Run for the Money (2022)

Exciting from start to end

I had not a great day at work and was looking for something entertaining. I checked Netflix, saw Run for the Money: Battle Royal on the home page, and ignored it. About an hour later I saw it again. I thought that Japanese guy looks just like Choi Min Ho. Turns out that Japanese wasn't Japanese, but it was Minho. I know about Minho's competitive streak and athleticism from his many guest appearances on Running Man so I decided to watch the trailer. Next thing I know I'm at the end of episode 1. Three hours after that, I'm done.

RFTM reminded me of an American reality show from about 10 years ago, that wasn't half as exciting. The concept was 29 celebrities are hunted for 3 hours or until they are all put in jail Each minute they remain uncaught money drops in the pot. They can win up to 5.04 million yen which is roughly $35,000 USD. Not bad for 3 hours work. They have timed missions which can help them add money quicker and lower the amount of hunters. Besides being physical, it's a psychological game. Who can be trusted? Who will betray? In some aspects it's a lot how Running Man used to be.

Over the years I've seen a few Japanese game/variety shows. I rarely stick with them. But this ...I would watch again. The short form made it more urgent. Also, the celebs were entertaining. It was obvious that being in front of the camera was nothing new to any of them. I'd seen a few of the actors and idols (well, I've heard songs by JO1). They were all entertaining and easy to like , even the Youtubers (ganbarre JinJin! "Run Kuro-san!"). I found myself rooting for quite a few by the end. I wish a few had more screen time, but like I said there was 29 of them. Many are dispatched rather quickly. The camera work and editing are extremely well done as is the video quality. Oh and the hunters, nothing to sneeze at. I really wish they had been unmasked at the end. Anyone that can run in dress shoes as fast as they were gets respect!

The music added to the tension. I know the outcome of everything, but if in the need of something amusing and competitive I wouldn't hesitate to re-watch RFTM. That's a a lot coming from me because I really don't re-watch.

Run For The Money is fast paced and marathon worthy. With only 4 - 60 minutes episodes, there's really nothing to lose.

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Run for your life, run for the money

What an hidden gem!!!

If you're looking for a really quick and fun watch then I'd HIGHLY recommend this. It's one of the most thrilling and entertaining competition shows I've seen in a while. I already rewatched it and I almost never rewatch anything.

The main "plot" is a group of 30 celebrity contestants who must outrun the Hunters, which are "androids" sent to tag them. Each passing second adds more yen to the total. Once you're tagged, you lose your chance at earning any money. Eventually various challenges are set up.

I really really loved the challenges and the dynamics between the contestants. I wasn't familiar with most of them, but they all brought their own charm to it (even the not so nice ones). I adore Marin Honda now. The challenges were all intense and creative. These brought about a more psychological approach to such a physical game. Adding in aspects like betrayal, teamwork, strength, and endurance. There's certainly a level of strategy and tact to this game as well.

The show was very tense. On my rewatch, I watched with my sister. She barely watches Asian media, but she kept screaming at the TV for them to run away. I've actually never seen her so into a show like that. Being chased by someone is already terrifying in of itself. But being chased by the Hunters??? That's an entirely different story. I just know that I would never survive with a dressed up man barreling full speed towards me. TERRIFYING.

But yeah, would highly recommend anyone in need of an exciting, quick weekend watch. I'd suggest watching with someone else too because it's just so fun to scream with someone else. Also if you're wondering: Minho is fantastic in this. I'm sure many are interested in this because of him and you will NOT be disappointed.

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