Unforgettable Deception: Razbliuto Unveils the Brilliance of a Series

In 2020, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, audiences found solace in the escapism provided by various shows. Among them, one anime stood out for capturing the wanderlust of quarantined fans - Great Pretender. This series, centered around con artists operating worldwide, was beautifully crafted with a blend of mid-century modern aesthetics and a modern touch, a theme that continues seamlessly in its highly anticipated sequel.

Less of a Sequel, More of an "Intermission"

The Great Pretender: Razbliuto marks the triumphant return of the same creative team, this time focusing on Dorothy, the former partner of Season 1's Laurent Thierry. Dorothy, now living under the alias Xiang Xiang due to amnesia, faces danger when Taipei's criminal underworld recognizes her and seeks vengeance for a past con she cannot remember.

great-pretender-razbliuto-intermission - Less of a Sequel, More of an "Intermission"

Before its release, information about Razbliuto was limited, leaving fans unsure about the format of this new adventure. Would it be the start of a new season or a standalone film? Following its recent limited theatrical release in North America, it was revealed to be the latter - serving as an intermission between Season 1 and the upcoming content. The story is divided into separate chapters, similar to the format of previous cases.

Never Try to Con a Con-woman

Yes, it may be a TV arc edited together into a movie, but it actually surpasses many other projects that attempt to string glorified TV episodes together and pass them off as a theatrical experience. This particular story stands out on its own, as it focuses on the protagonists navigating through chaos created by a con, rather than trying to pull off a con themselves like in the main series. It's a captivating narrative led by a former con artist, making it a refreshing change from the usual con-centered plots.

great-pretender-razbliuto-dorothy - Never Try to Con a Con-woman

Dorothy's memory may be missing, but her instincts remain keen as ever. This proves to be advantageous when her adoptive mother nearly falls victim to a scam orchestrated by Yang Kunyi, also known as Ai, one of Razbliuto's new key characters. Yang, a larger-than-life figure, walks a fine line between being detestable and endearing, and it is Dorothy's confrontation with him that propels the narrative forward.

Great Pretender's New Characters Soar

Jay, Yang's partner in crime, forms a close relationship with Dorothy in an attempt to eliminate the blackmail threat. During this process, Jay starts to suspect that Dorothy may have deceived his father, Tsai, a prominent figure in Taipei's underworld. This suspicion triggers a series of events filled with mistaken identities, misinformation, and acts of betrayal. As they navigate this dangerous web of deceit, Dorothy, Jay, and Yang find themselves united in a fight for survival, their fragile trust intertwined with complex emotions.

great-pretender-razbliuto-yang - Great Pretender's New Characters Soar

Razbliuto's ambitious narrative contains numerous intricate elements, yet manages to effortlessly endear the audience to the new cast. This is a true testament to the skillful character writing and the subtle exploration of complex histories through small lines or flashbacks that are rich in meaning.

Razbliuto's Hidden Story Hurts The Main One

Dorothy may have appeared in Season 1, but it's interesting how the audience feels like they are getting to truly understand her at a time when she is still figuring herself out. Jay and Yang may argue, but there is a genuine friendship that shines through despite their imperfections and the challenges they face. Even Lin's character has a captivating storyline, torn between his loyalty to his friends and his ambitious drive to climb the social ladder.

great-pretender-razbliuto-bingyan - Razbliuto's Hidden Story Hurts The Main One

Regrettably, the strengths of Great Pretender's story revolving around its characters are overshadowed by the weaknesses, which become more evident towards the climax. Two characters, Bingyan and Tsai, are particularly underdeveloped despite their potential in the narrative. Bingyan is introduced as Jay's ex-partner early on, while Tsai is portrayed as Jay's father.

It's problematic when supposedly integral characters are not as well-developed as the rest, especially when they play a significant role in one of the primary character's story. Razbliuto's effective subtlety falls short in making these characters work together, impacting the climax. Additionally, this issue is a consequence of the film's connection to the main series and the original protagonists.

This film is not easily accessible to those unfamiliar with the series, as it is not a standalone feature. Fans hoping to see Laurent or Edamura will be pleased to find them in the film, albeit in minor roles as cameos. This decision was wise, as it allows the focus to remain on Dorothy, Jay, and Yang's narrative. However, the storyteller's decision to hold back information may have hindered Jay's character development and prevented Bingyan and Tsai from being fully realized characters.

Great Pretender Isn't Like Other Anime

Despite that, Razbliuto is a very satisfying experience. The hour and thirty minutes fly by through a whirlwind of engaging twists and turns as numerous and carefully considered as a Coen Brothers film, though perhaps without as much black comedy. For all the maturity that is to be found in Great Pretender, there's a tendency for ridiculousness that can occasionally sour things, like Jay surviving a mishap that would have killed him in any other story. Then again...

The film served as a powerful reminder of the unique and exceptional nature of the show when it first aired in 2020, highlighting the need for a continuation. The artwork, particularly the character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, known for his work on Evangelion and FLCL, is nothing short of masterful. In fact, his designs for Great Pretender may just be the pinnacle of his career, standing out for their striking, expressive, and diverse qualities.

The background art in this anime not only grounds the setting in reality but also adds a unique touch with its abstract use of bright colors and stark shadows. It is reminiscent of the thoughtful and abstract color design seen in Mononoke back in 2007. Director Hiro Kaburagi and the team at Wit have once again delivered exceptional work.

great-pretender-razbliuto-background-art-1 - In recent memory, there's been some trepidation regarding Wit Studio's future, from their dabbling in A

There has been some concern about Wit Studio's future, ranging from their exploration of A.I. to their involvement in a remake of the ongoing One Piece. However, it is important to note that these worries are not a reflection of the studio's skills. In fact, Wit Studio is known for its exceptional work, as demonstrated by the vibrant and impressive Great Pretender.

The apprehension lies in the possibility that Wit Studio may risk diminishing its success by taking on a massive adaptation. Great Pretender stands out from other anime, highlighting the need for Wit Studio to continue producing innovative and unique content. Fortunately, if the "intermission" hint is any indication, viewers can expect the series to persist, at the very least.

Razbliuto, the second season of Great Pretender, may not have met the high expectations of fans, but it delivers exactly what they deserve after such a long wait. Despite featuring mostly new characters, the show seamlessly continues the storyline from where it left off, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next. If only the climax had been a bit stronger, it could have easily rivaled some of the best moments from Season 1.

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5

Great Pretender: Razbliuto is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an insightful review of "Great Pretender: Razbliuto," a highly anticipated sequel to the popular anime series. The writer skillfully navigates the complexities of the narrative, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses with balanced criticism. They commend the captivating story, intriguing new characters, and stunning artwork, while acknowledging the underdeveloped supporting characters and somewhat underwhelming climax.

Overall, the article effectively conveys the author's mixed feelings about the film. They appreciate its captivating elements but express disappointment with its shortcomings. The review serves as a valuable resource for readers considering whether to watch the film, offering a nuanced perspective that considers both its merits and flaws.