If You Love ‘Squid Game,’ You’ll Be Hooked on ‘Alice in Borderland’

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  • ‘Alice in Borderland’ And an Emphasis on Human Nature and Social Commentary
  • ‘Alice in Borderland’ Thrives on Team Dynamics

As a die-hard fan of nail-biting suspense and intriguing storylines, I simply cannot get enough of survival thrillers! And let me tell you, if you loved Squid Game for its gripping plot and raw human emotions, then Alice in Borderland is an absolute must-watch.

Ever since its premiere on Netflix in 2021, the gripping show Squid Game has captivated viewers, racking up a whopping 1.65 billion hours of viewing time. A big part of its appeal lies in the intriguing premise of forcing hundreds of participants into life-threatening games with immediate consequences. Even those who usually shy away from K-dramas found themselves drawn in, and the series more than lived up to expectations, earning an impressive 95% average rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator site.

After finishing the series, it’s common to experience a sense of emptiness due to the intense adrenaline rush it provided. To fill this void, look for something comparable, though challenging, not impossible to find. Luckily, the TV series Alice in Borderland, often compared to Squid Game, is a survival thriller worth considering. While it shares similarities with the world of Squid Game, it offers a unique storytelling approach that sets it apart, making it an engaging watch following the conclusion of your previous series.

‘Alice in Borderland’ Is a High-Stakes, Twisted Survival Thriller

The series Squid Game is a Korean drama that manages to tell an intricate story of survival among numerous characters from the very start, using a relatively small number of episodes. In a similar vein, the Japanese drama Alice in Borderland doesn’t deviate from this pattern as it sets the stakes high from the get-go, leaving viewers guessing whether main characters like Chota, Daikichi, and Arisu will make it through the dangerous games orchestrated by unknown forces.

In the drama, Ryouhei Arisu, a jobless, video game enthusiast young man, gets mysteriously transported into an empty Tokyo cityscape. He’s thrust into a sequence of perilous games that compel him to confront mortal danger and learn valuable life lessons about self-reliance.

In essence, every game serves as a battle for existence among its players. For instance, Tag (Five of Spades) involves individuals donning horse masks and wielding rifles, their objective being to track down runners. Similarly, Witch Hunt (Ten of Hearts) challenges hundreds of participants to discover the witch responsible for a fellow participant’s death; if they fail, all perish. Pondering the ruthless nature of these games, even when enjoyed by viewers due to graphic violence, offers insight into the dark essence of Alice in Borderland.

‘Alice in Borderland’ And an Emphasis on Human Nature and Social Commentary

Survival thrillers often expose the real side of humanity, showcasing traits like betrayal or inequality. Notably, Alice in Borderland and Squid Game share this similarity, as their characters participate in dangerous games due to sheer necessity. In both series, although many participants initially lack understanding about why they’re playing these potentially harmful games, the situation eventually uncovers their true motivations.

As I delved deeper into the show, I noticed a striking evolution: brutal violence, treachery, and other morally questionable themes grew more prevalent as we approached the end, marking a significant change in tone. Moreover, the series subtly explored the concept of survival in an indifferent world. Initially, Arisu seemed to lack purpose in the storyline, frequently seeing himself as a mere gamer with no great talents. However, it soon became evident that he was far from ordinary – his extraordinary problem-solving abilities only surfaced when faced with life-threatening situations.

In simpler terms, “Alice in Borderland” illustrates that under extreme circumstances, people can be pushed to their limits and reduced to nothing. It’s social commentary is exceptional among series, much like how Squid Game highlights the best and worst aspects of humanity. If you enjoyed the human dynamics portrayed in Squid Game, Alice in Borderland will offer a comparable experience.

‘Alice in Borderland’ Thrives on Team Dynamics

As a passionate movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts about Squid Game. This series isn’t just about eliminating opponents to claim the massive 45.6 billion won prize, but there are times when players are compelled to join forces and cooperate to progress to the next level. These moments prove particularly challenging for the contestants because they not only have to face stronger adversaries collectively, but also grapple with the grim reality that their team’s survival hinges on each member, making every individual’s life crucial in ensuring their own fate.

In Alice in Borderland, the reliability among players is consistently put to the test, leading to some tense scenarios that only make their predicament more dire. Despite Arisu developing a strong connection with Usagi, he often finds himself let down since those he views as friends frequently betray him in almost every new game, a dynamic that significantly contributes to his character growth – a key element contributing to the show’s appeal.

Without a doubt, there are numerous parallels between the series Squid Game, such as the main characters being underdogs, games controlled by enigmatic yet powerful entities, and an intense atmosphere that underscores the plot. Therefore, if you admired the idea and presentation of Squid Game, chances are you’ll feel equally captivated, if not more so, by Alice in Borderland. By the way, Alice in Borderland is now available for streaming on Netflix.

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2024-12-25 20:33