Wait… Is “Bet” Actually A Good Anime Adaptation?

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Netflix’s show “Bet,” a loosely based adaptation inspired by the high-stakes gambling anime/manga “Kakegurui” by Kawamoto Homura, has made its way into Netflix’s Top 10. However, whether it succeeds or not is contingent on one’s expectations.

A Stylish Reboot… But Of What, Exactly?

The series “Kakegurui” is recognized for its high-stakes gambling scenes, twisted characters, and a narrative style that oscillates between black humor and unsettling terror. Additionally, it has gained notoriety for sequences that straddle the line between alluring and undeniably disquieting.

The story maintains its fundamental structure: it’s set in an exclusive institution where gambling shapes societal influence, introduces a enigmatic young woman concealing a secret objective, and is governed by a domineering student body. However, it adopts a combined persona.

The essential elements such as characters’ names and overall plot remain consistent, but their individual traits and driving forces have undergone significant changes.

One Reddit commenter describes its identity as follows:

“Bet” is inspired by Kakegurui the same way 50 Shades is inspired by Twilight.

High Stakes, Low Impact?

As a dedicated viewer, I must say that “Bet” truly stands out cinematically. It’s earned high praise for its chic directing style, smart use of visual jokes, and innovative sound design. At times, its campy, over-the-top humor mirrors the absurdity found in many anime series, making it a unique and entertaining watch.

Despite its stylish appeal, it has been heavily criticized for failing to capture the essence of what made Kakegurui engaging: the gambling aspect. Fans express disappointment that many games are portrayed off-screen or lack depth in strategy, transforming significant confrontations into simple plot advancements instead of intense mental duels.

A fan of the original anime noted on Reddit:

“By the end, I was so upset they never really emphasized the games, at some point it was just ‘Kira wins’ or ‘Yumeko wins,’ but we never saw their hands.”

Casting Praise, Directional Critique

The cast has been very well-received.

Audience members commended Martineau for her subtle approach to Yumeko and singled out Solanke’s performance as Ryan, which they found particularly noteworthy.

The audience appreciated the nuanced portrayal of Yumeko by Martineau and found Solanke’s acting as Ryan exceptional.

Or:

Audience members were impressed with Martineau’s delicate touch in playing Yumeko and thought Solanke did an outstanding job as Ryan, according to their comments.

However, some viewers found that the production veered towards a dramatic style, which they believed overshadowed the actors’ abilities and left the emotional impact of the show somewhat unrealistic.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my thoughts about the intriguing transformation in Yumeko’s character. Initially, in the anime, she was this wild card, relishing in uncertainty, danger, and the exhilaration that comes with the possibility of destruction. But in some adaptations, her edge seems to have been smoothed out, which I find myself pondering over.

In the revised version, Bet is made into a more compassionate lead character by providing her with a heart-wrenching past and a more defined emotional journey centered around her mother and a thirst for vengeance. These characteristics, such as crying, wavering, and hesitating, might help fresh viewers identify with her, but they could seem inconsistent to longtime fans of the original.

An Identity Crisis

In many cases, the show seems to straddle two distinct realms. The characters are adapted from their original anime forms into American versions, a move that appeals to some viewers who enjoy the localization process. However, other viewers expressed a preference for either an unaltered storyline with fresh names and concepts, or a faithful adherence to the source material.

Critics argue that the outcome lacks direction, not quite a tribute nor an entirely original piece.

Interestingly, the adaptation softens the explicit sexuality and rowdy nature of the original work, presumably aiming for wider acceptance in Western cultures. However, it surprisingly incorporates murder scenes, which are sometimes presented as jokes.

Verdict: Middling

The “Bet” experiment is quite intriguing, finding itself neither an utter failure nor the best possible outcome – more like a pair of jacks than a full house. Fans of “Kakegurui” might find it somewhat uncomfortable due to its frequent pop-culture references and toned-down characters.

Novices could show more leniency, particularly when viewing it as a self-contained teenage thriller instead of an exact replica.

The final episode seems to suggest there might be another season, possibly contingent upon the series’ ongoing popularity on streaming platforms. Despite its shortcomings, “Bet” effectively manages to stimulate discussions among viewers.

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2025-05-22 00:10