「 The Review 」SynopsisAfter deceiving numerous people, Japan's top swindler Edamura Makoto has found his rival after he failed to outwit him.
StoryThese anime have exposed the other side of Arts and Entertainment. Events that most people don't even think of 'cause they were too blinded by the nice things they were shown to them.
In all 23 episodes, four different, but related stories were presented. If I were to give them a definitive title, it will be something like these:
1st Case: Hollywood Behind closed Doors
2nd Case: Dirty Business in Sports Entertainment
3rd Case: Art for Love or Love for Art
4th Case: Sweet Revenge
Around the time I was reviewing this, it was also the election in the US. So, when I watched the finale and saw the scene where there was a new president, I was like: Did Wit Studio do that on purpose? Like they knew there will be a new president in America, or was that in the source material all along? Either way, it was a great addition for the last episode.
Edamura and Laurent were the top two con artists in this show, and from the very beginning, it was obvious it will be a battle of who's superior between them. And in the end, Edamame slightly won, thanks to all of Laurent's plans which have trained him to be a better swindler.
Of all the members of their team, Abbie was my favorite. Not only she's good at physical combat, but I like her personality when it comes to business, and by that I mean she's very serious at portraying any role given to her and doesn't like any BS.
In the next season, who I want to see evolve was Dorothy. I can't wait to see how the creators will present her, especially since she has lost some of her memories.
The finale had the best writing, but, if I get to choose from the rest of the series, episodes 3 and 19 for me rounds up the top three.
Episode three's car chase scene was beyond spectacular. And I think that episode was the game-changer, it had all the shocks and twists you will need.
Meanwhile, episode 19 was a flashback from the original batch of con artists and it was so great to see Laurent as an amateur. He's like Edamura, but more charming (lol).
And this was his dialogue on that episode which stuck on me:
Laurent: "Reality doesn't always turn out as well as games do."
Artwork / AnimationThis is the kind of anime where even though the opening sequence was great, you just really want to skip it, because you just know the show will be effin' awesome.
Speaking of opening animation, that one gave me a Lupin III vibe.
I like their unique approach on the background, it's like different angles of a gradient with cut out filter. The flow of colors was "haphazard but constructed."
Also check out their art for the Lujiazui, Shanghai Central Business District, and Singapore Skyline:
Very identical to the original.
Music / SoundLove the choice for the ending song... I surely didn't expect it. (I won't mention what it is, 'cause I want you to be surprised as well.)
Lots of amazing insert songs in this anime as well, with the 3rd case having the best tracks. And when it comes to the background music, episode 15 had the most variety.
Lastly, regarding sound effects, episodes 5, 10, and 22, definitely had the best mix.
Episode Ratings- 1 - CASE1_1: Los Angeles Connection - 5
- 2 - CASE1_2: Los Angeles Connection - 5
- 3 - CASE1_3: Los Angeles Connection - 5
- 4 - CASE1_4: Los Angeles Connection - 5
- 5 - CASE1_5: Los Angeles Connection - 5
- 6 - CASE2_1: Singapore Sky - 4.5
- 7 - CASE2_2: Singapore Sky - 5
- 8 - CASE2_3: Singapore Sky - 4
- 9 - CASE2_4: Singapore Sky - 5
- 10 - CASE2_5: Singapore Sky - 5
- 11 - CASE3_1: Snow of London - 5
- 12 - CASE3_2: Snow of London - 4.5
- 13 - CASE3_3: Snow of London - 5
- 14 - CASE3_4: Snow of London - 5
- 15 - CASE4_1: Wizard of Far East - 5
- 16 - CASE4_2: Wizard of Far East - 4
- 17 - CASE4_3: Wizard of Far East - 4
- 18 - CASE4_4: Wizard of Far East - 4
- 19 - CASE4_5: Wizard of Far East - 5
- 20 - CASE4_6: Wizard of Far East - 5
- 21 - CASE4_7: Wizard of Far East - 4
- 22 - CASE4_8: Wizard of Far East - 5
- 23 - CASE4_9: Wizard of Far East - 5
PS: Just a thought... Couldn't those who have been scammed, simply search the web first about the people the con artists have introduced to them, so they can know if they were legit or not?
And, if you're wondering who's the new President, it's the actor from the Razzie film:
「 Series Rating 」
An otaku since the mid-90's. I consider Evangelion as the most influential anime. My favorite classic films are Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away.
