Cover Playing cards (Photo by Amanda Jones/Unsplash)
Playing cards (Photo by Amanda Jones/Unsplash)
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Here are our top picks on the Japanese TV spectacle which is back on screen with more thrilling games and nail-biting dilemmas down the rabbit hole
It is often said that there is a thin line between life and death. Japanese artist Haro Aso takes this translation to the next level with his manga Alice in Borderland, known as Imawa no Kuni no Arisu in Japanese. Netflix turned the series into a live-action of survival drama that explores the adventures of astray gamer Arisu as Alice, played by Japanese actor Kento Yamazaki, alongside characters starred by Asahina Aya, Tao Tsuchiya and Nijiro Murakami. Though the adaptation drew its inspiration from the famous childhood book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice in Borderland has well-earned popularity and massive success of its own.
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Apart from the phenomenal cast, it is almost close to impossible to list down what made us fall in love with Alice in Borderland the second time around. Especially with a setting in a parallel world of Tokyo, the plot of having to question the essence of life, a thought-provoking concept of reality, and the inclusion of what we grew attuned to with the original Alice in Wonderland story: the neurotic mad hatter, the iconic playing cards and the infamous queen of hearts—all of which constitutes to the winning formula of each episode of the live-action series.
Above Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan (Photo by Daryan Shamkhali/Unsplash)
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan (Photo by Daryan Shamkhali/Unsplash)
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A lot of viewers either criticize or praise Netflix for its spinoffs. But for Arisu’s journey, the audience made it clear as day that the streaming platform giant and the Alice in Borderland creators have yet again, outdone themselves for its second season.
The first season introduced us to the fairytale fantasy with a twist and left us hanging craving for more, really setting the bar high for the fictional narrative brimming with action. Now that Alice in Borderland has returned, the non-manga reader audience demands answers to their questions and discovery of the truth behind the mystery of the life-and-death games while the familiars expect the same consistency the former has delivered.
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Within the eight episodes and the last one spanning an hour and 20 minutes, reviews and comments declared that Netflix deserved the spotlight for Alice in Borderland 2. And we’ve listed the top five out of the countless reasons why.
A gentle warning that there will be minimal spoilers ahead.
Arisu's new friend
Above The King of Clubs and Arisu
The King of Clubs and Arisu
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Season one propelled us to the conclusion that for Arisu and the gang composed of Usagi, Chishiya, Kuina and even Tatta and Ann to escape the land, they must complete all the playing cards. In order for that idea to be put to the test in the hopes of success, their goal was to push through with facing all the face cards, the remainder after conquering the number cards and its literally deadly challenges masked as games.
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Early in the series, the team faced with Ginji Kyuma or the King of Clubs in a game of Osmosis. Played by Tomohisa Yamashita, Kyuma surely surprised the fans with a lasting impression and a message on equality while sparking an unexpected friendship with Arisu, revealing an important yet cryptic backstory about the world that they’re stuck in and its inhabitants.
Aguni's redemption
Above Aguni Morizono
Aguni Morizono
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Japan is well-known for its storylines that focus on character development. Alice in Borderland 2 is not short of redemption arcs with Aguni’s guilt consuming him since the fiasco at the beach episode in season one and the actions and sacrifices he took in exchange since then. Sho Aoyagi couldn’t have played a determined man better than portraying Morizono Aguni and his action-packed scenes. The tables have definitely turned with him switching sides and seeing the construct from the same side as our protagonists, earning him respect from fans.
Her fighting spirit
Above Akane Heiya
Akane Heiya
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What’s a new season without a fresh face? Yuri Tsunematsu as Akane Heiya’s character represented courageous women, self-love and feminine strength. This beauty transforms into an unstoppable beast as a skilled archer willing to go above and beyond for her beliefs and the people that matter most to her. Heiya is a reminder that despite the many difficulties we go through in life, we must still keep on going.
Mira Kano
Above The Queen of Hearts
The Queen of Hearts
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Riisa Naka, who embodies a mysterious woman with elegant features, was exposed as the Queen of Hearts in the finale of the second season. Mira’s mischievous personality and perfectly twisted smile dominated web content and inside jokes relating to confusion and madness. Her appearance in the last episode made viewers go crazy for her—as much as she made an insanely beautiful performance as the last final boss or gamemaster whom Arisu has finally been able to face.
The Joker conundrum
Above The Joker card
The Joker card
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You wouldn’t want to miss out on this intricate detail: the preview of the Joker card. It may mean a resolved ending representing a card amongst a set of playing cards that is set aside or forgotten, but the accompanying music leans into an impending doom. The big question is if it’s a promise of a third season. If yes, how soon can we expect the mind-blowing journey of Arisu to return? And will it exceed our expectations once more, after Alice in Borderland 2 sets the bar higher, yet again?
If you can't get enough of Chishiya's calm and collected persona in cleverly dealing with the games, wondering whether Arisu and Usagi's love ship has sailed, or if you're simply dying with curiosity to find out what kind of place Borderland is, wanting to meet the new characters and thrilling games that were unlocked, watch season 2 of Alice in Borderland now, streaming on Netflix.
It may be too early to ask for a third season. Or not.
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Kristina's passion to write came from her love for books. If her nose isn't buried in one nor her fingers are tapping away on a keyboard working on a write-up, you'll find her having a feast at a new restaurant or savouring coffee in the nearest shop listening to rock music. Also interested in computer games and all things Japan, she spends her free time playing Dota 2, watching anime, as well as reading manga.
