Netflix Review: Alice in Borderland (Season 1)

Alice in Borderland 🃏 is a tv series by Netflix based on the manga of the same title by Haro Aso. The first season was released last December 10, 2020. It gathered positive reviews and is included in the Philippines Top 10 just on its first week and even after a month.

Title: Alice in Borderland

Origin Country: Japan

Based on: "Alice in Borderland" by Haro Aso published by Shogakukan Inc.

Episodes: 8

Genre: Science fiction, suspense-thriller, drama

SYNOPSIS

The series started when three friends — Arisu, Chota, and Karube, found themselves lost in Borderland, an abandoned Tokyo. In here, they need to play "games" which requires mind and physical activities. It can be dangerous and fatal. In short, yep. Survival.

REVIEW

Aside from kdrama, I also love to watch anime especially when I was in college. I've watched a few live-action too and I must say that this one deserves the hype. Everything is so good! I rarely watch live actions because they can be cringey but this one won't disappoint you. I promise! 

As expected from a manga, the story is well thought of and detailed. It can easily be distinguished that it is from a manga especially if you watch anime in this genre. I just hope they didn't change much of the story though. If you have read the manga, please let me give me a comparison review. Hehe. The story is so good that makes it not predictable.

The cinematography 📽️ is on the next level and met my expectations. I noticed how they gave attention to angles which makes the series vibe just like in the anime/manga. And since we're now on more advanced technology, the special effects and visuals were also on another level which makes it more realistic to the audience. 

As for the casts, I think they did a good job especially Tao Tsuchiya, the girl who played Usagi. 

The characters have different personalities. I hope Arisu gets character development in the second season. He's brainy but he's not physically talented as expected from a video-game obsessed young man. But let's admit, he did well on solving the games. Usagi, on the other hand, is a strong independent woman but can be overruled with her emotions sometimes. I was surprised that Kuina can be powerful to kill the Last Boss and she did not use any weapon 🤩. I was most intrigued with Chishiya as he is the most mysterious since the first time I saw him and has the traitor vibes, idk🤔. Haha! 

The ending was not what I expected. I can't predict the whole story anyway! 😆 Haha. But I noticed that Mira was not on the last game and it all made sense at the ending. Now, I can't wait for the next season! The ending was a cliffhanger. I want to know more about Chishiya. I just hope he's not a traitor. Haha! The story can be twisted af and I bet it has more on the next season! 

⭐ I'd give this a 4.5/5. It is not boring and is consistent all throughout. However, I understand that not everyone likes this kind of genre. So if you're not into death and survival, you might not like this as it can be brutal and violent. 

P.S. Photos are not mine. This series are not suitable to very young audiences as the scenes includes killing and sexual activities (slight).