by Dakota Hornak, Staff Writer
*Spoilers Below*
The hit new mini-series, “Squid Game,” on Netflix was released on Sept. 17 this year. Ever since then, it has taken over the internet for its popularity and unique story arch, being deemed a survival and drama genre.
This one-of-a-kind series is written and directed by Hwang Dong-Hyuk, a South Korean director and writer who was most known for his film “Silenced” before the Netflix release of “Squid Game.” His concept for the show was inspired by the financial struggles and class disparity that is common in South Korea. His idea developed into what is now a beloved show.
“Squid Game” shows 456 different people who all desperately need money to get out of severe debt. Out of desperation, they agree to play a series of games for an unbelievable cash prize; ₩45.6 billion which is equal to roughly $38,668,672. All of the players are drugged and taken to an island where they play classic children’s games. There’s a catch though; if you lose, you die, adding ₩1 billion to the prize for every player killed.
Some of the games played in the episodes included Red Light, Green Light; marbles; massive tug-of-war; and even a game where they had to cut out a shape in a classic South Korean candy, dalgona. One of the best parts of the series is seeing how Dong-Hyuk reimagined these games to be jaw-dropping and thrilling.
As an example, the Red Light, Green Light game is the first major game the audience sees in the show. A large robotic girl was placed on one end of the game field and players were only able to move when she wasn’t looking at them. With only five minutes to get across, players who moved when she was facing them were instantly killed. Despite the dark nature of the games, the adaptation of these childhood games into an out-of-this-world competition makes an amazing and engaging storyline to follow throughout the episodes.
Another brilliant thing about the show is the art direction and design. Every set shown in the series, from the game rooms to the bunk rooms and even the hallway players walk through between games was perfectly thought-out with an extreme attention to detail. The colors used in the set design are bright and engaging, similar to colors of kids toys and shows. Even the costume design used for the characters in the show was well designed.
What makes this show even more original is the variety of language options Netflix gives to viewers of “Squid Game.” The series can be watched in the original Korean or can have an English dub over the original. Subtitles are also available for viewers.
“Squid Game” made a huge impact online and throughout the world, inspiring internet trends, costumes, and plenty of binge-watches of the show. To experience “Squid Game” yourself, go to Netflix and see if it’s all really just child’s play.