other for the better through mutual trust and support. This is one of those OTP's which I liked who had never been romantic nor will they ever be in the future. I have to admit though...as much as I tried to be understanding of Nao's savior-complex and honest-to-a-fault personality because I knew that she would become stronger and wiser as the story progressed, my irritation with her remained. I guess it's because I often found her tendency to trust idiotic and dangerous. I mean, she's involved in a cynical and sadistic game where people MUST cheat and lie in order to survive. As a result, she becomes a favorite target in the game because she's just so easy to fool. I guess every drama with this theme needs a moral compass right? However, I do think that her pure heart does have its benefits. Her ability to win the trust of her fellow contestants contributed to their team's victory at times. The objective of the Liar Game was to prove the innate edacity and selfishness of the human heart. But Nao's character was made to counteract this belief...and for that, she made a huge impact on people corrupted by greed (Fukunaga) and bitterness (Akiyama).


THE BAD
Like I said, the acting grated on my nerves. I guess this is the problem I have with live action dramas of mangas (except HYD). The acting performance is over the top, to the extent that it gets irritating. The performances of the actors were forced, most notably by the actors who played Fukunaga Yuji (this guy!) and Kanzaki Nao (Toda Erika). I knew it was a live adaptation of a manga so I was trying my best to be forgiving. Unfortunately, there were just so many instances in which their exaggerated expressions grated on my nerves that it was no longer possible for me to fully enjoy the show. The characters over the entire series and movie, apart from Nao and Akiyama, were stereotypical, one-dimensional and suffered meager character growth although this might not be the case in the manga, I don't know, I haven't read anything beyond the first chapter.

The movie, Liar Game: The Final Stage

It was fun. I enjoyed it more than the series actually. Nao finally grew up, the game ironically taught them all the importance of trust and the dialogue between her and Akiyama in the final scene satisfied me.

Would I recommended it? Well, yes, to anyone looking for a mentally-stimulating show. In that aspect, Liar Game exceeds expectations with all those mind games, twists, and psychological battles.

Lire davantage

Liar Game was simply epic.

The story was quite good, it was very heavy on the central theme of the drama, (which is totally my genre). The one thing I love the most in this drama is the plot development, something that would really make you ponder of what would happen next. The series was full of interesting twists and turns. Mostly of the story involves a surreal environment, yet many morals of the series turns out to be applicable in real life. it is a the twisted surreal setting creatively compared to the present real situations in life. It also shows explicitly the very face of human nature. A very good psychological drama, that touches the realms of surreal environment and gives interesting viewpoints of reality.
The cast was well selected, all actors and actresses are totally in to their role, especially Matsuda Shota and Toda Erika, their acting capacity is seriously good, you can immediately tell the kind of personality a certain character has by just watching at their gestures and acting skills. They do outstanding facial expressions, one that will lure you to an idea inversely proportionate to the actual idea embodied in the story. Music was totally in, it fits the nature and setting of the story, mind-blogging and twisted. I would say a 10 of 10 for a rewatch value, especially if you are a fan of mind-blogging trick games and or if you want a deeper understanding of the story and the nature of each trick presented. In a over-all rate, I give it a 10, this is not the type of melodrama that brings you tears or makes you fall in love, but it is the type of drama that disturbs your ideals and test your brains. :)

Lire davantage

Liar Game is an enjoyable drama, but the female lead is as stupid as they come. It gets to the point of disbelief at how incredibly stupid and naive she can be, but the male lead totally makes up for all of that. I've become a big fan of matsuda shota after watching this drama.
So this apparently is based off a manga, but i never read it. (Don't plan to). Anyways, there's some game tht pits different individuals against each other in these different types of games, and the goal is get everyone's money by lying, after all it is called the Liar Game. The consequence for the losers is that they will all end up in debt of 100 million yen. So one day Nao, the female lead, gets inducted in the game, but she can't lie to save her life. And in addition to that, she doesn't know when anyone is lying to her either. "She's too honest for her own good." She wants to win the game by telling the truth and working together, so that way no one ends up in debt. I actually agree with her thinking, because I believe that'd be my philosophy too, but she's so gullible it's unbelievable. It's just way too overdramatized. But I do see that she's genuine so I can't bring myself to hate her.
Akiyama, the male lead, gets into the game because Nao sought him out to help her win this game because she was told he's a genius swindler. He's my favorite character, I love him so much. Talk about a character with swag. His whole persona just makes him so attractive to me. He's so intelligent, calm, and collected all the time. He's so laid back and chill, I'd like to find one person who didn't like this character. Anyways, his goal is to bring down the organization behind the game.
This drama acts like it's oh so smart, but it really isn't. I find the games, and the solutions to them pretty stupid, but it's entertaining enough. I really did enjoy it. If ur looking for a smart watch, I definitely wouldn't recommend, it'd just make u roll ur eyes. But if you could suspend disbelief and logic for a min, I think u'd really enjoy it. Plus, Matsuda Shota!

Lire davantage

I only finished watching it now. I should have tried watching it wayyy back. It's one of those dramas that will keep you glued and want for more. I find myself craving for more after watching this drama so most likely I will watch the next installments of this drama. I didn't notice the time while watching it. I find the acting of the main characters and even the supporting characters great and unforgettable. I find Nao annoying at times but I guess it's her role to be like that so it's ok. I find her acting convincing enough because she was able to make me feel that way. The music adds to the appeal to this drama. It makes your heart skip a beat. I love the music. I will most likely watch the drama again if I want to whether I'm alone or with other people. Overall, this is one of the great suspense dramas out there which teaches you a lesson and something to ponder about life especially about TRUST. It's entertaining and educational at the same time which makes it more interesting to watch. :)

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one of my first japanese dramas to watch. this was a brilliant idea for a game. akiyama was just hot and swindly, his character was my favorite. kanzaki was stupidly honest and for this show she was testing my patience everytime she gets tricked and still forgets like a gold fish. i wanted to scream and slap her 90% of the time. shes the reason its not a 10. the other annoying character is fukunaga. he just looks like a mushroom and his laughter is just annoying. i would only rewatch to get the concept but i wouldnt sit through another fuku and nao moment. the way akiyama went about studying his opponents was brilliant and it makes u think alot. anyways its a cool show.

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The good, the bad, and the idiot.

I couldn't get past how incredible Nao was...incredibly stupid that is! Out of all the female leads I've seen in dramas, Nao wins as the most dumb, gullible, and annoying character ever. Quite a feat! Seriously, she never learns from her mistakes and constantly needs saving. You would think after her former teacher deceived her she would have wised up and get that the world is not cotton candy and rainbows and humans aren't all sugar plum fairies. I wanted to throw my device everytime she came on screen with her wide eyed, mouth gaped open stare. There's innocence and honesty and then theres just good ol plain stupidy. It's actually offensive how much of a ditz Nao is, and it's her character alone that makes me lower this show's rating from a 10 to a 7.5. What a pity.
Now on to what still makes this drama a good classic show...
In one word Akiyama. Yes, the male lead. He not only saved Nao again and again, but he saved the show. He's a genius but not boastful. Very cool and collected. It's fascinating to watch how he will get out of a jam (which Nao put him in), outwit contestants and win in Liar game. Speaking of games, that's another highlight of this show. The games are intellectual and take strategy to figure out. Great stuff! Side characters are all purposely exaggerated like the Austin Powers wannabe mushroom haired villian. It works though and helps keep the story light and not too heavy. However, If you don't like dramatic anime style characters, then I would steer clear of this show. So without giving too much more away I will say this, Liar game keeps you on your toes. It's exciting and fast paced, making this drama one fun ride.

Lire davantage

This is easily my favourite Japanese drama of all time.
The story is full of suspense and is gripping from the very start, with the different 'games' that the characters are put through just become more and more exciting.
The dark and devious Akiyama (Matsuda Shota) is a perfect match to the innocent and naiive Nao (Toda Erika) and the combination really works. The rest of the cast too are over the top, a bit crazy, but it perfectly fits the drama.
The music used in this drama is sensational. It is a soundtrack I find myself listening to often, and each piece fits the situation in which they are used perfectly.
Overall this is a brilliant quality drama. The writing is both witty and suspenseful, and never gets boring. Anyone who is considering watching it should, as they will not regret it.

Lire davantage

I was really excited when I first heard about this, and was not disappointed. It was very different from the manga in interesting ways.

The only thing I disliked is that half of the time, I found myself wanting to slap the characters. Nao especially, for not learning or thinking for herself. For example, in the revival round: "Akiyama's not here to save me so guess I'll just give up..." Really Nao?!
I found that the main antagonists had the typical pathetic bad guy syndrome, being too cocky and revealing their plans. Combine that with the annoying evil laughter, and...
The few exceptions were: Akiyama, Eto Koichi, Ishida Rie, and coordinator Eri. Although I had seen Matsuda Shota in Hana Yori Dango, his role as Akiyama made me a fan. It was acted perfectly. Akiyama is a genius and the most entertaining part of the drama is trying to figure out what he will do next.

I loved the main theme music and still enjoy listening to it.

I highly recommend this to everyone, especially those who like psychological dramas. It was suspenseful throughout and was a great brain teaser. I'll also warn that the special episode is partly recap, with some new scenes in between and at the end, so you can skip the recap parts.

Lire davantage

Story - 10/10: It is super interesting, to say the least. I had a lot of fun watching this. This series taught me so much and I think it's so cool seeing the tricks behind all the games they play. A lot of games are very unexpected and this series was the starting point of me watching other psychology dramas like this. I do understand that many people dislike the main girl's personality and her naiveness. However, I got over it because I think the main part which is the games/gambling they had won me over and made me forget her naiveness.

Acting/Cast - 8/10: I believe that the cast do work pretty well together. Matsuda Shota played his part very well. He is the cold-hearted main guy lead and I think he is the main reason why I kept watching this. I've seen others say that the acting is terrible but keep in mind that this was shot in 2007 and it is pretty old. The production isn't the best quality and I'm sure that if this was produced in 2020, they would have much better acting skills.

Music - 6.5/10: I'm not sure if the music would suit everyone's taste. I don't particularly have an opinion on this... It is also quite dramatic in the climax scenes though.

Rewatch Value - 10/10: I've rewatched this series multiple times and I have to say, every time I watch this, I learn something new and it's interesting to see the tricks behind everything. I wish there were more series like this so I don't have to watch it every time I want to watch these kinds of dramas.

Overall, I totally recommend this to anyone who is able to look past the poor acting and bad quality of production. Keep in mind that it was done in 2007 and this was probably how the Japanese would've liked their production back then. It is a very interesting concept that more series should consider going into.

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