Watch Great Pretender

Great Pretender is a 2020 anime series on Netflix created by the studio Wit Studio. The show follows Makoto "Edamame" Edamura, a self-proclaimed "Japan's greatest swindler," who gets involved in a series of elaborate cons with his partner-in-crime, Laurent Thierry, a French swindler.

The series takes place across various locations around the world, highlighting the cultural differences and unique scams in each location. The show's opening theme is The Great Pretender by Freddie Mercury, which sets the stage for the series' theme of deception and the merging of reality and illusion.

Each episode of the series introduces a new con, ranging from a wealthy man wanting to get revenge on his ex-wife to a group of celebrities who want to pull off a heist during an extravagant party. The narrative is full of twists and turns, as Edamura and Laurent use their wit and charm to pull off each scam.

Throughout the series, the main characters develop relationships, revealing more about their pasts and motivations. Edamura comes to terms with the fact that he may not be "Japan's greatest swindler" and learns to rely on others. Laurent, meanwhile, reveals his own troubled past and motivations.

The show also features a cast of memorable supporting characters, including Abby, a young girl whose tragic backstory is intertwined with the con artists, and Cynthia, a beautiful and enigmatic agent who becomes involved in the cons.

One of the notable aspects of the show is its animation style. It combines traditional 2D animation with 3D CGI, creating a unique and vibrant look. The characters are drawn with bold outlines and exaggerated features, making them stand out against the detailed backgrounds.

Another element that sets the show apart is its use of music. Each episode features a different song, ranging from jazzy tracks to emotional ballads. The music is used to heighten the drama and emotion of each scene.

Overall, Great Pretender is a captivating and entertaining series that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The show's combination of intricate cons, complex characters, and stunning animation make it a standout addition to the Netflix anime catalog.

Great Pretender is a series that ran for 2 seasons (23 episodes) between June 2, 2020 and on Netflix