Alice in Borderland (2020)
Arisu - a listless, jobless and video-game-obsessed young man - suddenly finds himself in a strange, emptied-out version of Tokyo in which he and his friends must compete in dangerous games in order to survive.
Hakihiko reviewed
October 11, 2025•
A Thrilling Dive into Chaos and Humanity
"Alice in Borderland" is one of those series that manages to blend psychological tension, emotional depth, and relentless pacing into something truly captivating. The premise - intense, mysterious, and often brutal - immediately hooks you, but what keeps you watching isn't just the survival games; it's the human drama beneath them. The show constantly tests its characters' morality, instincts, and bonds, showing the best and worst of people when pushed to their limits.
Visually, the series is stunning. The world of Borderland is crafted with precision - both eerie and fascinating - and the cinematography perfectly enhances the feeling of isolation and tension. The direction is sharp, maintaining high suspense while still giving enough space for quieter, emotional moments. The performances, particularly from Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, are heartfelt and grounded, adding authenticity to an otherwise surreal setting.
If there's one flaw, it's the third season. Netflix clearly stretched what was already a well enough-concluded story at the end of season two, dragging the plot into thinner territory just to bring the protagonists back once more. The narrative feels forced at times, lacking the depth and purpose that made the earlier seasons so impactful. That said, the games remain entertaining and impressively crafted, keeping much of the original tension and thrill alive. Overall, I'll still stick with an 8 - even despite the hunger-plot dive of the third season.