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In Japanese with English & Chinese Subtitles
Genre: Drama
Director: Hiroaki Matsuyama
Cast: Erika
Toda, Shota Matsuda, Megumi Seki, Michiko Kichise, YosiYosi
Arakawa, Seiichi Tanabe, Ikkei Watanabe, Toshihiro Wada, Kazuma
Suzuki, Mari Hamada
RunTime: 2 hrs 13 mins
Released By: Encore Films & GV
Rating: PG
Official Website:
http://www.facebook.com/liargamemovie
Opening Day: 12 August 2010
Synopsis:
Based on the popular Japanese manga and Fuji TV drama series,
LIAR GAME: THE FINAL STAGE follows simple young college student
Nao Kanzaki (Erika Toda) who unwittingly finds herself caught
in a dangerous high-stakes tournament, whereby players can
either win a fortune or incur a ridiculous amount of debt.
Nao manages to secure help in playing the game from a genius
con artist named Shinichi Akiyama (Shota Matsuda), but is
he really a friend or a foe? How can she survive this microcosm
of greed and deceit?
Movie Review:
Liar
Game: The Final Chapter is currently ranked 7 in the best
selling Japanese movies in the first half of 2010 at the Japan
box office sales*. Crucial to the success of this movie probably
lies in its ability to attract viewers and leaving them 'wanting
for more'.
It all started with the drama, which first aired on Fuji TV
in Japan in April 2007. Considering that it was the first
Saturday drama on Fuji TV, it yielded a good response and
viewership. Its popularity is proven to last when the sequel
to the series aired in Japan late last year and hence the
bold move of this movie tie-up.
Despite the two-year gap, Matsuda Shota was still able to
portray the familiar Akiyama Shinichi, stoic and lack of observable
facial expression. He plays the key role and creates the overall
mood of the movie. His portrayal of Akiyama shows his sophistication
and the growth from the first series, considerably warmer.
Likewise, Toda Erika demonstrates maturity in her portrayal
of Kanzaki Nao in the movie. She is probably also one of the
contributing factors in the success of the film as the budding
star drawn the public’s attention on the movie. Popular
is probably an understatement for her current booming success
in Japan as she was even crowned first out of 150 Most Influential
Idols of 2010 that was based on the attained results and predictions
for 2010. She’s also commonly sighted in local Japanese
magazine covers and fashion spreads. Through this movie, she
has proven that apart from her trademark 'pout lips', she
can also grow with her character and hence pull of a refined
act. Moreover, considering that the second series, together
with this movie were shot over a period of 5 months, it is
only reasonable to expect better and more intense chemistry
between Akiyama and Nao-chan.
Since this movie has a strong backing from the manga, its
plot is far from bland. In fact, it contains much intelligence
and fervour. The plus point of this movie is that even if
one did not follow the series from the start, he will still
be intrigued by the concept and the story of the movie. It
brings the viewer into the game, and it is easy to follow
and relate to. The unexpected twists and turns were also positioned
timely to build up towards the climax of the movie.
Though the tone of the movie is set to be more sophisticated
and dark, the few wacky and comedic characters help to balance
that out. The set where most shots of the movie were shot
at was crucial to perpetuate the tone as well. Striking similarities
with the previous game sets, it brings people into the pseudo-reality
where the game commences.
Also, the director tends to take more close-up shots. This
makes it more personal to the viewers, whilst leaving out
the intimidation. As revealed by Toda Erika in an interview,
the movie has 3000 cuts (!!) as compared to an ordinary movie’s
1000 cuts. That in itself is applaud worthy and shows how
meticulous the director is in delivering the movie as to ensure
there are as little loopholes as possible, a supremely important
aspect to keep in mind to produce a psychological thriller
of this kind.
Objectively
speaking, this movie is definitely a classy piece from the
movies from its own league. However, comparing it to the vast
number of psychological thrillers in the scene, this may not
be the best choice. Then again overall, this movie did serve
its purpose till the end and is indeed a good conclusion to
the series. Viewers can finally uncover the mystery to the
game. The end was seemingly simple and easy to swallow, yet
it is the key message in the movie which leaves one questioning
the value of the trust, faith and integrity in mankind.
Movie Rating:
(This is not only a game of deception, it teaches
a person to notice the meaning of trust and faith.)
Review by Tho Shu Ling
*Credits:
http://www.kawaii-joyuu.com/2010/08/04/most-successful-movies-at-japanese-box-offices-in-first-half-of-2010/
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