Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. A tempting prize awaits, but with deadly high stakes.Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. A tempting prize awaits, but with deadly high stakes.Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. A tempting prize awaits, but with deadly high stakes.
- Won 6 Primetime Emmys
- 44 wins & 75 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Squid Game' is acclaimed for its unique premise, engaging plot, and strong Korean cast performances. The show is lauded for its commentary on social inequality and human nature. However, criticisms include predictable plot twists, inconsistent logic, and the acting of the VIP characters. Some find the ending unsatisfactory and the second season lacking compared to the first. Despite these criticisms, many still find the series captivating and worth watching.
Featured reviews
I found the show to be fantastic, only ruined by the horrible VIP acting.
Seriously. All things considered, they're a pretty small and self-contained part. The main characters were brilliant in their roles. I guess good actors figured that having parts where they're wearing masks the whole time wouldn't get them much exposure. The pacing and character development were superb.
Comparisons to Season 1 are nonsensical. Season 1 was an original concept that stood and succeeded on its own, which cannot be the case for subsequent seasons.
The best thing about Season 2 is the acting. The cast is absolutely great! Where Squid Game 2 feels lacking, is in its refusal to resolve ANY of the multiple threads in this season. There are many ways to build suspense, but the laziest one is where you just refuse to answer any questions you raised for an entire seasons, leaving it to be addressed in Season 3. It is quite evident that the show is now a lot less interested in telling a satisfying story and more invested in stretching the franchise into a multi-season subscription-retention machine.
The best thing about Season 2 is the acting. The cast is absolutely great! Where Squid Game 2 feels lacking, is in its refusal to resolve ANY of the multiple threads in this season. There are many ways to build suspense, but the laziest one is where you just refuse to answer any questions you raised for an entire seasons, leaving it to be addressed in Season 3. It is quite evident that the show is now a lot less interested in telling a satisfying story and more invested in stretching the franchise into a multi-season subscription-retention machine.
I think it's really good show but the VIP acting is horrible. Seems rushed and no quality.
Slowness to find Truth on the boat team.
Very rushed acting and quality. Looks like Ai is playing big part of it.
When Squid Game premiered on Netflix in 2021, it quickly became a global phenomenon-and for good reason. The South Korean series, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, is more than just a dystopian survival drama. It's a razor-sharp commentary on capitalism, human behavior, and the moral cost of desperation. While many have already praised its thrilling plot and visual style, Squid Game stands out for its meticulous attention to quality-both in storytelling and production.
Slowness to find Truth on the boat team.
Very rushed acting and quality. Looks like Ai is playing big part of it.
When Squid Game premiered on Netflix in 2021, it quickly became a global phenomenon-and for good reason. The South Korean series, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, is more than just a dystopian survival drama. It's a razor-sharp commentary on capitalism, human behavior, and the moral cost of desperation. While many have already praised its thrilling plot and visual style, Squid Game stands out for its meticulous attention to quality-both in storytelling and production.
Just watched whole 9 episodes and my favorite was the 6th, Gganbu. Not perfect nor a masterpiece, but this is very well made and provides a certain level of emotional experience. The overall show was far beyond things that were shown in trailer. Very well directed, performed, and finding its own unique points from the genre mixture of various references such as Gambling Apocalypse : Kaiji, Battle Royale, and so on. Just hope all others enjoy this show not only in Korea but also everywhere!
Ps. Even to Korean ears, VIPs' English conversations were not well written nor performed. I think the drama could stand well enough without their presence and save the budget.
Ps. Even to Korean ears, VIPs' English conversations were not well written nor performed. I think the drama could stand well enough without their presence and save the budget.
What to Watch on Netflix After "Squid Game"
What to Watch on Netflix After "Squid Game"
If "Squid Game" left you needing more high-stakes drama, we've rounded up some Netflix recommendations for you to check out.
Did you know
- TriviaThe creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, developed the show in 2009. However, it was rejected by media companies and actors for 10 years.
- GoofsIn the first episode, Gi-hun tries accessing his bank account and finds that his mother has changed the PIN after he tries inputting his usual password and it doesn't work. His usual password is his birthday, which we see is 0426 or April 26th. However, in the final scene of the last episode of the first season, he identifies himself on the phone with his name and birthday, which he gives as October 31st.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- El juego del calamar
- Filming locations
- Daejeon, South Korea(sets for colourful staircase and orean neighbourhood in the marbles competition sequence)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
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