Review of The Great Pretender, an original work released last summer, hosted by Wit Studio ("Attack of the Titans" or "Vinland Saga") in collaboration with Netflix. It is directed by Kaburaki Hiro ("91 Days") and written by Ryota Kosawa ("The Confidence Man JP"). Many will see an air of resemblance to the Ocean's film series and the animated Cowboy Bebop if you are a fan of these universes. 
The synopsis of The Great Pretender
"Masato Edamura claims to be Japan's biggest swindler. With the help of his partner Kudo, they tried to scam a so-called French tourist in Asakusa. They didn't expect to get caught in their own tower, though. This French gentleman turns out to be, Laurent Thierry, who is also a crook who only preys on bad rich people. Edamura is forced to become his partner. He is still far from imagining where Laurent's dirty business will lead him." 
Lively and dynamic
With such a jazzy and lively opening, we are very quickly announced the color, if we can afford it. An original work filled with humor that plunges us into the world of the mafia and fraud. It has a very good rhythm and follows events with dynamism. Accentuated by the colorful graphic touch of Sadamoto Yoshiyuki (Character designer of Neon genesis Evangelion) and the superb animation by a company that has nothing more to prove, Wit Studio. Therefore, it gives a fairly quick introduction to the characters but which is nevertheless very effective. Not to mention the soundtrack which is composed by Yamada Yutaka (Composer of Tokyo Ghoul). A very jazzy theme of the 70s, perfectly adapted to the situations present in the anime and the rhythm introduced. 
Colorful characters
Here we follow a gang of international crooks who play Robin Hood. As said in the synopsis, the main character, Masato Edamura, finds himself engaged in their shenanigans. Accompanied by Laurent Thierry, Abigail Jones and Cynthia Moore, they aim to target rich and bad people. Each of them has its own story. In addition to their own character, they are all equally charismatic. The same goes for antagonists and secondary characters.
Their development, very well written, makes that gradually, we become attached to our heroes. Indeed, the various flashbacks well moderated, make us discover a past often quite dramatic for our characters. Behind these bright colors hides in fact another story that contrasts the whole. This inscribes a backstory in parallel with the main story that allows us to discover more about them.
An incredible scenario
The story, divided into several "affairs", takes place in the 4 corners of the globe. A very successful international side. It respects the cultures of the different places visited and brings its share of originality. The adventure begins in Japan. More precisely in the Asakusa district in Tokyo which drifts very quickly in the United States in Los Angeles. Edamura finds herself embarked on her first complication with Laurent. Their target? A drug-dealing mafia boss, covered by his status as a film director. For the second arc, we head to Singapore where they attack two brothers, former princes of an oil kingdom. Disinherited, they now organize rigged plane races. The third part takes place in London to attack this time an auctioneer very famous in the world. Targeted to sell copies of famous paintings at the price of the original. Finally, back to Japan for the last part. The "victims" this time are thugs enriching themselves on human trafficking, especially children. The commercial company they run serves as their camouflage in Tokyo and Shanghai. For each of these cases, reversals of situations are of service. We are fascinated by the stratagems employed by Edamura, who will try to do better than Laurent. However, French turns out to be even more ingenious than him. As a result, he will always be several moves ahead of our hero. Who is used and by whom in the end? The ending is just as striking! Many questions arise, revelations and make us doubt the characters we have learned to love. We must not forget that we are dealing with outlaws, despite their benevolence. Full of reversals that never cease to surprise us and turn our brains. 
Tribute to Freddie Mercury
Let's not miss the ending. It features Freddie Mercury's song "The Great Pretender" (1987). Indeed, he promotes it and gives its title to the anime. To make the comparison between the original and the anime: Animated version / Freddie Mercury version Namely that this song belongs to the group The Platters (1955). 
Finally, this anime targets a wide audience, mixing humor and drama, colorful form and dark background. The Great Pretender can actually claim to be one of the greatest, without bad jokes. It is now already one of the most popular anime of 2020, and we understand why. The upheavals will break your head and surprise you. One more nugget, which is served to us by Wit Studio.
Trailer The Great Pretender
If this review made your mouth water, the trailer should satisfy you just as much https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmfiUz4fkjw&ab_channel=TRAILERANIME
