Welcome to this anime review of Kakegurui, a thrilling and intense anime series that explores the dark and twisted world of high-stakes gambling.
Produced by Studio MAPPA and based on the manga series by Homura Kawamoto and Toru Naomura. Kakegurui takes viewers on a wild ride through the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy, where gambling isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life.
The series follows the story of Yumeko Jabami, a transfer student with a passion for gambling and a deep love for the thrill of the game.
As she navigates the school’s cutthroat hierarchy and faces off against some of the most skilled and ruthless players, Yumeko’s true nature is revealed, and the stakes become higher than ever before.
With its unique blend of high-stakes gambling, psychological manipulation, and stylish animation, Kakegurui is a must-watch for any fan of the anime genre.
So sit back, buckle up, and get ready to be taken on a wild ride through the dangerous and seductive world of Kakegurui.
Kakegurui Synopsis
Kakegurui is an anime series set in the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy, a school for the children of Japan’s elite. The school is run by a powerful student council, and the social hierarchy is determined by gambling skills. The stronger your gambling ability, the higher your status in the school.
The story follows the arrival of Yumeko Jabami, a transfer student with a love for gambling and a talent for reading people. She quickly becomes embroiled in the school’s twisted gambling culture, where students bet everything from their fortunes to their very lives.
At the top of the school’s social hierarchy is the student council, led by the beautiful and ruthless Kirari Momobami. Yumeko is drawn to Kirari’s gambling style and quickly sets her sights on challenging her for the top spot.
Throughout the series, Yumeko faces off against some of the school’s most skilled and manipulative players, including the student council members themselves. She quickly becomes known for her daring bets and fearless attitude, which both impresses and terrifies her opponents.
As the series progresses, Yumeko’s true nature is revealed, and she becomes a symbol of rebellion for the other students who are tired of the oppressive gambling culture at the school. Together with her new allies, Yumeko sets out to challenge the status quo and bring a new era of fairness and freedom to Hyakkaou Private Academy.
Throughout the series, viewers are treated to intense and thrilling gambling matches, where the stakes are high and the tension is palpable. The series is also known for its stylish animation, which brings the dark and twisted world of Hyakkaou to life.
Overall, Kakegurui is a must-watch for fans of intense and thrilling anime series. With its unique blend of high-stakes gambling, psychological manipulation, and captivating characters, it’s sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Is Kakegurui worth watching?
There are several reasons why people love Kakegurui so much. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Unique Concept:
The anime series offers a unique and captivating concept that revolves around the world of high-stakes gambling, which is not often explored in mainstream anime. The premise of the story is intriguing, and the way the show explores the psychology of gambling is fascinating.
Intense and Thrilling:
Kakegurui is known for its intense and thrilling nature. Every gambling match is full of tension and excitement, with high stakes and unexpected twists and turns. The series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
Complex and Captivating Characters:
The characters in Kakegurui are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations, desires, and quirks. The protagonist, Yumeko Jabami, is a captivating and mysterious figure who draws viewers in with her daring bets and fearless attitude.
The other characters, including the members of the student council, are equally fascinating and add depth to the story.
Stylish Animation:
The animation in Kakegurui is stylish and visually stunning. The character designs are unique, and the use of color and lighting helps to create a dark and twisted atmosphere that perfectly matches the tone of the show.
Psychological Themes:
The series explores psychological themes such as addiction, obsession, and manipulation. The way the characters use their knowledge of psychology to gain an advantage in gambling matches is both fascinating and unsettling.
Powerful Soundtrack:
The music in Kakegurui is powerful and evocative, adding to the intensity of the series. The opening and ending themes are particularly memorable and help to set the tone for the show.
Symbolic Imagery:
The series is full of symbolic imagery that adds depth to the story. The use of playing cards and other gambling-related symbols throughout the show helps to reinforce the themes of the series and creates a cohesive visual narrative.
Overall, Kakegurui is loved by many for its unique concept, intense and thrilling nature, complex characters, stylish animation, psychological themes, powerful soundtrack, and symbolic imagery. It’s a show that has something for everyone, and it’s easy to see why it has become such a beloved anime series.
Everything that sucks about Kakegurui
While Kakegurui has been widely popular among fans, it has also received some criticism. Here are some of the common criticisms that the show has faced:
Lack of Character Development:
While the characters in Kakegurui are complex and interesting, some viewers have criticized the show for not giving them enough development over the course of the series. Some of the characters are only briefly introduced and don’t receive much attention later on.
Repetitive Plot:
Some viewers have criticized the series for having a repetitive plot, with many of the gambling matches following a similar formula. While each match has its own unique elements, some viewers have found the predictability of the show to be a downside.
Unrealistic Portrayal of Gambling:
Some viewers have criticized the show for its unrealistic portrayal of gambling. While the show does explore the psychology of gambling, it often exaggerates the stakes and the consequences of losing, making it difficult for some viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story.
Over-the-Top Characters:
Some viewers have criticized the show for its over-the-top characters, particularly the members of the student council. While the characters are meant to be exaggerated and larger-than-life, some viewers have found them to be too ridiculous and not believable.
Lack of Diversity:
Some viewers have criticized the show for its lack of diversity, both in terms of characters and settings. The series takes place in a wealthy, elite school, and the majority of the characters are wealthy and privileged.
Some viewers have argued that the show could benefit from more diverse characters and settings.
Overall, while Kakegurui has been well-received by many fans, it has also faced criticism for its lack of character development, repetitive plot, unrealistic portrayal of gambling, over-the-top characters, and lack of diversity.
Final thoughts on Kakegurui
In conclusion, Kakegurui is an anime series that has captured the attention of many viewers with its unique concept, intense plot, complex characters, stylish animation, psychological themes, powerful soundtrack, and symbolic imagery.
The show’s exploration of the world of high-stakes gambling and the psychology behind it is both fascinating and unsettling. While the show has received some criticism for its lack of character development, repetitive plot, and unrealistic portrayal of gambling, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it remains a beloved series among many anime fans.
Kakegurui is a must-watch for those looking for a thrilling and captivating anime series that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
