Alice na Fronteira (2020)

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

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!

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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!

Leia Mais

a brilliant psychological and dystopian thriller

this was a ride!! imawa no kuni no alice's dystopian game universe setting was fascinating, the games gruesomely captivating, and the characters so intriguing. this show will play with your heart, your senses and your logic in the most perfect way!

this is a must watch if you don't mind graphic deaths, and love mind games. the way the episodes are tangled with each other and make up the entire universe the players are stuck in is really mesmerizing. the twists and tangles will keep you on the edge of your seat. the production was fantastic too, some of the shots are out of this world. the sets are stunning in each episode.

the cast is undoubtedly one of the best parts of this show as well. the acting is excellent, and each character's personality traits are superbly portrayed, from madness to vulnerability. i can't wait for season 2 !

Leia Mais

WOW.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but anything I was thinking did not give the appropriate amount of credit that was due for this masterpiece. It had everything I enjoyed as a viewer, as I am a huge fan of intense, life-or-death decision making shows and movies.

And I believe anything I write in this review will not give the drama any justice. I know Japan goes hard with their dramas, but this was something completely different and probably one of my all-time TOP dramas of 2020.

If you haven't watched it yet - DO IT.

I think this was perfect and super intense, BUT around the time when the characters arrived at The Beach, and the different groups were introduced, we are introduced to Niragi Suguru. I thought who is the wild character. Oh...wait...is that my Jdrama husband, Sakurada Dori? Yep. And I knew that I would not only love this drama, but it added a level of comedy, which is oddly bizarre to say, but once I knew Dori was this psychopath, I kept thinking about all his other roles and the contrast. Other than that, all characters had this likeability as well as this humanity in them that made them not perfect. I did appreciate that both "Alice" & "Rabbit" (cause apparently Arisu & Yuzuha had nicknames) were badass characters.

Leia Mais

Allowing you to think while watching

Alice in Borderland is a manga-adaptation and they did well.

Though I want to give it a perfect score, but I find it too much for the overall rating of the show.

First, the concept is so typical, a survival game which I've watch several same kind is story. Good thing is, the series manage to pull out and gives plenty of newly & fresh life-dependent games.

Great Acting! specially the main lead. The poster and cinematography of the show is so lit. I was so amaze how wonderful their production is.

My fave thing about Alice in Borderland is the CHARACTER DESIGN of the cast. It was well suited and fit for a live-adaptation.

Out of 8 episodes, the third one is what I love the most. The bond of their friendship is so strong. I love how the story lead us in crying the way they let the two friends sacrifice for their friend. I really cried during that scene. "Thank You" and "Live on for us" - These lines huhuhu

Still glad they announce season 2 fast because I want to know what's going to happen next.


Cons of the show:
• Some episodes are not really impactful
• predictable outcome (is it just me or nah?)

Leia Mais

Please watch.

I don’t usually watch Japanese dramas so me giving the story 5 stars is saying something. It follows the type plot line: main character is happy, people die for the main character to have character development, main character matured to take in the world.

STORY:
Great! No complaints

ACTING:
It was amazing. Some of the characters had very different personalities from the real world and the game world. To be able to mix those personalities into one person without it feeling forced is a feat all in its own.

MUSIC:
Nothing memorable

REWATCH:
Yes I would definitely watch this again! They need to hurry up and make a season 2.

Leia Mais

A good drama adaptation to a manga atlast.

Alice in borderland is now among the few adapted from manga (or anime) which was fucking decent. Once again Netflix does a fucking great job, like it did with the movie Bleach.

The drama itself was quite engaging from the very first episode till the last one. It is a plot driven story, and the twist and turns, the ticking clock, action and thriller gives us a nail biting & head scratching experience. (That's the shit I liked about it the most).

The life-at-stake games are the fire of the story; fueled by it's compelling characters and the action+mystery combination. This drama will surely keep you on the edge of your seats, keep you guessing and when you will think you fucking know where it's going, it will punch you in the gut & leave you there to witness it's unpredictablity.

The first season just felt like the introduction chapter to me. You will get know the ropes of the story, how the games are played and what type of them are. But still we have yet to know how the duck they got into the game? & who are the almighty cocks who runs these games? Aliens? God?
That's why I am waiting for the 2nd season, and hope we will get some of the answers.

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