Squid Game: Everything You Need to Know About Netflix's Biggest Show Ever
If you haven't heard of Squid Game by now, you must be living under a rock. The South Korean thriller drama has taken the world by storm since its release on Netflix on September 17th, 2021. The show follows a group of people who are invited to participate in a mysterious survival game with a huge cash prize, but with deadly consequences.
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But what makes Squid Game so popular and compelling? What are the main themes and messages that it explores? And what are some of the controversies and criticisms that it has faced or generated? In this article, we will answer these questions and more as we dive into everything you need to know about Squid Game.
Popularity and reception
Squid Game is not only Netflix's most popular Korean drama ever, but also its most popular show ever. According to Netflix's own data, Squid Game was watched by more than 111 million accounts in its first four weeks on the platform, surpassing Bridgerton's record of 82 million accounts in its first 28 days.
The show also topped Netflix's charts in more than 90 countries around the world, including the US, UK, Australia, India, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, and of course South Korea. It also became the first Korean show to reach number one on Netflix's US chart.
Squid Game has also received critical acclaim for its gripping plot, social commentary, symbolism, cinematography, music, acting, and production value. The show has an average rating of 8/10 on IMDb based on more than 480 thousand user ratings, and a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes Themes and messages
Squid Game is not only a survival drama, but also a mirror that reflects many dark corners of today's society. The show explores various themes and messages that resonate with viewers from different backgrounds and cultures, such as:
Social inequality and class conflict: The show depicts the harsh reality of the gap between the rich and the poor, and how the latter are exploited and manipulated by the former. The contestants of Squid Game are all people who are drowning in debt, facing poverty, unemployment, illness, or legal troubles. They are desperate enough to risk their lives for a chance to escape their miserable situations. On the other hand, the organizers of Squid Game are wealthy elites who enjoy watching the poor kill each other for their entertainment and profit. They treat the contestants as disposable pawns, who have no value or dignity as human beings. The show also reveals that the games are rigged in favor of some players over others, based on their social status, gender, or connections. The show criticizes the unfair and cruel system that creates and maintains such inequality and conflict.
Human nature and morality: The show examines the complex and contradictory aspects of human nature, such as greed, selfishness, loyalty, compassion, courage, and sacrifice. The show asks the question: What would you do to survive? How far would you go to win? How much would you compromise your morals and principles? The show portrays how some people become ruthless and violent in order to survive, while others try to maintain their humanity and help others. The show also shows how some people change over the course of the games, either for better or worse. The show challenges the viewers to reflect on their own values and choices in life.
Survival and identity: The show explores the theme of survival, both physical and psychological. The show depicts how the contestants struggle to survive not only the deadly games, but also the psychological trauma and stress that they endure. The show also shows how the contestants cope with their survival guilt, remorse, regret, or anger. The show also questions the meaning and purpose of survival. What is the point of surviving if you lose yourself in the process? What is the point of winning if you have nothing left to live for? The show also examines how the contestants' identities are shaped by their experiences in Squid Game. How do they define themselves as individuals or as members of a group? How do they relate to others who share or differ from their backgrounds, beliefs, or personalities? The show invites the viewers to think about their own identities and relationships in society.
Controversy and criticism
Squid Game is not without its share of controversy and criticism. The show has faced or generated some backlash and debate over various issues, such as:
Plagiarism allegations: The show has been accused of plagiarizing or copying from other works, such as the Japanese manga and film series Battle Royale, the American novel and film series The Hunger Games, and the Indian web series Asur. The accusers claim that Squid Game has similar plots, characters, settings, or themes as these works, and that it lacks originality or creativity. However, the show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has denied these allegations, and said that he was inspired by his own childhood memories of playing traditional Korean games, and that he wrote the script for Squid Game in 2008, before some of these works were released. He also said that he respects and admires these works, but that Squid Game has its own distinct style and message.
Translation issues: The show has also been criticized for its poor or inaccurate translation in some languages, especially in English. Some viewers have complained that the subtitles or dubbing of Squid Game have lost or changed the meaning, tone, or nuance of the original dialogue, and that they have missed some cultural references or jokes. Some viewers have also suggested that the translation has affected the perception or appreciation of some characters or scenes. For example, some viewers have argued that the translation has made the female lead, Seo-yeon (played by Jung Ho-yeon), seem more rude or aggressive than she is in Korean. Netflix has acknowledged these issues and said that it is working to improve its translation quality and consistency.
Violence and gore: The show has also been criticized for its graphic depiction of violence and gore. Some viewers have found the show too disturbing or upsetting to watch, and have warned others to avoid it if they are sensitive or squeamish. Some viewers have also questioned the necessity or purpose of showing such brutality and bloodshed on screen, and whether it glorifies or normalizes violence. However, some viewers have defended the show's violence and gore, and said that it serves to highlight the horror and tragedy of the situation, and to contrast with the innocence and nostalgia of the games. They also said that the violence and gore are not gratuitous or excessive, but realistic and relevant to the story.
Impact on children: The show has also raised some concerns about its impact on children, who may be exposed to or influenced by its content. Some parents have reported that their children have watched Squid Game without their knowledge or permission, and that they have been traumatized or scared by it. Some parents have also reported that their children have imitated or played Squid Game at school or at home, and that they have been hurt or bullied by it. Some experts have advised parents to monitor their children's viewing habits and to talk to them about Squid Game if they have watched it. They also advised parents to explain to their children the difference between reality and fiction, and to teach them about the values and consequences of their actions.
Conclusion
Squid Game is a show that has captivated and challenged millions of viewers around the world. The show offers a thrilling and thought-provoking story that explores various themes and messages that are relevant and relatable to today's society. The show also sparks controversy and criticism over some issues that are worth discussing and debating. Squid Game is a show that will make you laugh, cry, scream, and think.
If you enjoyed Squid Game and want to learn more about it, here are some recommendations for further reading or watching:
The Art of Squid Game: This is a book that features the behind-the-scenes stories and secrets of Squid Game, such as the concept art, the production design, the costumes, the props, the music, and the interviews with the cast and crew. The book also reveals some hidden details and Easter eggs that you may have missed in the show.
Alice in Borderland: This is another Netflix series that has a similar premise to Squid Game, but with a different twist. The show follows a group of people who are transported to a parallel world where they have to play deadly games based on cards. The show is based on a Japanese manga of the same name, and it has two seasons so far.
Parasite: This is an Oscar-winning movie that is also directed by a South Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon-ho. The movie tells the story of a poor family who infiltrates a rich family's household by posing as various workers. The movie also explores the themes of social inequality, class conflict, and human nature, but with a dark comedy and horror twist.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Squid Game:
What is the meaning of Squid Game?
Squid Game is the name of a traditional Korean children's game that involves drawing a squid-shaped figure on the ground and trying to reach its head while avoiding being pushed out of the boundary. The game is also the final game in the show, where only two contestants remain. The meaning of Squid Game in the show is symbolic of the innocence and nostalgia of childhood, as well as the cruelty and violence of adulthood.
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What is the significance of the masks in Squid Game?
The masks in Squid Game are worn by the staff and the VIPs who run and watch the games. The masks serve to hide their identities and personalities, and to create a sense of mystery and fear. The masks also represent their roles and ranks in the hierarchy of Squid Game. The staff wear masks with shapes of circles, triangles, or squares, which indicate their functions as workers, soldiers, or managers. The VIPs wear masks with animal faces, which indicate their status as predators or prey.
What is the origin of the doll in Squid Game?
The doll in Squid Game is a giant robot that resembles a young girl with pigtail braids. The doll is used in the first game, Red Light Green Light, where it scans and shoots the contestants who move when it says "red light". The doll is based on a popular Korean toy called "Dalgona Doll", which is made of sugar and shaped like various characters or animals. The doll is also related to the honeycomb candy that is used in the third game.
What is the meaning of the number 456 in Squid Game?
The number 456 in Squid Game is the number assigned to Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who is the main protagonist and the winner of Squid Game. The number 456 has several meanings in the show, such as:
It is the last number in the sequence of 1 to 456, which indicates Gi-hun's position as the last survivor.
It is also the last three digits of Gi-hun's phone number, which he uses to call his daughter or his mother.
It is also related to Gi-hun's birthday, which is April 5th (4/5), and his age, which is 46 years old.
It is also similar to the Korean word for "angel" (cheon-sa), which sounds like "four-five-six" (sa-o-yuk). This suggests that Gi-hun is an angel or a savior for some people.
Will there be a season 2 of Squid Game?Will there be a season 2 of Squid Game?
The answer to this question is not yet confirmed, but there are some hints and clues that suggest that there might be a season 2 of Squid Game in the future. The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has said that he has some ideas and plans for a possible season 2, but that he needs more time and resources to make it happen. He also said that he wants to make sure that the quality and originality of the show are maintained, and that he does not want to disappoint the fans. The show's ending also leaves some room for a continuation, as it shows Gi-hun deciding to go back to the airport and stop Squid Game instead of flying to see his daughter. The show also introduces some new characters and mysteries, such as the old man (played by Oh Young-soo), who is revealed to be the mastermind behind Squid Game, and the front man (played by Wi Ha-joon), who is revealed to be the brother of one of the contestants. These characters and mysteries could be explored further in a season 2. 44f88ac181