ethanfok

The original series set out to define a microcosm of experiences. With the limited arena of a game show, the PDs tried to emulate the challenges of life situations in a concentrated formula. The members would engage in travelling, hunting, survival, resource management, and interaction within a myriad of environments. A recurring theme, that conflict is an inevitable phenomenon due to differing interests, values, beliefs, and resources is examined in the light of societal topics. There is speculation that the series planted the seeds for the squid game concept that became a global phenomenon. The characteristics of the scarecrow, tin man, and cowardly lion are embodied in the personalities of the members. Although an open script is used, a healthy dose of poetic justice seemed to be handed out in the mix. There are moral lessons such as living life fully, taking responsibility, knowing your own potential, and putting your heart into it. The preceding PDs have since left for other pastures such as Disney and Netflix. One of the criticisms was that the limited casting and intense games led to a reality TV-like environment and burnout of certain members. Although the cast has not changed to an appreciable degree, the present show is a somewhat different kettle of fish. The current PD may have eschewed the original ideas in favor of "homely" experiences, and the onus is on the members to "make" the show work. Most of the episodes are trite and static, highly repeatable, with a great emphasis on member interaction and "safe" choices over dynamic content. Some of the audience may like it, but it will be obvious to long-time viewers that something is missing, and the original premise is no longer applicable. Time will tell whether Running Man is a victim of complacency in the making due to its past successes.

Most great epic fantasies like Tolkien's LOTR, Lewis's Narnia and King's dark tower epitomizes a battle between good and evil, and are inspired to a great extent by the middle-eastern crusades. A seemingly-perfect "hero" has been tasked with the role of savior, and then goes on a mission to defeat a personified evil. The isekai world of Nagatsuki's Re:zero with its less-than-perfect hero, transcends this premise, mirroring eastern philosophies of cause-effect and reincarnation where one is compelled to relive experiences through their karma or past action. The primary afflictions of the self through the ego, ignorance and desires have been seamlessly distilled into the western concept of seven deadly sins materialized as sin bishops with which the protagonists battle with. It stands unique in the genre by eschewing the standard black-vs-white context. Through its masterful story-telling, set pieces and excellent character building, it brings concepts that are extremely difficult to explain down-to-earth, draws the empathy of audiences all over the world, and if people can keep their minds open to things beyond their experiences, impart many important life lessons.

DT epitomizes a period of entropy and chaos in cosmic history and one man's struggle to overcome inexorable forces as civilization breaks down. The movie captures none of the essential plot elements of the series. This is the usual outcome when studio heads decide to "downsize" a great story as a product for PG13 mass market consumption. They should have taken a leaf out of the DT books: "The road and the tale have both been long, would you not say so? The trip has been long and the cost has been high... but no great thing was ever attained easily. A long tale, like a tall Tower, must be built a stone at a time."