Liar Game

Which will get you farther? Honesty or deceit? Is it really, "rule or be ruled," or can someone find peace for everyone? This 12-episode, Japanese television series will keep you asking those questions. Moving past the creepy looking face and strange name, this series is worth the investment.

The premise of the series is about a foolishly trusting girl, Nao Kanzaki, who unknowingly gets herself involved in a high stakes game called "Liar Game." The game requires its participants to deceive each other in order to obtain up to 1 million dollars and avoid a 1 million dollar debt. The company in charge tells their participants that they will obtain the money in any way, even if the participant can't afford it -- forcing them to play.

I was surprised that this show was not more popular or well known. The content is entertaining and the mystery is rich. It provokes thinking on an ethical level and plays on our humanistic tendencies. That being said, this is not simply a philosophical series. The bizarre behaviors of some of the characters and humorous camera effects keep the content lighter than a typical twisted mystery. I am also a fan of the intro music used throughout the series to shed light on a moment of pure ownage. As predictable as the content can sometimes be, it is always satisfying. Last, but not least, Shota Matsuda plays an excellent apathetic and gorgeous bad boy. <3 <3 <3

Oh, and hey! It's free (legitimately too...I think)!! Check it out! It's not that long of a series. ;)