Squid Game

Squid Game is a South Korean survival drama television Netflix series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The show stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Ho Yeon Jung, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi and Kim Joo-ryoung. The plot revolves around a contest were 456 players, all of which are in some form of financial depth risk their lives to play a series of deadly children’s games for the chance to win ₩ 45.6 billion. Squid Game is a fun, interesting, engaging, disturbing and intense tv series that acts as a cometary on classism and the economic class struggle in south Korea.

The direction of Squid Game is great. The scenes within the show range from funny and light-hearted as well as genuinely sweet in some circumstances to balance the harsh and surreal nature the the show gives off. The overall mood of squid game is an interesting mix. The show defiantly has its dark and disturbing elements however this is mixed in with moments of comedy and levity to make a mood that complements the surreal style. Speaking of style Squid Game gives of a mood dark vibe throughout but juxtaposes this with its child games that the contestants must play giving a surreal use of contrasting imagery with the playful nature of the setting contrast with the grim reality of the situation. The tone of Squid Game is an interesting one. The show mixes dark and disturbing moments, comedic levity and heartfelt sicarios very well culminating in a unique tone for the show.

The acting in the show is also good. Lee Jung-jae does a good job as Seong Gi-hun. He starts the series as a man whose heart is in the right place but has a certain scummy nature to him as he struggles to support his daughter with is ex-wife and her new husband wanting custardy. His gambling auditioning being set up early on makes it perfect sense as to why he would enter the Squid Game and adds some heart and humanity to the story. Park Hae-soo does a good job as Cho Song-woo. A former head of an investment team and childhood friend of Gi-hun, however he is wanted by the police for stealing money from his clients and getting into dept via bad investments. His character at first seems level-headed and smart but overtime becomes more and more psychotic with him trying to survive. Wi Ha-joon does a good job as Hwang Jun-ho. A police officer infatuating the game to find is missing brother. His charter provides a good outsider looking in perspective on the situation and has an interesting dynamic with one of the main villains which I won’t spoil. Ho Yeon Jung does a good job as Kang Sae-byeok. A north Korean defector she enters the game to get enough money to smuggle her parents across the border. At first, she stars out the series as somewhat cold, but her detachment is completely understandable when you understand her situation and forms a sweet and heart-breaking friendship with Seong Gi-hun. O Yeong-su does a good job as Oh Il-nam he does a good job as playing a sweet elderly man with dementor who has a twist that I won’t spoil. Heo Sung-tae does a good job as Jang Deok-su he plays an intimidating gangster who is an opposing force within the show. Anupam Tripathi does a good job as Ali Abdul he plays a migrant worker from Pakistan who isn’t the brightest spark but is very kind-hearted and likable and has truly heart-breaking moments witch I won’t spoil. Kim Joo-ryoung does a good job as Han Mi-nyeo. She plays the loose cannon as the comic relive type and adds a good manic energy to the character.

The writing in the show is also good. The film sets up a genuinely intriguing mystery where you are interested as to the mystery and ultimately the inner working surrounding the game. The way bits and pieces of information are dolled out throughout the show makes the show interesting and intriguing as it keeps you guessing. There are also twists and turns throughout the show that keep you guessing. The reason for all of this to happen whilst a fine explanation does feel a little lacklustre and anti-climactic. All the characters are good as well. All the main cast is well developed and unique making for a great cast of charters.

The cinematography of the show is good. Although there are no shots or sequences, I would call incredible, the camera work is well done and serves its purpose in the story. Although there are some great shots showcasing the overall size, scope and special of the event. The special effect for the most part is good. All the practical effects such as the blood is handled well. The obvious standout is all the practical set designs which is great and truly helps to sell this idea of a childhood from hell these charters are stuck in. My only gripe on that front would be the CGI in the show looking a bit off when all the practical stuff is handled so well.

Overall, Squid Game is a fun crazy ride that offers up an interesting social commentary and is a good starting point for people interesting in diving into south Korean or foreign media and entertainment.