A very good live action of a manga/anime
Story- The story is just so dark which makes every episode a little more nerve wrecking. You're always thinking you might not survive next.
- The series is just long enough. It doesn't drag out.
- The series looks at the background of more than one character which was really interesting.
Acting/Cast
- My bias towards Yamazaki Kento means he can do no wrong in my eyes. He is always so good no matter what type of character or what kind of genre he is in.
- Sakurada Dori is also an actor I really like but I barely recognised in this due to the character he was playing.
- Murakami Nijiro is a new actor for me but he had that smirk down perfectly. Like he had the 'I'm superior' look perfected.
Music
- I'm not gonna lie, I don't really remember the music so can't say much,
Rewatch Value
- Given how short the series is, I think it definitely rewatchable.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Whole New Live Action Realm
Mystery, Murder, Adventure, Isekai, time travel, Hunger Games, ESCAPE ROOM, Suspense, Thriller Lovers? Assemble on this series!!Before I start with the review, I gotta say : WATCH THIS SERIES GUYS!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED!! Here's why :
«Warning : Spoiler Alert & Long Read»
As a romance drama lovers I didn't expect to enjoy a live action with a genre of Fantasy/Thriller/Suspense/Mystery/Murder . But this series really changed my mind. I came with high expectation from the trailer and I was not disappointed.
Story : I believe you've read the plot summary so I will continue the rest. So the story itself I personally divided it into two main story line : Episode 1-4 (Explaining the current reality to us with game rules, the deadly borders, everyone missing & mainly focused on surviving some games) and Episode 5-8 (Explaining "The Beach" conflict with its power struggle + Arisu & Usagi relationship development)
I think I really enjoyed the most on the first 4 episodes, with its plot twists and emotional roller coaster. But when it comes to the last 4 episodes, the excitement felt kinda slowed down a bit. The hype & vibe is still there but personally specifically on the last episode I think that there are some scenes that should not be included bcs it felt useless for the development of the story (referring to the 'bald, tatooed guy with long sword' background story. It really was useless, I prefer Chisiya's background story to be told honestly, his character really intrigued me)
One more thing, this series actually needed more episodes. I would really prefer longer episodes but with just one season has ended rather than short episodes but we- as this series fans have to wait for another season :( So to be exact, WE NEED MORE EPISODES..
But other than that, I think this series is perfect. The pacing, plot line choices from the manga, etc. I felt there's almost no plot hole (if there's any you can tell your theory, guys, haha)
Characters :
(10/10 Casting. There will be no other casts that will perfectly portray their characters other than the current casts. So bravo, casting team! )
1.)Arisu - Our ML, Hero by process, underdog at previous life, loyal, kind hearted, brave, smart, but sometimes he's too idealistic. I love his character bcs I think he's a flawed ML, he's not perfect but he tried to survive just for the sake of their friends & his primal instinct. I have no problem with his character EXCEPT when he's being too talkative & wasted so much game time on the last episode when he tried to talk to Aguni like "bro, he's not worth your time, don't even try to convince someone that tried to rape your crush & kill you".
2.)Usagi - Our FML, brave, kind hearted girl (she's becoming more kind towards other bcs of Arisu), loyal, smart, tactical, has sensitive instinct/feeling, independent, strong but not losing her feminity. She has clear character development as before she met Arisu she was mainly individualistic & don't even pay attention towards other people but now, she has higher empathy.
3.)Chisiya - Our secondary male lead (I think?), mysterious, charismatic, cunning, selfish, smart, always one step ahead every one else, unpredictable. I love and hate his character. Damn, he caught many viewers attention with his visual & mind. But really, I think he's a depiction of perfect personality & mind for surviving in the world like that. I don't blame him & his actions at all even tho when he framed Arisu, I was so madddd. But again, he did that to survive. Mad respect for solving any game/problem with cool headed.
4.)Kuina - Our Secondary Female Lead, kind, smart for following Chisiya, brave. I'm surprised with her identity plot twist. But I'm glad the writer shaped her character perfectly. I love her already & damn the cast is so pretty. I love her fight scene.
5.)Aguni - Antagonist (?) male character, strict, cunning, mysterious, selfish, evil on the last episodes, but he's actually loyal with his bestfriend- The Boss/The Hatter (Takeru). On most part, I hate this character, he killed almost every one on the beach just as a redemption for accidentally killing his friend, almost raped Usagi, almost killed Arisu countless times. I also despise one of his follower character-Naragi/Narugi? (He was former victim of bullying turns out he's a killer machine & bully himself)
6.)Chota & Karube - Arisu's friend. Very loyal to Arisu, tho at one time Karube almost wanted to kill Arisu but he and Chota later sacrificed for Arisu. Very supportive, trusting, in the end they're very selfless. I cried so hard on episode 3 :")
Cinematography & Music : Very on point. The directing, music choices on suspenseful scenes & the intros almost scared me to hell.
Other elements : This series included gore, murder, deception, sacrifice, suicide, explicit killing, suspenseful scenes, jumpscares, other things that will drain your emotion, makes your heart jumps, and most definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat. But don't worry you will not regret it.
Values : You'll learn true friendship, love & the value of loving yourself, thankful for every chances everyday that you still survive in this world, and to always be cautious don't easily get fooled by someone. There's always more behind every problems in your life. You'll learn good things from bad things.
So, what are you waiting for? Close your browser & watch the series!!
P.S. If any of the production team read my review, PLEASE APPROVE & CONTINUE THE SECOND SEASON, WE'RE EXCITED FOR THE NEW PLOTLINE!! ❤❤
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AS A FAN OF THE MANGA, I AM SATISFIED
The long wait is over! As a fan of the manga, I have been waiting for this since the announcement and I am really happy that the adaptation met my expectations. I am really satisfied.Let's start with the opening - the opening was really good. It reflects what the series is all about. I have watched a lot of dramas and movies of Yamaken and dang, his performance in Alice in Borderland is phenomenal. I cannot believe he's the same person I have watched in Wotakoi which is a rom-com genre. I also didn't recognize Dori Sakurada, he's so different in this series. The main leads and supporting ctors are really amazing, I am surprised.
There are some scenes that I find awkward especially the Witch Hunt which is why I gave it a 9 as over all and for rewatch value, also a 9 - I dont like watching Seven of Hearts :( :(
If you enjoy As the Gods Will Movie, Escape Room, or any thriller, survival, gore genre. You will surely be hooked and love this series.
I am hoping for a sequel! The most exciting games are on the face cards and we'll meet the Kings and Queens.
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Edge of your seat
This drama is similar to Liar game but better. A drama about the main charater mysteriously land up in parallel Tokyo, where every character that reaches there has no idea how and why they are there. The characters participate in life or death games, fight to survive. But in every game death is expected. Characters play the games to survive.The characters in this drama are all essential to the plot and everyone has a story. Loved the acting of every actor on this show, they gave it their 110%. Looking very forward to season 2.
Totally recommend. I do not rewatch dramas but this show I would. The show leaves you with questions and in every game there is an unexpected turn. Many plot twists and you will want to watch the next ep.
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One of The Best Adaptation From Manga | THE FIRST ASIAN DRAMA TO REACH TOP 5 in Netflix
As one of my favorite manga will have Live-Action Adaptation my excitement starts when a saw the first trailer.Still, Jdrama for me is one of the best production and entertainment industry, because it's not a political and stereotyped industry. Which A-listers stars can adapt any roles lead-roles and support roles don't matter to them.
THE FIRST ASIAN DRAMA TO REACH TOP 5 in Netflix World Ranking with highest points per day recorded.
The Series gets more excited because of the cliffhanger ending in Season 1
Love wow they change the game and player/participants playing but still the story is still intact
They will dominate in the yuletide season because they dropped it all (8 Episodes)
Fans will be wanting more and high expectation for Season 2
This is one of the Best Series on Netflix in 2020
Thanks to Production and Casts.
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1This review may contain spoilers
Wow, Just Wow
TLDR: a literal masterpieceThis series was absolutely mind blowing. I love the storyline and the characters and the cast were perfect for their roles.
Some mentionable points that really stuck with me:
1. The fact that we got backstories for most of the characters was spectacular, you felt like you got to know what the characters were fighting for and then most of the time they got unapologetically ripped away from you
2. Arisu’s emotions after the sheep and wolf game. Wow. Honestly wow, I was absolutely balling my eyes out when they stopped responding to him during the game and that was all down to the acting, the connection they made us form with the characters and the cinematography during that sequence; the ring, chota basically choking out that girl...
3. I loved that every games goal wasn’t the goal you were told it was, it made them exciting to watch and made me really uptight in a fun edge of my seat kind of way
4. Arisu managing to figure out basically every game (sometimes even by accident) amazed me, it really showed how even though he was viewed as effectively useless in the real world by his family and friends for only playing video games, his knowledge and problem solving skills saved countless lives in this alternate country (?)
5. That injured guy on the bus, who I convinced myself would die, being saved and then walking off into the horizon like ‘see you guys later’ as if he would survive on his own, iconic
6. Chishiya. That’s it. That’s the tweet. Is he good? Is he bad? Who knows but he’s serving looks like he’s on a international runway, the hair really does it for me and his characters so mysterious he just really adds to the show. The casting for chishiya was particularly spectacular
7. The Easter eggs to Alice in wonderland that I didn’t even get until after I finished watching it. Obviously I got Arisu because it kind of sounds like Alice with a push, but the rabbit one? Genius. And chishiya obviously sounds like Cheshire now that I think about it but yeah, I’m dumb. And I have no excuse for not realising the hatter, that ones just dumb on my part.
A couple more mentionable things were the visuals of the buildings and all the game arenas, wow. They were all so breathtaking in a gloomy ‘you’re gonna die here’ kinda way. And the inclusion of a transgender character without it being made obvious all the way through? *chefs kiss* also the mums acceptance, I didn’t cry, you did. Oh and the hatter and the scary guys friendship being revealed at the end!
Sorry it’s long lol, if you didn’t get the memo so far I loved it, it was a masterpiece
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Watch it! Don’t hesitate
Escaping reality isn’t always rainbow and sunshines. Through this series we really get to see how strangers were transferred from their normal daily lives. Into a world where they rely on escape room games in order to gain Visas for their remaining days of surviving. I find it interesting how the games where sorted into difficulties levels and genres. How they finish the game at times gets you thinking about the saying of “work Smarter not Harder”. There were some reckless decisions by some characters at times but they don’t really play a huge aspect. I’m excited to see what will happen next as it was left on a cliffhanger. Hoping for another season!Was this review helpful to you?
The game will now begin...
If you're still contemplating whether to watch Alice in Borderland: watch it!I've been waiting for so long to see a high budget Japanese show, and this really is what I've been looking for. So, thanks Netflix, I guess? The camera work, the acting and special effects are all top-notch, hands down. I just wish they went further with the soundtrack, it would have been nice to have a more distinguished background music for the series. (Although I think we can agree that “Good Times” is the bop of the year.)
The plot is very intriguing. The moment I saw that the base plot revolves around Tokyo where people go missing... I was sold already. But it actually managed to keep my attention all the way through thanks to the plot twists and great characters!
I believed prior to watching that the story will be continuously action-packed, but I was relieved to see that they put quite a lot of emphasis on building characters, which made the pacing a little slower at times, but gave a nice chance to get emotionally attached to all the characters.
There are some things in the plot that I will never forgive the writer(s)! But I won’t go into that since that would be a spoiler. (And I have many many other thoughts but all spoilery.)
I really hope many-many people will watch and support this show because
1, I really want to get a second season
2, I'm begging Netflix to pick up more Japanese productions.
P.S.: I can’t believe I didn’t realise it sooner that the name “Arisu” sounds exactly the same as “Alice” in Japanese.
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Alice in Borderland: A Netflix Gem
As a watcher of many movies and Dramas in this genre, story is usually secondary to the unwritten social contract break down. Usually we play nice with each other as humans but when we add death as a consequence, things we would never have done suddenly become acceptable. Survival is so hardwired into us.The Story is actually the star of this drama, the mains not instant badasses, flawed and yet over come the flaws through the course of the episodes, Or not and accepts them.
No one is overly naive to propel the story, just everyone has their own back story and reason for who they are (kinda like real people).
The transgender plot line was done extremely well and it wasn't thrown in your face, it was folded into the story like just one more ingredient AND I LOVED IT.
Acting totally on point by this star filled cast.
It gets a 9.5 because...because I cant bring myself to give this genre a 10.
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Adrenaline Rush!
The drama begins with a glimpse into the normal life of Alice, homebody and gamer, from a rich family but regarded as "parasite" by his family, who finds solace with his good-for-nothing friends. (Everybody is kinda trashy and loser, I thought) Troubled by their life, they escape the reality, by running wildly in the busy streets of Tokyo. That's the only moment to see so much liveliness and happiness in Tokyo. Because one thing leads to another, they land in this new Tokyo, completely empty. (Man, hats off to the production team for the amazing visuals of empty Tokyo!), where 'play or die' is the only rule to survive.The survival games are very interesting and logical too. Pro-tip, you could pause and think for the answer, if you like. With games, comes new characters and things get bloody and gore. (Boy, I was so wrong for thinking the original trio to be trashy but almost every character we meet is a lot more trashy.) Cynicism, betrayal, and mind games become the new norm.
Soon, Alice seems like the most decent person besides Rabbit (giving an unthinkable reunion of Naho and Kakeru) but of course, not without undergoing a 'do or die' situation himself, which was quite an emotional ride. Another pro-tip, don't get attached to any character, or pay for the consequences. As the story moves, new games and new friends, so many die but got to keep going. That's just the first half of the episodes. Now the big question is, "If there is a game, then there must be a gamemaster right?" which leads to another killer thriller ride for the second half of episodes.
Once again, new games and new characters. If there is a dystopian world, there must be a utopia and if there is no authority, then someone assumes authority. With authority, comes the division of two groups "US" &"THEM" and their own power struggle. This all infused with the madness to survive, back-stabbing pushes everyone to the edge. More blood, bodies and betrayals. The ending, like with usual Netflix shows, it was only a teaser for a much, much bigger thing.
What was Good? And Bad?
The entire series was so well produced. Everything top-notch. The games were superb and mind-blowing. The story was tightly packed. It felt like a blend of game movies like Jumanji, Zathura and English drama, Black Mirror. It starts out as an adventure fantasy developing into a dystopian thriller.
Themes: This drama touches so many themes like how the idea of death can bring out a new side of people, a new faith, manipulating others, seduction, and worst of all, fake hope. It also shows the narrow gap between sanity and insanity, friendship and enmity. Sometimes, the drama tries to give humanity messages like altruism but which soon fades away as the story moves forward. Oh, on the sexual content and violence: for starters, there is too much blood splattering and bodies. There is definitely sexual content. (I'm not going to word it but I almost thought I was watching an American show, they don't substantially add much to the plot so skip it if you don't like, there are only placed to understand the intensity of their newfound freedom and reality)
Although almost all characters have some sort of backstory to understand them better, only a few make it to the end, of which, Alice undergoes the best character growth and Rabbit is such a powerful and admirable character capable of rescuing herself.
Acting: Like always Yamazaki Kento excels in portraying as Alice. The agony, the anger, the happiness, every emotion was so perfect. Tsuchiya Tao, as Rabbit, no doubt she must have undergone rigorous training for her role, exudes the strength of her character. It was surprising to find Machida Keita in a new role and thug-like look. But the biggest surprise was Sakurada Dori. He was almost unrecognizable in his character. (It was the most unlikely Orange squad mini-reunion) Asahina Aya's character had such an amazing fight scene.
Music was apt and lifted the suspense to a higher level.
It is definitely worth the rewatch for its plot but would be a hassle to undergo the same emotional turmoil once again.
Final note, adrenaline rush inducing drama which can sometimes make you think and sometimes anxious and disturbed, all the while keeping you entertained.
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Survival of the fittest
Imawa no Kuni no Alice shows the various challenges towards human survival.The 8 episode series manages to include backstories for not only the main but also the side characters—which gives us an understanding of the characters motives and motivations. It brought dimensionality at least towards the characters that played a key role in the story. Also, the characters showed many points of ups and downs that made the story consistent. The acting was not your typical Jmovie style; instead, it was very suitable for the story’s tone and setting. The soundtrack, especially the opening credits conveyed an eerie tone for each episode, therefore, building the suspenseful tension.
Usually, in this given genre of survival game I have a hard time getting invested in the characters, however, this series managed to show the bonds of the characters in a heartfelt and somewhat realistic light. It also takes a lot for me to become emotional for a film or drama. However, the series framework and acting succeeded in making me feel what the main protagonist’s felt during tragic scenes.
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It Must Have a Season 2!
Wow! This drama was a master work of manipulation! I throughly enjoyed watching this! I do t see how anyone can watch this fully and give it a mediocre review, seriously! There is no other show like it! The creativity of the writers and production of this drama was captivating and left me needing more. I don’t like dropping to much info on how it went because everyone deserves to see this for themselves and understand why it’s that good! I seriously hate when a great drama doesn’t get a second half! This jdrama is fitting for 2020. If you watch it, you will most likely feel the same!Was this review helpful to you?
