As the Gods Will

The film draws heavily from Japanese folklore and children's games, reflecting a cultural fascination with competition, tradition, and the inherent dangers of seemingly innocent activities. It can be interpreted as a commentary on the pressures faced by Japanese youth in a competitive academic and social environment, where conformity is often prioritized over individuality.

• The unique and visually stunning depiction of classic children's games turned into deadly challenges creates a captivating and thrilling viewing experience.
• The film explores themes of apathy, societal pressure, and the value of human life in a creatively over-the-top manner, prompting reflection on modern social issues.
• The characters, though somewhat archetypal, are engaging, and their reactions to the extreme situations are believable and often humorous, providing a balance of seriousness and entertainment.
• The fast-paced plot and unpredictable nature of the challenges keep the audience on the edge of their seats, making it a highly suspenseful and engaging film.

Fun Facts

• The film is based on the manga of the same name by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Akeji Fujimura.
• The 'Daruma-san ga koronda' game, the first challenge, is a real children's game in Japan. The film's version is a significantly amplified and deadly interpretation.
• Director Takashi Miike is known for his prolific and often controversial filmography, spanning various genres, and 'As the Gods Will' is a relatively accessible entry point into his body of work compared to some of his more extreme films.