“Combining children games, with the possibility of imminent death is very perverse, and it is what makes the difference between this one and other productions with this plot…”
Para leer este post en español, presiona aquí.
First things first
The following review has no spoilers.
I started watching this drama without previous knowledge about it. I got the usual e-mail from Netflix suggesting new things to watch, and there was Squid Game, with a two-line synopsis. I thought it was interesting; that afternoon I watched the first episode, then I couldn’t stop and watched almost half of the drama, I finished it in two days.
After finishing the series, I checked Twitter to read some comments from K-drama lovers about Squid Game, and I was shocked to see the huge amount of people commenting about it, it became a worldwide phenomenon!
Squid Game is a South Korean series of 9 episodes, released on September 17th 2021, on Netflix. Its genre is drama, suspense, action and survival.
Synopsis
456 people, with severe financial problems, are invited to play children traditional games, with the chance to win a lot of money; but they never imagined that these games have a twisted, unexpected and mortal outcome.
In general terms
The first game left me in shock. I remained silent, mouth and eyes opened during the entire scene. Honestly, I did not see it coming.
Combining children games, with the possibility of imminent death, is very perverse, and it is what makes the difference between this one, and other productions with this kind of plot. We have to admit that the plot is not new, there have been many movies and series through the years with this kind of story: very powerful people who hunt other people, or make them fight each other until the strongest survives, just for fun.
It also explores, in an awful way, human behavior: how far are we willing to go for money? How desperate a person could be (economically) in order to risk his/her life, or abandon his/her humanity?
Squid Game is presented is such way, that despite being fictional, it makes you speculate if these kind of things actually exist somehow, because social inequality is real, and it is very extreme; there are also sadistic and sick people out there, so the sole thought of it is really creepy and disturbing.
Another shocking difference from other stories of this kind, is that the players were offered the chance to play, it was not mandatory, neither were they kidnapped. The creators of the game kept the rules clear, and some rules protected the players, they were given the chance to abandon the game democratically, which is also creepy.
Why do I recommend Squid Game?
The plot
As I mentioned above, the plot is not new, but this version is quite twisted and very well developed; each episode is shocking, as well as the turn of events. Let me warn you: once the drama ends, you will have many unanswered questions, but that will not stop you from enjoying the journey.
You will want more, and that is one of the symptoms of K-drama watching. If you are new in the Korean drama’s world, welcome, it will be difficult for you to get out of here.
The characters
Each character is shocking and it gets to you, which is why each episode is filled with emotions. Everyone has a difficult story and has strong reasons to be there. Even though each case is different, some people are better than others, or less human that others, the common denominator is money… Except for one:
There is another character that I really liked; he is a cop looking for his missing brother. His investigation leads him to this mysterious game, so he finds a way to sneak in, and little by little, he starts to find out what is going on. I was there with him, waiting to see how he is going to find out everything, find his brother, and save everyone… That is what I wanted the most.
The antagonists
In this series, the antagonists (bastards behind this ghoulish game) are invisible; however, they are present through their minions, the ones who keep the order, eliminate, and separate the losers after each game. None of them shows their faces; they all wear a mask and cannot even see each other. Eventually we learn who the people behind everything are, and of course, it is as horrifying as one imagines, or worse.
Locations and visuals
Locations are shocking, each game takes place on a stage accordingly, and they give you the chills. The huge room where the players sleep, the colorful stairs that lead them to each game, even the minions’ rooms; everything was designed so well, that it successfully adds tension to the story.
Clothing
The simplicity of the players’ clothing, as well as the minions’, are on point with the story. The green sportswear looks like a high school uniform, and each player has a number on it, showing precisely that they are only numbers.
On the other hand, only the geometric shape on their mask, which shows their rank, distinguishes the minions’ pink uniforms. Their masks are simple, but they cause the desired effect. However, I must admit that the leader’s and the VIP’s masks are another level. I loved the golden masks, I want one!
The OST
The OST is spectacular; you know the score is the soul of a series, documentary or movie, and this one was created masterfully. Its melody successfully conveys fear, tension, anguish and suspense to the viewer. I cannot choose a favorite because they are all so good, even the first one, which is during a scene from the past, in which the rules of squid game are explained… I recommend you to listen to the entire score. Here’s a YT link with the creepiest song (for me), it is called “Way Back Then” by Jung Jae-Il, master composer of scores like Parasite and Okja.
A little ending note
Squid Game is disturbing to watch, too uncomfortable at times. This is a plot that, besides being unjust and horrifying, it shows the abyss that exists between social classes, and how far people with power and no humanity, are willing to go.
If you have seen it, I would love to know your opinion.
Xoxo,
MJ
Other reviews in my Blog:
Mi terapia es escribir. Me desahogo escribiendo sobre la vida, mis aficiones, aprendizajes, bienestar, historias, libros y recetas. También me hace feliz conectarme contigo.