Drama Digest
Seong Gi-Hun, a single dad and a compulsive gambler who is under a lot of debt from the underworld is invited to play a series of games that can win him a large sum of money. Keeping his money problems in mind, Seong Gi-Hun accepts the offer to play the game and eventually is taken to an unknown island where he finds himself amongst the company of the other 455 players. One who stay alive is the winner. They are all very much in debt as well. Hold your horses, you can watch this show on Netflix to know more.
The Feel-Good Part
Squid Game isn’t like a regular 16 episodes long K-drama/thriller. The show talks about class disparity, capitalism, unemployment and unequal treatment of minorities. The fact that the show is a blend of social commentary with a dash of drama, comedy and dystopia is what makes it stand out from all other Korean dramas. It’s an eye-opener and a mirror to our society’s dark reality. The show also touches upon subjects that are crucial to Korea, such as the gender gap & poverty especially.
The Disappointing Factor
Even though there isn’t anything disappointing about this show, the show could have given Ali, played by Anupam Tripathi, closure without killing him off in the first season. The character’s honesty and genuineness are what impressed the fans of the show. Ali deserved better.
In-Depth Analysis
From horror to dystopia and comedy to film noir, Squid Game feeds the curiosity and interests of every kind of fan. The show’s portrayal of the existing social evils in our society, accompanied by some disturbing visuals can make viewers nauseous and force them to contemplate it. Even though the show challenges the greediness, helplessness, desperation of the players, the message that the makers of the show wanted to deliver is a very significant issue. The fact that Gi-Hun was made to look like the show’s villain when in reality, the wealthy businessmen who bet against players to lose and die are the real leeches of society gets missed out by most fans and viewers.
Star Power
The show’s lead character Seong Gi-Hun is played by Lee Jung-jae, who is one of Korea’s experienced and well-established 90’s actors. No one could have delivered this character’s demanding naiveness and concerning over-the-top innocence. Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, and Jung Ho-yeon also perfectly deliver their character’s purpose in terms of the show’s intensity.
Overall Opinion
Squid Game is a must-watch. Everyone who is in a mood to watch something serious and society-oriented but need some thrill can give this show a watch.
