Kakegurui
By Jeremy Looney,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
High-stakes gambling anime has strong language, edgy sex.
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Kakegurui
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What's the Story?
KAKEGURUI is a show about Hyakkaou Private Academy, a prestigious institution that houses students from powerful, wealthy, and influential families. Students face off against one another in high-stakes gambling bets to determine their status and hierarchy within the academy. Those at the top hold the most power and influence with their strong gambling skills, while those at the bottom drown in their debts and become enslaved and known as "pets." Yumeko Jabami (voiced in the English version by Erika Harlacher) is a transfer student with an extreme addiction to gambling who's just entered the academy. She's determined to use her incredible gambling abilities and fearless attitude to take down the school's existing hierarchy.
Is It Any Good?
This anime centers around gambling addiction, manipulation, violence, and shockingly sexually themes that verge on the dark and edgy. Kakegurui has some great art and animation that captures the psychotic nature and sadistic expressions of its characters. However, it's hard to find redeeming qualities and motivations in the characters, who sadistically bully, lie, cheat, and manipulate others to defeat their opponents. Yumeko's gambling skills seem to easily surpass any of her opponents, so it constantly feels like she's never in any real danger of losing her bets. This can make the tension of the gambling showdowns feel less impactful. If you're into gambling and psychological thrillers, you may be interested in this unique anime, but keep in mind it's got some flaws and the dark and edgy themes aren't suited for younger audiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the dangers of gambling addiction. Which characters suffer from gambling addiction and what are the consequences?
Talk about bullying and manipulation. What are the effects of bullying? How does bullying lead to anxiety, depression, stress, and anger?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 1, 2018
- Cast: Erika Harlacher , Adam Gibbs , Michelle Ruff
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Anime
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: August 2, 2023
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