Imagine being thrust into a world where every decision could cost you your life, and trust is a luxury you can’t afford. That’s the reality in Alice in Borderland, an anime that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. This short series left me craving more. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or just looking for an edge-of-your-seat experience, Alice in Borderland has plenty to offer. Let me walk you through its highs, its lows, and why it might just be your next anime obsession.

What is Alice in Borderland about?

• Full Genre list: Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Sci-Fi
• Key Themes: Survival, Friendship, Betrayal, Sacrifice,  Purpose in Life,  Societal Critique,  Humanity vs. Instinct
• Type: OVA
• Episodes: 3
• Duration to watch the entirety of the anime in hours: +/- 1 Hour
• Age restriction: R – 17+ (violence, blood, disturbing scenes)
• Trigger warnings: Death, suicide, gun violence, blood, intense psychological situations
• Release date: 2014
• Animation Studio: Silver Link. and Connect
• English Dub: Yes
• Source: Manga series by Haro Aso  
• Kanji: 今際の国のアリス
• Alternative Title: Imawa no Kuni no Alice
• Average rating: 7/10 
• Stream: HIDIVE and Prime Video
• Does the story carry on in the source material: Yes
• Official hashtags: #AliceInBorderland, #ImawaNoKuniNoAlice, #今際の国のアリス

When a group of friends find themselves transported to a desolate and eerily empty version of Tokyo, they quickly discover they’re trapped in a deadly game of survival. Forced to participate in dangerous challenges with life-or-death consequences, they must use their wits, physical skills, and trust in one another to navigate this terrifying new reality. 

My Thoughts on Alice in Borderland

I relate to Ryouhei Arisu’s desire to travel somewhere new and feel like a nameless NPC villager. I too often want to escape, but as I watch this, I know my mini-escape is fast approaching in the form of my honeymoon. I also appreciate that he is the first to express his desire to go home while crying. 

For full honesty, I have watched episode one before and put this on my halt list. Now here I am rewatching this instead of doing all I need for the wedding. I aim to watch all three episodes before meeting with my photographer at twelve. It should be easy. Thanks to a VPN I am watching on Prime Video. I enjoy high-stakes games in anime. The first episode set up the premise nicely and gave us just enough information to care about the characters.   

Daikichi Karube has a valid point about them keeping themselves sharp and on their toes instead of being lulled into a false sense of security. I do not particularly trust Saori Shibuki. Ryouhei Arisu going out of his way to make sure Chouta Segawa still feels valued and not like a burden warmed my heart. 

When Yuzuka USAGI explained that feelings get in the way of survival and you might have to kill other players – including your friends – I thought I figured out what Saori Shibuki was up to. I was wrong. I did not enjoy the hide-and-seek game and how it ended with my heart in pieces. This was one heck of an introduction to the series. I hope we get a full adaptation one day because these episodes are not enough. 

Types of games:

• ♠ Spades: Physical – Games of physical endurance, strength, and agility
• ♦ Diamonds: Intelligence – Games of intelligence, strategy, and wits
• ♥ Hearts: Psychology – Games of psychology, trust, and betrayal
• ♣ Clubs: Balance – Games that balance all three concepts with an element of teamwork

Quotes:

• “I don’t even care where it is, I just wish we could go someplace we’ve never even heard of”  Ryouhei Arisu epi 1 dub
• “Pull yourself together, I believe in you” Daikichi Karube epi 1 dub

Visuals and Sound

The animation, handled by studio Silver Link and Connect, is decent. The hauntingly deserted Tokyo is rendered with eerie precision, creating an atmosphere of suspense and isolation. Action sequences are fluid and visceral, heightening the tension of the life-or-death scenarios. The character designs, while understated, effectively convey the emotional and physical toll on the cast.

The soundtrack perfectly complements the anime’s tone, with its ominous, adrenaline-pumping tracks enhancing the suspense. 

Characters and Development in Alice in Borderland

The characters could be better developed, but their personal struggles and growth are engaging. Arisu, the protagonist, is particularly compelling as he evolves from a directionless youth into a determined survivor. The dynamic between the trio, and the other players they meet does add depth and emotional weight to the story.

1. Arisu Ryohei: A seemingly ordinary guy whose strategic thinking and emotional resilience emerge as his greatest strengths.
2. Karube Daikichi and Chota Segawa: Arisu’s loyal friends, who add layers of camaraderie and heartbreak to the story.
3. Shibuki Saori: A complex figure who shows the darker sides of survival instincts.

Each character’s development highlights the psychological toll of Borderland’s games, making their victories and losses profoundly impactful but the impact is marred. There just wasn’t enough time to learn much about the characters or their relationships, so for me, a lot of the tension that could have been in the show just wasn’t there and the emotional moments lost a lot of the impact they could have had.

Themes and Storytelling

This anime attempts to explore the fragility of human connections when tested by extreme circumstances. It examines societal structures, the concept of fairness, and the lengths people will go to survive.

The narrative is thought-provoking, often delving into moral dilemmas and the dark side of human nature. It balances high-stakes action with moments of introspection and philosophical musings, making it more than just a survival game anime. The pacing is generally good, with each episode leaving you wanting more.

What you don’t get, is the backstory of the Borderlands itself. That, or any explanation for anything apart from what veterans of the Borderlands know and what they tell the main characters. You’re left in the dark about the whole ordeal and the best you’ll usually get is about what’s currently going on, as in the current game. How do they find the games? And how do they ensure there are enough players? And so on.

If this show had at least 12 episodes, I think it could have been a lot better and more emotional.

While the anime excels in many areas, its relatively short length leaves some character arcs underexplored. Additionally, the transition between the games and the overarching mystery can feel slightly abrupt, leaving certain questions unanswered.

My Favourite Character: Karube Daikichi

Karube Daikichi is my favourite character in Alice in Borderland because he embodies loyalty, courage, and a fierce determination to protect his friends. From the very start, his unwavering support for Arisu and Chota stood out, showing that he values relationships over his own safety. What really makes Karube shine for me is his backstory and motivations. Despite his tough exterior and his past as a bartender, he has a deep sense of morality and a desire for a meaningful life. His optimistic yet pragmatic outlook inspires me, and it’s impossible not to admire his unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against him.

Would I recommend it? I’d recommend it to fans of dark, thought-provoking anime like Death Parade or Kaiji, or anyone who enjoys a blend of action, strategy, and emotional storytelling. Alice in Borderland is a gripping, intense, and thought-provoking anime that offers a fresh take on the survival genre. Its story and characters make it a series worthy of a watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

I now need to read the manga and possibly watch the live-action adaptation on Netflix.

Date I watched the anime: 23 November 2024

My rating: 7.8/10

What are your thoughts on Alice in Borderland?