So far no one is unknown to the new Netflix Korean show (or K-drama) called the Squid Game. This series has become the most viewed show in the history of Netflix and the fastest show to reach such numbers. With an 8.3 IMDb rating, The Squid Game is the hot topic of the season.
The name Squid Game comes from the English translation of a game played by Korea similar to games played in India. In the first episode of the squid game, the narrator explains the games which look similar to the combination of Indian games "Stapoo" and Game Of Tag.
"The rules are simple. Children are divided into two groups: the offense and the defense. Once the game starts, the defense can run around on two feet within bounds, while the offense outside the line is only allowed to hop on one foot. But if an attacker cuts through the waist of the squid outpacing the defense, he or she is given the freedom to walk freely on two feet. For whatever reason, we called that the secret inspector. After preparing for the final battle, the attackers gather at the entrance of the squid. In order to win, the attackers must tap the small closed-off space on the squid's head with their foot. If the defender pushes you out of the squid's line, you die. That's right. You die. Once you take the winning tap, you yell out, "Hurray." And, at that moment, I felt as if I owned the entire world."
The Plot:
Squid Game is a multicast show that has players playing seemingly harmless children's games. All the players in the game are drawing in debt and are looking for an easy way to pay them, thus they participate in this game to win the prize money.
The game however does not let players walk away after just as you lose. Each player will have to pay the prize of elimination with their life. With six games to play, the game starts with 456 players.
The game starts when each participant loses to 'the salesman' in the game of Ddakji, a Korean children's game, and unintentionally falls into the trap of the Squid Game'. They receive a business card, with a phone number and nothing else. Unknown to the players, they will be abducted and taken into the arena once they call on the number.
The players are taken to an isolated island where they play the game. As the game moves forward the players engage in many other children's games only to lose their lives once they get eliminated. After they realize the violent actualities, the majority of players leave, they join again to try and win the cash prize to pay off their debt.
Rules of the squid game:
When the players first join the game they sign a contract with three rules:
-
The Player Is Not Allowed To Stop Playing
-
A Player Who Refuses To Play Will Be Eliminated
-
Games Will Be Terminated If The Majority Agrees.
In addition to that, each game has its own rules. Failing to complete the game in time will result in elimination from the game (and life).
Review:
The squid game is a new concept and an entertaining show to watch. The concept of survival in the arena and greed have made this show an audience gripping program to watch. The show has all the elements of what Korean cinema is known for, a gripping plot, fabulous cast, entertaining build-up, and satisfying ending.
Though the series looks fictional, the plot is inspired by the Korean debt crisis. Many people in Korea are drowning in debt and would take odd steps to resolve such a situation, thus this shows an allegory of the financial situation.
The show is rated 18+ due to its violent nature.
