Recently, while watching Squid Game, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Alice in Borderland, a series I thoroughly enjoyed in the past.
This led me to write a review about Alice in Borderland first before diving into Squid Game.
It feels similar yet has its own unique flavor, jaja
However, as I keep writing, I realize my posts tend to get quite lengthy, and I constantly worry about making them more readable and engaging.
That said, it’s Lunar New Year, so I’m giving myself a pat on the back for blogging during the holidays. Let’s get started! 🎉
Netflix’s hit series Alice in Borderland left a lasting impression from its very first season.
Based on a Japanese manga of the same name, this drama is set in modern-day Tokyo, where a bizarre survival game takes place.
The story follows the protagonist Arisu (played by Kento Yamazaki) and his friends as they find themselves in a desolate, alternate version of Tokyo.
To survive, they must participate in a series of games that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show begins with Arisu, who has no clear goals in life, spending his days idly with his friends Chota (played by Keita Machida) and Karube (played by Nijiro Murakami).
One day, a sudden blackout transports them to an eerily empty Tokyo.
The city, devoid of life, is silent, and the trio quickly becomes entangled in a series of deadly survival games.
The first game sets the tone for the brutal nature of this world. Arisu, Chota, and Karube enter a building as instructed and take part in the “door choice game.”
The rules are simple but merciless: opening the wrong door results in instant death by flames. This shocking introduction demonstrates that these games are no mere pastime.
The friends manage to work together and survive, but this is just the beginning of their long and perilous journey.
Later, Arisu meets another survivor, Usagi (played by Tao Tsuchiya), a skilled and resourceful player who has been surviving on her own.
Usagi’s athleticism and survival instincts make her a vital ally, and her encounter with Arisu provides him with renewed hope and a companion.
Their teamwork becomes a crucial element in overcoming the challenges ahead.
The games in the “Borderland” require not only physical abilities but also psychological resilience and strategic thinking.
Each game comes with a playing card that signifies its level of difficulty and type, serving as clues to uncovering the secrets of this world.
As Arisu and his companions collect cards, they slowly begin to piece together the nature of the Borderland.
One of the most memorable moments is the “Wolf and Sheep” game, where tensions between players reach their peak.
The game’s premise forces betrayal and sacrifice as players turn on one another to survive.
Watching former allies become enemies, driven by desperation, reveals the raw and primal aspects of human nature. During this time, Karube and Chota make the ultimate sacrifice, leaving Arisu devastated.
Despite his grief, Arisu uses their sacrifice as motivation to grow stronger, stepping into a leadership role as he presses forward to the next challenge.
There are two more characters lasted long in this series because of their strong impression.
The first is Chishiya (played by Nijiro Murakami), a mysterious figure with striking white hair. Chishiya is calculating and highly intelligent, quietly gathering information and operating with precision to ensure his survival.
His enigmatic charisma adds depth to the story.
The second is Kuina (played by Aya Asahina), a captivating and strong-willed woman who works closely with Chishiya. Kuina has her own backstory, which is revealed later in the season, showcasing her resilience and emotional strength. These two characters enrich the Beach’s narrative and elevate the tension within the group.
In the latter half of Season 1, the Beach—a haven of sorts for survivors—becomes a central setting.
The Beach is a community where survivors gather under strict rules to work together and collect playing cards. However, as power struggles and mistrust begin to fracture the group, Arisu and Usagi find themselves caught up in the chaos.
The season culminates in the “Witch Hunt” game, which serves as the final game of Season 1.
Set in the Beach, this game revolves around solving a murder by identifying the “witch” responsible for the crime. Players are forced to accuse and sacrifice one another, heightening paranoia and fear among the group. The distrust within the community reaches its peak as alliances crumble.
Arisu, with Usagi by his side, works to uncover the truth behind the game.
The tension escalates as they confront Hatter (played by Tsuyoshi Abe), the Beach’s leader, and face the collapse of the Beach itself. Witnessing the community’s disintegration leaves Arisu deeply shaken, but he presses on.
Through these trials, Arisu reflects on the sacrifices and suffering he has endured. He begins to understand his purpose for surviving in this world. The season concludes with a cryptic hint at the greater mystery of the Borderland, leaving viewers eager for Season 2.
As the games progress, Arisu evolves into a true leader. He moves beyond simply fighting for his own survival to take responsibility for the lives of those around him, crafting strategies and taking on risks to protect others. Despite the pain of losing allies, Arisu never wavers. The Borderland demands more than just survival—it challenges its players to confront the depths of their humanity.
Alice in Borderland captivates viewers with its relentless tension and gripping storytelling. While comparisons to Squid Game are inevitable, the show evokes stronger parallels to Battle Royale, a classic survival tale from the past.
Although the violence is intense, the character conflicts and exploration of survival instincts elevate the series beyond a simple thriller.
The bond between Arisu and Usagi, marked by trust and mutual reliance, is deeply moving, and their journey leaves a profound impact on the audience.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its ability to keep viewers guessing about who will survive and what twists lie ahead. As the story progresses, the secrets of the Borderland gradually unfold, building anticipation for what’s to come.
The season finale leaves a powerful impression, making it nearly impossible not to dive straight into Season 2.
In conclusion, Alice in Borderland is a must-watch for fans of survival dramas, psychological thrillers, and mysterious worlds.
If you can handle the graphic nature of some scenes, this show offers an unforgettable experience. The relationships between Arisu, Usagi, Karube, and Chota are at the heart of the story, providing a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the will to survive.
