Squid Game (TV Series 2021–2025) ⭐ 8.0 | Action, Crime, Drama

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.

The VIPs once again are execreble actors. The gravitas and emotion of the show are turned farcical as soon as these rejects from every grade 7 play start talking. Even their gestures are cringe worthy. Non English speaking directors can not distinguish bad acting from good in foreign actors. Test this theory on any film made anywhere at any time in a non English speaking country, which contains an "American" in it. Japanese flicks are notorious for this, even Kurosawa. Break out the ham. I can imagine the ads run in Seoul papers: "Foreign English speaking actors needed." And since last time I checked Seoul isn't L. A., the pool of trained, good, professional actors must run at about ZERO candidates. Show is great otherwise: The contrast between the quality of acting in these cheesy foreigners and the Korean cast couldn't be more obvious. LA London Toronto and Vancouver have loads of actors serving table who would be great. Think about it guys.

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.

The first season of Squid Game was nothing short of groundbreaking, earning a well-deserved 9/10. It introduced a rich tapestry of characters, with Kang Sae-byeok and Song Gi-hun standing out as particularly memorable. The script masterfully balanced suspense and emotional storytelling, making viewers deeply invested in the characters' fates. The "games" were not only creative and thrilling but also served as a sharp critique of societal structures, keeping audiences hooked from start to finish.

Unfortunately, the second season was a significant letdown, feeling like a pseudo-disaster in comparison. The script was riddled with illogical moments, and the plot lacked depth, becoming one of the most boring narratives I've ever watched. Character development was virtually nonexistent, with the main character devolving into a dull, idiotic, and delusional shadow of their former self. The acting ranged from mediocre to outright poor, further diminishing the season's impact.

The games, once the heart-pounding highlight of the series, were uninspired and poorly executed, lacking the cinematic flair that made the first season unforgettable. It felt as though the creators had run out of ideas, delivering a predictable and frustratingly shallow storyline.

While the first season showcased the best of Squid Game's potential, the second tarnished its legacy. I've tried to overlook the second season's flaws, but its glaring issues make it hard to hold onto my initial admiration. What once felt like a solid 9/10 show now struggles to even reach a 7/10. The magic of Squid Game was in its originality and emotional resonance, and the second season failed to capture either.

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.