[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Kaiji 7-9: stabbed in the back
In a recent discussion with the ABC I noticed how our attitudes differ in terms of listening to music when writing blog posts; I usually have to have something playing in the background but in the case of Kaiji I prepared an especially GAR playlist featuring the likes of Metallica, Soundgarden, Diru’s new tune Dozing Green and a number of other manly rockin’ tunes to help me keep that defiant feeling in my head. Our boy has reached the end of the Espoir arc it seems, and in doing so he literally kicks ass - it’s not often that I get such a feeling of satisfaction from seeing the underdog pull through and tell it like it is…not Andou, the black suits, nor even items of furniture were safe from the onslaught of MULLET POWER. Huerrgh! indeed.
Famous last words…
As I outlined in the Kaiji-themed post in the Twelve Days 2007 countdown, our hero counters Funai’s below-the-belt tactics by exposing him and making sure his dirty dealings are thoroughly shafted. Unfortunately, the victory is short-lived after Kaiji risks it all by going into the Side Room of Nakedness and leaving his fortunes in the hands of Andou and Furuhata. Ah, the best-laid plans…
I did half-expect Andou to stab him in the back at some stage but come on…after everything he’s done for them, whatever happened to the ‘United We Stand’ mantra that’s carried them this far? I’m not ashamed to say I relished seeing him exact his revenge on the two jerks who left him high and dry (and naked!) - a kick to the gut and a sock to the face were thoroughly deserved in Andou’s case. I also thought Kaiji giving the less vindictive yet nevertheless spineless Furuhata a mere bitch-slap was also very much appropriate…and even more humiliating in some ways. I mean, he SLAPPED him! Furuhata didn’t even warrant a manly punch from him! Heh.
Andou pwnage…priceless
The bandage on the other guy’s shoulder was a little conspicuous so less of a surprise perhaps, but the ending to the arc was masterfully done - the fight was brutal and felt so desparate and REAL…and yet, it was just another ruse cooked up by Kaiji while thinking on his feet. I absolutely respected Kaiji for saving that random guy at the end too, just because he felt sorry for him - showing mercy as soon as you have the means to do so, while still pwing the guys who screwed you over, makes him a true hero and survivor in my eyes. The pacing was nigh-on flawless throughout this arc too - it’s strange to think that the apparently simple Restricted Rock, Paper, Scissors was milked to perfection over nine whole episodes without a single minute feeling dull.
You show that table who’s boss!
As a matter of fact, the whole series has proved to be a rollercoaster of awesomeness from the get-go - as soon as you’ve mentally recovered from one plot twist or moment of manly tears you run up against another. The drama is balanced too; after all, this is a show in which grown men visibly shed tears and scream in despair. There were so many points where it could have been overdone or otherwise fall flat but the tension was wound up to a clammy-palms level without once losing its credibility. The shots in which the characters feelings were dramatised in their mind’s eye - such as literally floundering in stormy seas and awaiting the outstretched hands of salvation, the neon-coloured hiragana zawa-zawas drifting across the field of view and so on - sound cheesy in concept but seeing them play out on screen added much to the gritty atmosphere and palpable feelings of how much these guys have lost, and have to lose.
Posted on January 3rd, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
Kaiji’s violent outburst is an extremely satisfying end to the Espoir arc (and, as you say, it’s amazing that nine whole episodes were carried by just RRPS).
And the violence meted out to Andou and Furuhata is perfectly tuned too.
Posted on January 4th, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Kaiji episode 9 will go down in history as one of the most satisfying, cathartic episodes ever seen by man. I also thought it was interesting how Furuhata only got the bitchslap, instead of the Kaiji kung fu.
Also HUERRGH!
Posted on January 4th, 2008 @ 11:05 am
Have you watched Akagi yet? If not, you must
I could have done without seeing the room of naked men, but rest assured it will be parodied.
Posted on January 4th, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
@IKnight: I was grinning from ear to ear at that point. the word “TOLD!” simply doesn’t do it justice.
@Orion: that’s the great thing about Mullet Power: the moves are much more varied!
@Karura: Point taken in regards to Akagi - the manga-ka seems to have a great eye for pacing and plot twists. As for the Side Room of Nakedness, I’d quite happily erase it from my mind!
I’m interested to see what happens when Kaiji gets off the Espoir - those mafia guys don’t seem to have finished with him just yet.
Posted on January 5th, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
I should probably start watching then, eh…