Alice In Borderland: review with potentially very vague spoilers

Greetings everyone,

Over this past weekend, I became completely engrossed with the first two seasons of 'Alice in Borderland', a mind-boggling show that I found so engaging I couldn't resist discussing it. I will try to veer clear of spoilers because the joy of the series is in its unanticipated narratives.

Centring around three rebellious friends: Arisu, Chota, and Karube, ‘Alice in Borderland’ depicts an eerie alternate version of Tokyo where survival lies in mastering a series of deadly games. It draws parallels to 'Squid Game' and 'Battle Royale' but is distinctively innovative, never feeling overplayed or familiar.

Japanese like 'Alice in Borderland', and some Korean series, strike a chord distinct from American series. The latter often falls prey to predictability, but the former is an unpredictable whirlwind of emotions. The plot is at once brutal and violent, heartwarming and heartbreaking. It will keep you questioning everything and everyone. It offers a beautiful tapestry of evolving relationships and self-exploration. The series brilliantly showcases the universal traits of humanity, even amidst diverse cultural aspects.

One cannot fault the acting, it is nothing short of exceptional. The series surprises with its stunning visuals and seamless CGI effects that bring the alternate Tokyo to life. Each character evolves throughout the series: some initially hated characters eventually invoke empathy and understanding, while some previously liked characters might turn bitter. Social issues touched upon, align with the narrative rather than disrupting it, often moving the viewers.

I advocate for subtitles in foreign language series for their authentic voice intonations. Despite the advancements in dubwork, I still find it somewhat off-putting.

Warning, a few mild spoilers follow. The games portrayed range from simplistic to intellectually challenging, some even twisted. The necessity of playing these games for survival in this world adds a surreal layer. The series doesn't shy away from showcasing death and violence. But it's this brutal reality that accentuates the character growth and development.

To summarise, 'Alice in Borderland' is a compelling series that beautifully encapsulates surprising plot twists, character development, and nuanced emotional dynamics. Despite the series' brutal nature, it provides genuine insights into the characters' growth and regression. But I'll pause here, because 'Alice in Borderland' is best enjoyed when explored without spoilers. Its charm indeed lies in its unpredictability, which is a trademark of Japanese and Korean series.

Peace out!