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Book VS Movie: Position
Kiriyama's position in the game drastically changes between the book and the movie. This was necessary since Kazuo's complicated character meant that describing him in the film would have been near impossible and taken up a considerable amount of time. Though Mitsuko's position as the crazy homicidal school girl worked across both medium's Kiriyama's state was incredibly different and not so easy to relate.
Within the novel Kazuo is a member of the class along with Shogo meaning that every single person in the game knew at least a little bit about him. They understood he was strong, smart and gifted and whats more who was counted as his allies within the game. For many in the first few hours of the game they saw the Kiriyama Family getting together and ultimately surviving however after the 6am report this belief is dashed when three of the members had already expired.
As a fellow classmate Kazuo also held the advantage of knowing who was talented within the group though he never shows any signs of acknowledging one person as different to another. The book never seems to reveal what Kazuo is thinking while every other major class member does have thoughts portrayed through the novel. However I believe that he would have taken these facts into consideration especially in the case of Sho. Kazuo would have surely known the fellow gang member was an excellent tracker and thus devised a way to shake him off effectively.
The idea of Kazuo gunning down classmates is also a little more shocking than the idea of a stranger doing the work. His age and position should have dictated some form of innoncence but rather we are presented with someone who seems completely heartless.
Kiriyama's position in the movie is that he is placed within the class to challenge them and ensure that people do infact die. He is labeled as dangerous and since he signed up for this game everyone immediately knows to avoid him rather than trust him even for a second. He knows nothing about the other members in the game and conversely they know nothing about him. It adds a whole different flair to the story but also lowers the 'shock factor'. He has no idea what kinda skills he may come up upon and thus is less prepared. This however did not seem to effect his body count by much (there is one less death by his hands however that one is aided).
Conclusion
This is one topic I am personally unsure of as to which is better. In both instances Kazuo's position in the game has it's positives. The mystery instilled by the random transfer is thrilling while the supposed betrayal and heartlessness portrayed while he is a member of the class is almost chilling (in a very good way though). I believe we as fans were very lucky to be able to see Kiriyama in both lights as they truly do help aid us in understanding him as a character better.