Latest news with #Blood&Water
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Less raunchy and more fun with Netflix's adaptation of 'Kakegurui'
When it comes to Netflix's new show Bet, it is important to understand that it's subjectively bad. It's just another teen drama that doesn't move the genre forward in any way and doesn't bring anything in terms of its main plot that hasn't been done in local and international counterparts like Young Royals and Blood & Water. However, the series shines as an adaptation of its anime original. Alongside the 'book is better than the movie' arguments that are debated often by fans of both genres, manga (Japanese comics) and anime have had the same relationship among their fans — especially when anime adaptations water down the original content due to censorship or for marketing reasons. This was the fate of one of the original gambling manga, Yu-Gi-Oh, which was adapted for screen with its in-story monster card game rather than the wars waged over deadly parlour and board games. This brings us to Netflix's latest anime adaptation, Bet, which follows Yumeko Jabami, a childish savant who becomes fixated with gambling in her attempt to avenge her dead parents. Eclipsed by the success of One Piece, the series has big shoes to fill in what was deemed as the best anime adaptation by fans of the genre. Except One Piece was not an adaptation but a retelling. Bet shuffled a new deck of cards, and it was good. Since the popularity of shows like 2007's Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars (also adaptations), the teen drama genre has held onto an obsession with affluent teens and their dark, mysterious lives. While the latter two thrived thanks to unmasking lifestyles of the young and affluent or creating programmes that are a canvas for young viewers to project their wildest fantasies, their successors like Riverdale, Elite and 13 Reasons Why have not achieved the same critical and commercial success. Bet suffers from the same problem, leaning into stereotypes rather than the creative liberties taken in the anime. And while it certainly won't garner critical acclaim, it does not fail to explore the people and stories of its counterparts in a genre that has long since lost the ability to tell a riveting story. In the anime original, Yumeko has no revenge story but is something of a demonic entity with sexually charged dispositions whenever she faces an opponent. In both adaptations, the story takes place at an expensive school for the children of the 1%, where the student body has full control to gamble and learn life skills that would turn them into the sharks that their parents have become. The anime version of Yumeko is not greatly affected by the clan system that comes to define many of the characters' positions at the school, but on the surface, her wins and losses become cautionary tales about the greed that defines the affluent children she faces. The series escapes this shallow exploration and goes for a deeper exploration of the adults. Extramural activities are not highly regarded and are treated as an anecdotal hobby to gloat about. In its place, how one gambles is rewarded with much fanfare by children and adults alike. Through scholar debts and a cut-throat top 10 system, the school mirrors the real world and pushes Yumeko and others to be ruthless in their pursuit of staying above the debt line with other house pets (students who have gambled too much and owe money to the top 10). Through Yumeko and the other characters, we learn more about their parents, their time at the school, how the system has continued and the pressures on the nepo babies who will do anything to protect their problematic mothers and fathers. A commendable change is seen in their approach to the main antagonist, Kira Timurov. Named Kirari Momobami in the anime, she is cool, calm and rarely distressed by any challenge she encounters. She uses those around her for amusement rather than a grander scheme. The more human Kira is subjected to high amounts of pressure, buckling under the pressure of her ice queen exterior and runs herself into a wall countless times in an attempt to thwart Yumeko, who is the exact opposite, driven by blood lust. The clear contrasts between the two drives the divisive anime, when looking past the fan service (anime term referring to hypersexualised details of how women are drawn, speak or behave) that plagues the production. Yumeko and Kirari's love for gambling creates this fantastical world and its bizarre storylines while Bet escapes this through both characters having to understand what drives many of their friends and foes to either cheat or truly break their backs trying to earn a win. Bringing nothing spectacular to watching experiences, Bet is another superficial exploration of teen drama tropes, but shines in escaping the conventions that have made it cringeworthy.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Couples who binge together, stay together: 5 unexpected benefits of TV marathons
Studies have shown that engaging in shared activities enhances closeness in romantic relationships. Our relationships are often tested by time constraints, work pressures, and societal expectations, couples are finding creative ways to strengthen their connection. The dynamics of modern dating often reflect a desire for a deeper connection amidst the chaos of everyday life. For many couples, this means finding simple yet meaningful ways to bond. Interestingly, one of the most underrated yet effective bonding activities is binge-watching TV shows together. While the idea may seem trivial, recent research and behavioural studies reveal surprising emotional and relational benefits of this shared pastime. According to when couples sit down to watch TV shows together, it becomes more than just a passive activity. It transforms into a shared adventure filled with laughter, emotions, and even moments of reflection. 1. Creating shared experiences that strengthen bonds Shared experiences are the foundation of emotionally fulfilling relationships. They foster empathy, create lasting memories, and cultivate a sense of togetherness. Watching TV shows as a couple is a readily accessible shared experience that doesn't require elaborate planning or financial strain. Studies have shown that engaging in shared activities enhances closeness in romantic relationships. For couples juggling busy schedules, settling down for a series on Netflix or Showmax can serve as a mini retreat, a chance to reconnect after a long day. Whether it's debating the storyline of Inimba or laughing over the antics in How to Ruin Christmas, these moments become the glue that holds relationships together. 2. Introducing new topics of conversation One of the most mundane yet underestimated challenges in relationships is running out of things to talk about. Watching TV shows together can inject fresh topics into your conversations, breaking the monotony of discussing work, family, or chores. South Africa's diverse cultural landscape offers a unique opportunity to explore shows that feature different perspectives, such as "Blood & Water" or "Savage Beauty". These shows introduce themes of identity, social justice, and relationships, sparking meaningful dialogue. Couples can also engage in playful debates about character decisions or hypothetical scenarios from their favourite series, keeping the relationship dynamic and intellectually stimulating.
News24
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Unseen season 2 set to be more intense as Zenzi Mwale escapes from prison
After two years of uncertainty, season 2 of Netflix's Unseen returns with more twists and new faces. According to Gail Mabalane, who plays cleaner-turned-killer Zenzi Mwale, if people thought season 1 was intense, this season would raise the stakes even higher. As the second season is set to drop on Friday, 2 May, with a deeper glimpse into who Zenzi is and why she is the way she is, City Press caught up with Mabalane, Dineo Langa (Naledi) and new addition Danica Jones (TK) to talk more about the much-awaited season and their characters. In Unseen season 1, Zenzi was pulled into a deadly criminal web after struggling to find her husband following his release from prison. Season 2 follows her on the run after escaping prison. Looking back at the praises she received after the first season, the Blood & Water actress said sometimes all actors needed was to be seen. She said the work put so much into the characters to bring them to life. However, as much as they were not looking for accolades or pats on the back, they appreciated the reception. "My heart's desire is to tell her story authentically and just stay true to whatever it is that she wants to bring to life and be able to take people through this journey. You get done, you wrap and you move on to the next thing," she said. Mabalane added that wrapping up a show came with separation anxiety because the characters and people behind the scenes became a part of the actor's world. She said it came with a bit of grief, but seeing people enjoying the show was an incredible feeling. "For Zenzi to be what she was and do what she did in seasons 1 and 2, I am only as strong as the people who surround me. I never want to take credit just as myself for bringing the character to life because, had we not had Dineo play the sister she is or Danica play TK the way she did, [I would not have played Zenzi the way I did]. I give credit to Gambit [Films] and Netflix for trusting me and my fellow cast members for giving 110% every single day," she said. The actress said, in season 1, she found similarities between herself and Zinzi as black women, and she drew from herself to play the character. She added that, with the reception Unseen received for the first season, especially how she portrayed Zenzi, she could not help but feel pressure to live up to it or top the performance for the second season. Sharing about the character growth for this season, Mabalane said: Zenzi navigates uncharted territory this season, so it was really about growing with her and allowing her to be true and honest in her response to the reality she finds herself in. Season 2 honours what audiences loved about the show and Zenzi but also shows new layers to this complex human. So yes, the bar was high, but, as a team – cast and crew – I can confidently say that we gave it our all. After you've poured your heart into something, you surrender and allow the show to stand on its own. Langa chipped in and sang the praises of Mabalane, saying she gave a global performance and would stand head and shoulders above many international actresses. She said having Mabalane play the lead in Unseen developed them as fellow cast members, and that opportunities were wide for women today in film and television. The actress further said that, to return as Zenzi's sister after she had briefly appeared in season 1 was a testament to the fact that the writers and producers trusted the performance she gave. She said, more than anything, she was grateful to be working with Gambit Films that has produced immaculate projects for Netflix Africa. "For me to be seen by them means a lot more than I can express. It makes one want to do more and step up a bit more. I am grateful for the opportunity," she said. Sharing about the relationship between the sisters played by her and Mabalane, she said: Naledi and Zenzi's relationship goes through a complicated revival. There are growth spurts for Naledi in this season, but it isn't necessarily through the means everyone would assume. The alliance grows, and so does the loyalty, but the journey travelled to get there is heavy terrain. One of this season's additions is seasoned actress Jones, who plays TK, a cunning inmate with a dangerous hidden agenda. Having portrayed different roles, the actress said TK was a character she had to discover, reveal and meet piece by piece on set. The former Scandal! actress said that, to play the character on Unseen, she had to not care about what people thought. "My preparation was knowing my script flawlessly and making time to practise the stunt choreography but, ultimately, I would remain as present as possible so I could be as responsive as possible. TK is probably in my top three challenging roles … because she forced me to make audacious choices and trust them," she said. Jones shared that, in Unseen, women were breaking themselves and expanding instead of being made to look weak, and that made it empowering. She further said to women: "We see you.' Unseen season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on Friday, 2 May, and has six episodes.
