Watch Alice in Borderland

Alice in Borderland is a thrilling sci-fi series that originally premiered on Netflix in 2020. It is based on a manga series of the same name by Haro Aso, and directed by Shinsuke Sato. The series follows the story of three best friends, Arisu, Chota, and Karube, who suddenly find themselves transported from their mundane life in Tokyo to a parallel version of the city where they must participate in dangerous life-and-death games in order to survive.

The show kicks off with a scene that sets the tone for the entire series. The three friends are out celebrating Christmas Eve in Tokyo, when they suddenly find themselves alone on a deserted street in the heart of the city. As they search for signs of life, they discover a mysterious card game with a cryptic message inviting them to participate. They soon realize that they are trapped in a parallel version of Tokyo, where they must win dangerous games designed to test their intellect, strength, and survival instincts.

The backdrop of Alice in Borderland is a dystopian cityscape that is at once beautiful and menacing. The series makes great use of Tokyo's iconic landmarks, and juxtaposes them with dark alleyways, abandoned buildings, and other gritty urban spaces that serve as the arena for the survival games that the characters must play. Each game is a race against time, with high stakes and brutal consequences for those who fail.

The worldbuilding in Alice in Borderland is one of its key strengths. As the characters move through the various games, they encounter other people who are also trapped in the parallel version of Tokyo. Some are allies, some are enemies, and some are simply trying to survive like the main characters. The structure of the games, and the rules that govern them, are also carefully designed and explained throughout the series.

Another standout feature of Alice in Borderland is its characters. The three main characters, Arisu, Chota, and Karube, each have distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. The show does an excellent job of developing each character over the course of the series, and showing how they change and grow in response to the challenges they face. The supporting cast is also well-drawn, with each character having a unique story and motivation.

The series also tackles several weighty themes. One of the central themes is the idea of finding meaning and purpose in life. Early in the series, Arisu is portrayed as a directionless young man who is dissatisfied with his life. Through the games he plays, he is forced to confront his own mortality and the fragility of life. This leads him to question his values and priorities, and ultimately to find a deeper sense of purpose.

Another theme is the nature of power and authority. The people who run the games in Alice in Borderland are all powerful figures who wield immense control over the characters. They are often portrayed as ruthless and cruel, manipulating the characters for their own purposes. The series raises questions about the morality of those who hold power, and the ways in which power can corrupt even the best-intentioned people.

One of the unique aspects of Alice in Borderland is the way in which it blends traditional elements of Japanese culture with modern sci-fi tropes. The games that the characters play are often based on traditional Japanese games and mythology, such as the game of karuta or the legend of Momotaro. At the same time, the series features futuristic gadgets, advanced technologies, and other sci-fi elements that keep the story fresh and exciting.

Overall, Alice in Borderland is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and dystopian stories. It offers a thrilling and thought-provoking ride from start to finish, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The series is masterfully crafted, with excellent worldbuilding, rich character development, and a powerful message that will stick with viewers long after the credits roll.

Alice in Borderland is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on December 10, 2020.