Alice na Fronteira (2020)

Intense games and mind-binders

Imawa no Kuni no Alice (i.e. Alice in Borderland) is a fast-paced show, perfect for those who enjoy escape room movies.

I loved the games and how each is classified by the suits on a deck of cards. Each game is so vastly different and the stakes get higher and higher. There's a twist in each one, and my heart was racing each episode. I was also impressed by the visual effects and the scenery (especially the beginning when we pan around an abandoned Tokyo).

One thing I thought the show could have done better was building an emotional link with the audience. Arisu's friendships are sweet, but the impact of his friends' deaths wasn't that emotionally jarring, because it felt like I didn't get to see the depth of their friendship before they died in the first few episodes. There are some flashbacks that build on their friendship, but it was done too late for it to have as strong an impact. Also, I didn't feel that much chemistry between Arisu and Usagi. They work well as teammates, but I don't feel anything stronger than that. Perhaps their relationship will develop in the next season?

Overall, an exciting, adrenaline-filled show. Definitely worth watching.

Leia Mais

Story is 7.5 but production is 10/10

In summary: Games are good but actual story and side stories are probably 7.5. Production though is awesome! The best I've personally seen in Japanese media and tbh the saving grace for me to give this drama a rating higher than 7

Characters

I actually dropped it at first after episode 3 because there are no longer interesting characters for me. The main character Arisu is sadly not doing it for me and I couldn't really care more about his survival. However I've seen Japanese Twitter mostly talk about Niragi (a character that appears in later episodes) so it prompted me to pick it up again. Nonetheless the main characters that appeared in the first half (Arisu, Usagi) are uninteresting but the others in the second half (Chishiya, Kuina) are more charismatic and will definitely make the season 2 worth more looking forward to.

Story

The comments here were right that it kinda dwindled down during the second half. If you're looking for something similar, a stronger alternative would be Liar Game.

All in all it's not a bad watch but I'm not head over heels over it -- I don't feel like my time is wasted but I don't think you'll miss much if you don't watch it either. I'm ecstatic though that this got a Season 2 and is helping pave the way for Japanese dramas to get the hype it deserves internationally <3

Leia Mais

Messes With Your Mind In All the Right Ways

Alice In Borderland is a conundrum. It's possibly an isekai (refers to a person(s) who have travelled to another world). It's a mystery and a murder, but not necessarily a murder mystery. At one point it turns into The Lord Of the Flies on acid. It's trippy and a fantastic mind F*&k!

Imagine if one day everyone in your city disappears, but just a handful of individuals. Imagine if you are stuck playing games where losers and quitters die. That's where the cast of AIB find themselves. The series is based off a light novel that I am tempted to look for because I know a lot was left out of this first season. They leave it open for a season 2. The directing and visuals are great, but the acting makes each episode. The actors pulled me into their characters. I began to wonder what I would do. I was even yelling at the screen, "Don't go in there," "Look out," "You know he's crazy, look at 'em!"

The cast is solid. I have never seen any of the leads before. (They've been in dramas I'm interested in, I just can't find subs.) However, I have seen many of the supports before. I watched 2 episodes in English just to see if I could stand it and much to my surprise it was on point. Unlike most of Netflix's English dubs, the timing is well done. I plan to watch it again in English to see if there were clues I missed.

The music supported the action which is why I rated it high. Since I plan to watch in English, the rewatch is obviously high as well.

If you like mysteries, weird stuff, deadly games, then you should watch AIB. If you like isekai anime (or manga), especially ones with players stuck in games, AIB is up your alley. It reminds me of BTOOM! oops sorry drama people! My anime slip showed. Seriously though, in 8 episodes the Japanese told one helluva story. The ride is one that ended too soon. Cross fingers for season 2.

Leia Mais

Alice, you are indeed not in wonderland any more...

This drama takes you on a journey back to wonderland and then crushes it all and fills it with, blood, gore and pretty much everything nasty... Ok not really however the english tittle Alice in Borderland is very much connected to Alice in wonderland, the adult version with lots and lots of gore, pain and playing with human lives and emotions to the max. Much like the original Alice who seems all fluffy and nice this drama has quite a bit of social criticism and seems to ask the viewers to either just enjoy the splatter and the gore or think past the surface as every single one of the games in this drama seam to have something to say. To be honest i am not sure I always get what they are trying to say but i am sue there is a lot more too it, which I hope to find out during the next season.

When it comes to twists and turns I will admit some of them where more predictable than others and while part one of a twist may have been very predictable, part two blew my mind more than once. and it is always nice to have your mind blown from the safe distance of ones couch.

I also liked the the way the characters are portrayed as complex humans, not always perfect, some times mysterious and with more or less interesting background stories that at least made me curious to find out more about them as every single one of the characters has more to them than meets the eye.

A lot of people have compared this drama with Squid Games and though i do see some similarities about human nature and the game theme, I do think these two are very different in the core, but sure it is some kind of mix of Alice in Wonderland goes Squid Game meets Lord of the flies type of deal with less colours and more unanswered questions.

Leia Mais

A Bloodthirsty Journey Down The Rabbit Hole...

“Alice In Borderland” is one of this shows which (judging from what you’ve probably read by previous reviews), attracts typically three main audience types; diehard fans of the original manga, J-drama fans of either particular cast members and a minority of “ casual” drama watchers who have either stumbled upon the drama during a search or have just been recommended it. For those in the former category, it’s fair to say the biggest question which should be raised is if the first season of Alice In Borderland is actually worth watching, or if it is simply a waste of time.

As you can probably guess from the mention of this drama being a “ first season”, it’s wrong to entirely claim that some of the show’s flaws won’t be fixed in later episodes , however, there are a couple of notable reoccurring themes , inconsistencies and problems which should be mentioned to anyone considering watching this first season.As an idea the show is both intriguing, disturbing and undeniably quite ingenious throughout some of its storyline . From “ Liar- Game” and “ Battle- Royale” -style puzzles and fights , plot twists to the notable name references from Lewis Carroll’s surrealistic classic “ Alice In Wonderland” ( Arisu of course being “ Alice” as our protagonist ), there is of course a notable array of reoccurring and intriguing characters introduced into the show who all play intriguing roles . In particular these include; a mysterious girl and mountain climber called Usagi , the taciturn and conniving Shuntarō Chishiya ( Nijiro Muramaki) and his accomplice Hikari Kuina ( Aya Asahina ) as well as strong militant fighter Aguni Morizono ( Sho Aoyagi).


It should be said , however, that the acting in the show is bit of a mixed-bag .Whilst Kento Yamazaki ( Todome No Kiss and Death Note-2015) is undeniably a fairly good actor, there’s no sugarcoating that his performance as our main protagonist Arisu was a little lacklustre to say the least , with several scenes throughout episodes of fairly generic line deliverance . Similarly whilst Tao Tsuchiya ( Mare, Orange) wasn’t bad as our female protagonist Usagi, her performance was a little questionable in consideration to her fame as a fairly renowned actress. Perhaps the one role which was certainly well-performed in the show and must be given some praise to is Nijiro Muramaki’s (Anohana; The Flower We Saw That Day-2015 , and The Isle of Dogs) roel as the intelligent, mysterious and conniving player Shuntarō Chishiya ; a character who against all odds is more likeable than the male lead.

By all default Arisu had all the right traits of being both a likeable and deep male lead; a traumatic past with his family, experiencing loss and loneliness, intellectual and undeniably socially-awkward at times as well gave boundless opportunities for character growth . Sadly, the biggest issue with Arisu’s characterisation was that against all the action and bloodthirsty moments of the series, there was little time provided for us as viewers to either reflect or see Arisu being able to contemplate these moments both through his interactions with other characters and through his own doubts as well. Whilst it can be argued that Arisu’s poor character depth was a it consequence of the show “ running out of time” than anything else, there is still the notable presence of minor well-written characters such as Kuina and Aguni who actually have quite good character depth, interesting pasts and are fairly three-dimensional in comparison.

This resulted in Arisu often coming off as a notable plot device in the series rather than an actual character; impassive to certain events and only really having the “ driven- angst” when it was necessary for a plot event rather than allowing Arisu to be a likeable male lead.

The ending was undeniably open. This is naturally because the show will receive a second season and allows the plot to extend outwards, however, there were several notable flaws in this first season alone from acting abilities, a fairly lacklustre OST and even our main protagonist’s depth which will probably need to be smoothed out or at least focused upon going forwards. Overall, the first season of Alice In Wonderland was far from a masterpiece ( in addition to some questionable CGI as well) , however, nonetheless it was a fairly thrilling journey down the rabbit hole into a bloodthirsty Wonderland ; undeniably ridiculous at times, but surprisingly a fun ride.

Leia Mais

I'm so thirsty for season 2!

This is such a fantastic show, an absolute masterpiece! The acting, the production, the plot - everything is just insane! Beware if you are too sensitive, this show has lots of heartbreaking and brutal scenes, at times it gets VERY intense and overwhelming. It's like The Hunger Games but ten times worse, very psychologically pressuring and cruel. Best Japanese show I've watched EVER.
All actors did a great job. I cried, laughed and screamed with them. The production is top quality, too. I'm going to read the manga from the point where the show has ended, because the thirst for the answers is just unbearable. Can't wait for S2!

Leia Mais

Make it make sense, because I cannot.

Inconsistencies in writing are my pet peeve and this drama was full of them - from the characters' actions and personality traits to ever changing rules and types of games. It's a show I would enjoy far more if I did not use my brain while watching.

To be perfectly honest, I loved the first two episodes. I was ready for either clever or violent games that Arisu tries to solve. But as the drama progressed, the characters completely lost their wits and the games became painfully predictable.

Arisu ⇢ Keeping the character smart only when the plot needs it.
I'm sorry for the writers, but you cannot present your characters as this genius with an almost photographic memory in episode one, to turn him into a complete idiot in the 2nd half of the show. One episode he assesses the game based on the information he gained, taking into consideration different options and overall the type of the game that is indicated by the card's symbols, the other time he has his brain just turned off and runs. Well written and consistent character? Not this one.

Games ⇢ No one cares about the rules, not even creators.
What's the point in introducing the symbols as a game categorizations, when you just completely ignore it later on? How is the first game team battle, when it completely relies on wits? Or The Witch Hunt game, which again could be won only by using your brain and wits. Or the bus game which was a team battle, but had NOTHING to do with teamwork and again, needed a brain to solve it and understand the rules. The only game that truly fitted the category given was the wolf and the lambs game in episode three. It was pure survival based on betrayal. No double meaning, no hidden ways out.

The male lead should also be dead. When The Witch Hunt begins, his Visa is said to expire tomorrow. Since he was not part of The Witch Hunt game (he did not register before the game started by scanning his face on the phone), he did not gain additional 10 days to his Visa. They did not play any games after that. Unless they found the hiding spot of the Dealers right the next day, and he joins the new game right away, he should be dead. Or the game was just paused after the Beach event, but that makes no sense, since the events in the Beach did not affect all the players in that game world.

Predictable outcomes ⇢ The games that did not surprise me.
The games were either laughably easy to solve and I hated the characters for not understanding them, or were impossible to beat and you just knew from the start which character would come out of it alive. Because of that, there was no element of surprise or excitement. More often than not, it was just me watching idiots dying and feeling nothing about it.

Players ⇢ collective 10 points IQ
I get it, most people are not amazingly smart, but I did not expect everyone to be. I just wanted them to try to survive, but I felt like most people were working hard to die. The best example was The Witch Hunt. The rule was clear: burn the witch in the Fire of Judgement. So what do most characters start to do? Kill everyone. Which is the least logical thing to do, because it's impossible to move all the bodies to a Fire of Judgment in the limited time. They set themselves up for failure. When the two characters next to the pool said "We killed so many people and yet we still did not find the witch"... well you won't know if you found her or not, because you are just leaving the bodies here, when the rule said you need to burn the witch in the Fire of Judgment. No one cared about survival and winning the game. And while they explained that it was Aguni's plan for everyone to die and not solve the game, it did not excuse all the other people. Kill everyone, but remember, you need to burn them in the Fire of Judgement - the rules were simple.

You cannot claim this show is a commentary on how people turn into the worst version of themselves in life or death situations, and when their survival instinct kicks in, because the majority of the characters didn't even try hard to survive...

Out of place emotional elements ⇢ The lack of proper characters exposition.
I'm not gonna cry during the emotional game of hearts, where two friends are giving up their lives for the 3rd one, when the writers did nothing to make me care and connect to these characters in the first place. Each and every death in this show evokes in me this reaction: oh... ok. They gave some flashbacks about some characters' pasts, but more often than not, it was too little too late.

Still camera shots ⇢ The directing beauty
I'm honestly exhausted with all the shaky camera work and angles changing every few milliseconds style of presenting scenes that is used in many shows. I truly appreciated how calm the directing here was, especially taking into consideration the chaotic tone of the plot itself. Loved the opening shots of the empty city used in a few episodes. I took a ridiculous amount of screenshots - this show was truly an aesthetic masterpiece for me, perfectly fitting my taste.

Aguni ⇢ The one that made me care and surprised me
Taking into consideration the fact this is not a character driven drama and most of the characters don't have much depth (it's really superficial), it did not even cross my mind that there could be more to Aguni than just rivalry with his old friend. Slowly discovering his past and his role in The Beach was quite a nice side plot line, and even though him killing the Hatter was obvious, the reasoning behind it caught me off guard and I appreciate that.

Overall, the first two episodes were too good, which ruined the rest of the series for me. They got me excited for some smart games that will make my brain cells do some workout, but the show never delivered after that. Each episode was more disappointing than the previous one. I wanted to immerse myself in the show, try to solve the games with the characters, and wonder if I would survive... but I guess "the game master" was not clever enough to create truly challenging tasks. There were many rules introduced, but when you truly try to digest and understand them, you find out, nothing made any sense.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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!! ❤❤

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais