Squid Game (TV Series) Mugunghwa kkoch-i pideon nal (2021) User Reviews

An unusual start shall we say.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 16 October 2021]

Gi Hun really is down on his luck, owing money, and losing money, an opportunity pops up to make some easy cash.

I was a little unsure after the first half an hour or so, I was somewhat bored....however, it switches up, and becomes darker, more imaginative, and actually pretty good.

The visuals are awesome, it looks great. I hated the English voice overs, they were shocking, so I switched to original with subtitles, that made a massive difference.

Overall, enjoying, 8/10.

You move, you die.

[BA_Harrison · 8/10 · 8 October 2021]

Squid Game will inevitably draw comparisons with plenty of other films, most notably Battle Royale, but where it really succeeds is not in its basic premise, but rather with the characters and the execution, the show revolving around an intriguing bunch of losers and boasting great production design.

The first episode, Red Light, Green Light, introduces down-on-his-luck divorced father Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who, millions of 'won' in debt, accepts an invitation to take part in a mysterious contest, the winner of which will receive a fortune. He and 455 other desperate souls must face a series of challenges, based on childhood playground games, in order to get their hands on the prize; the only problem is that those who lose, lose their life.

From the sinister masked invigilators, to the candy-coloured, Escher-inspired induction room, to the creepy, motion-sensor doll that controls a deadly game of 'peep behind the curtain', this show is amazingly inventive and a joy to behold. It's also incredibly violent, with hundreds of contestants being brutally slain in the opening game, blood spraying all over the place.

In short, this is an impressive start to the series: I can't wait to see what happens next...

Makes you interested wow

[ziadrafet · 9/10 · 25 September 2021]

Very good start and we will see alot of interesting things between them and it have a very nice idea.

Gripping!

[lareval · 10/10 · 26 September 2021]

This how to start a series properly. With a great build up, fleshed-out characters and with a beating suspense that goes on and on, heading to a terrifying, sensational climax with the first game of them all. A Joy to watch, hooked already.

What a pilot. And a hell of a climax

[evansjoshyr · 10/10 · 26 September 2021]

I was invested in the characters in the first 20 mins.

I was intrigued by the world in the 20 mins that followed.

And I was absolutely floored by the final 20 mins. What an ending.

One of the best pilots of all time

[keezo9uno · 10/10 · 23 September 2021]

Not since Westworld S1E1 has a pilot been so engaging, shocking, and engrossing all at once.

Everything you could want from a pilot!

[lukeanw · 9/10 · 27 September 2021]

A great first episode that sets us up perfectly for what is to come. It has everything; a flawed main character with clear motives, brief exposition, some unexpectedly cool visuals (the production design of the show warrants watching it alone), and a final act that is beyond shocking. I cannot imagine anyone viewing this episode and not wanting to see more, even if it's just to find out what twisted game is up next.

I did find it a little odd that no one asked what the punishment would be if they lost the games but once you wake up in a room of 100 mega-bunkbeds I suppose your mind would be a bit scrambled.

Gambling is dangerous

[vivianla · 12 November 2021]

A man has a gambling addiction. He is eating and asking his mom for money. His mom reminds him it is his daughter's birthday. He asks for more money and she gives in. He secretly takes her credit card and goes to the bank to withdraw more.

This man watches horse races and gambles on the winner. He loses his money but then wins. He takes his earnings and proudly walks out. Loan sharks come after him and he runs out of habit. He bumps into a girl who is a pickpocket so when he is approached in the washroom in between the urinals, he has nothing to give.

The man goes to the arcade to try to win a plushie for his daughter. A young boy he meets helps him win a wrapped gift. His celebration with the boy was adorable.

The man meets with his cute daughter and buys her tteokbokki. The wrapped gift turned out to be a gun that has a small light coming out. He ends up keeping it.

Gong Yoo shows up wearing a suit and looking handsome as ever. He offers the man money if he wins at a children's game. At last he wins and Gong Yoo gives him his card.

He passes by the fish stand. The woman selling is his classmate's mother. His mom says her son is out on a business trip. The man asks her to connect him with her son.

The man takes his winnings home where his mom tells him that his daughter will be moving to the U. S. with her mom and stepdad. She will grow up and forget Korean she says. She fears her son will never have the same connection with his daughter again. He won't see her often either. The woman says she met a man who studied law upstairs who said the father can take the child with certain requirements. The grandma pushes her son to do something to get her back. The father seems unmotivated to go to school or work.

The father calls up the number on the card. He meets the van and a gas puts him to sleep. He wakes up in a massive bunk bed structure alongside with 455 other people. He is number 456, the last person. An old man is number one.

The first game is red light, green light. The man spots the fish stand woman's son. The one who was supposedly out on a business trip. His debts were shown previously and the man asks his former classmate what happened.

At first everyone scoffs at the child's game but then the first casualty scares them. If the doll sees you move after it speaks, you are dead. The song that plays is an oldie. It is a beautiful English song; the woman croons spring in Jupiter and Mars.

The man and his childhood best friend make it. The pickpocket and old man also make it.

Amazing opener

[Leofwine_draca · 10/10 · 30 September 2021]

An incredible first episode of a TV show, one of the best I've ever seen; up there with GAME OF THRONES and ROME for drawing you into a new series. I enjoyed ALICE IN BORDERLAND but this is something else, and so very Korean. It has a bit of everything from comedy to pure horror, but it's the acting, the direction, and the careful focus on character that makes it unique. Amazing!

Good Start To The Series

[gbarrett-39941 · 8/10 · 26 September 2021]

If you have never watched Japanese or Korean shows, you may find the start a bit slow. This is due to their attention to detail in character development. The intensity ramps up quickly and you're hooked.

Better Than Expected

[asfhgwt-1 · 7/10 · 7 October 2021]

It took a while, but this first episode grew on me, despite the horrendous English dubbing and goofy acting.

Wow!

[Analog_Devotee · 8/10 · 2 November 2021]

This first episode does a wonderful job of drawing you in -- solid and concise character development leading into an equally insane and intriguing plot. Really, really looking forward to watching this one pan out!

difficult to judge on first episode

[nodlimax · 6/10 · 14 October 2021]

After the "buzz" around Squid Game I decided to reactivate my Netflix account to give it a chance without looking at actual ratings beforehand or without knowing much about the story except for "it's a battle royal type scenario".

So without knowing much about the characters but understanding what the scenario usually contains (based on other similar shows/anime) I went in with some expectations in the first episode. For the most part it is what I'd think to see in this kind of show. There is not much surprise to be found here.

The characters are stereotypes of what you can expect in battle royals. They are usually bad in one way or another and for the most part you won't feel bad when they die.

To be honest the thorough introduction of the main character in the first 30 minutes made me absolutely hate him and I want him to die. He shows very small pieces of good traits but it's not nearly enough to make me root for him to win. Every bit of pain he gets in this first episode is absolutely deserved. We get to see some characters that might be interesting to follow and where I hope they will survive for several episodes but I kinda want the story to kill off the main character and focus on another one.

The game that is shown in this episode is "fun" in a horrifying way, but to many characters are just acting dumb which results in a lot of lost potential here. Also the duration of the game feels much longer than what is indicated in terms of the time limit. And this is not just related to slow motion.

The visual effects and sounds are solid. I don't really have an issue with the acting neither.

I dont often write reviews, but I think everyone should hold their horses

[cs-dancsi · 3/10 · 30 October 2021]

I watched the first episode because of the hype generated around this series. To be completely honest I really dont understand the hype.

Sure, it's not your 'everyday binge watching series', but I do really think it is worth the hype. I did like the idea of the main character though, but i really dont think this series should deserve the hype.

Like what's so interesting about this series? People getting murdered? I mean that's the only thing that I can think about.

The 'evil people' are just so mediocre. Like the mask guy was made using a checklist. Listening to classical music/jazz, drinking whiskey, having a mask and a deep voice with very little dialog. I mean kid's movies are more creative than that.

Okay, alright, there is but one thing that was nice about this episode and that is the cinematography. Was looking nice, but then I do not understand the set designs in many places. I get the references and the fact that it should look like and arcade and childish, but it also makes it kinda ridiculous, and not-well fitted in place. Again, i get the idea, but it just felt over the top.

All in all, i tried to see something behind each scene or tried to understand some deeper meaning of this episode, but other than the 'omg it is so obvious' i could not find anything. I get people getting desperate would do anything for money, but the execution (literally) was poor in my opinion. 3 stars because of cinematography.

Don't Move Or You Will Die

[ZegMaarJus · 8/10 · 17 November 2021]

This episode begins with a group of Kids, they play Squid Games with each other. Gi-hun tries to get some money out of the ATM. Gi-hun got threatened at the toilets. Gi-hun gets a offer, to join the Squid Game contest. Gi-hun arrived at Squid Game territory, with 455 other players. Gi-hun got number 456. Front man starts the game for the players. The first game: Red Light, Green Light. Player 324 got eliminated. Player 250 got eliminated. Many other players got eliminated, so much blood has spilled. Ali Abdul helped Gi-hun to get over the finishline. Nice Episode of Squid Game Season 1, what a great ending. So much blood and death, so many players died already!

Surprising

[giticomi · 8/10 · 4 October 2021]

The scenography in this episode is amazing. The plot will leave you surprised and amazed.

A Very Entertaining First Episode, but now flawless

[caleb-96969 · 8/10 · 20 September 2021]

I found the very first episode of Squid Game to be very entertaining and well put together. In my opinion it spent a little too much time in the outside world rather than in that of the game masters however it kept me engaged the entire time and that's what matters. In the end my main complaint was that the main character is very annoying. He's always complaining and is just an idiot. I'm hoping this allows for some character development but if it doesn't then he may be the death of this show.

No words to say.. (Just outstanding)

[shaikhirshad-41223 · 9/10 · 31 October 2021]

First of all I really thanks to the makers wo have build this series writers ,directors and actors what a phenomenal performance by all of them. The way show starts from its first epsiode it will grip your mind and body and just hold you stay still. Production design the vfx are outstanding. Performance of the characters are looking so real and the horror sequences that happens in the show that will just blow your mind away. Don't wanna give much details just go and watch. This show shouldn't be miss if you are series lover. NETFLIX you have done it again. WOW.....

electrifying opening episode

[Abdulxoxo · 8/10 · 1 July 2022]

Despite the major hype surrounding the show last year I never get around to watch it. But now having watched the pilot I wish I had watched it sooner. The pilot is engaging and has a few surprises along the way. Clocking at almost an hour, the first half is dedicated to introducing the main protagonist who is a gambler in a deep financial crisis. We get to see all his personal dealings and how his life is hitting the rock bottom. An opportunity comes in such a weird manner but he, nevertheless, grabs it. Now, my favorite the second half, is really entertaining. I like the mystery surrounding the whole scenario, the contestants are now basically hostages. The production design in this segment was visually appealing. I like how the costumes and the colors aren't only for show, the contestants wear green contrasting the guards who wear red indicating they're in charge and the contestants are disposable. We also see a mysterious man whose identity is unknown but is apparently the one who calls the shot. I enjoyed the game sequences, and just like the characters at first no one thought anything is at stake and that it's just a fun little game. But when things turned gory and horror is instilled in not only the contestants but the viewers as well. The themes presented in this show are deep and many today can relate

Overall, an exhilarating, amusing and sometimes terrifying pilot. The cast, direction, writing and technical elements are top-notch. And I hope it stays that way.

Red Light, Green Light

[lassegalsgaard · 8/10 · 11 October 2023]

There are some shows that just get released and become so big that you feel like you have to watch it if you weren't already onboard. "Squid Game" is one of those shows as it came out and virtually broke every record in Netflix's book and got people from all around the world hooked on a Korean survival drama. I figured that I would get to it eventually and didn't really think much about it when it first aired, but now I'm gonna try it. So far, so good; the first episode is a great world-builder that sells a sympathetic lead, while asking some big questions.

Hwang Dong-hyuk apparently came up with this idea over a decade ago, but never went ahead with it because he couldn't find financial backing. Luckily, Netflix is in the midst of a big international product expansion and decided to pick it up. The first episode dedicates very little of its time to the actual games, instead focusing on its lead and setting up Seong Gi-hun as a character that we can root for. The writing is very strong off the bat, and it's nice to see that the show is taking a character-focused approach to its premise instead of simply focusing on the action. Lee Jung-jae is also quite brilliant here, playing someone who is very remorseful of the life that he is living, but can't find a way out of it, even though he really wants to for his family. And that brings us to the game aspect of the episode, which is played as a mysterious tournament where it has consequences if you don't play along. There are a lot of questions hanging in the air right now, but it doesn't seem like the show is waiting long to answer them as there are a couple of games that we need to get through and a lot of information spread across the next eight episodes. Dong-hyuk's direction is very effective and his handling of the climatic scene is really a great showcase in how to handle this kind of action. It's a gripping show, so let's see if it can continue to be.

"Red Light, Green Light" is an effective start to a show that seems to be tackling some big subject matters in a very unique fashion. The episode greatly sets up our lead character as someone we can root for, while giving us a glimpse into a world that doesn't seem that easy to escape from.

watchable but kinda dumb!

[mm-39 · 7/10 · 1 October 2021]

Red Light, Green Light is a good character development story. The protagonist is a likable looser. Gambles, drinks and make bad choices puts the protagonist into financial troubles. Bad luck and dealing with life's problems has the protagonist play a game on a sub way and gets much needed quick cash. All the character are invited by a card to call in a play games for cash. Child games which get deadly. Rules, votes a deadly version of survivor unfolds. Interesting but dumb. What make Red Light, Green Light interesting is the originality of the Squid Games series. Worth watching. 7 stars.

Exciting!

[Gretel1006 · 9/10 · 1 October 2021]

This is so interesting! Ahhh! I just want to gobble it up, it's so good. It's great to find a new show to get super excited about. My favorite is the old guy. He was a hoot to watch the excitement on his face as he played Red Light/Green Light. I watched a few episodes of the Japanese tv show Alice in Borderland. It has a similar type of set up - people are pulled into a game and must compete and win otherwise die. I didn't find that nearly as engrossing as this one. This show does a great job of fleshing out the characters and makes me want to root for them. I also love the quirky and colorful structure the players are in.

10 of horror, but 5 of drama!

[dakuchonekobing · 6/10 · 26 September 2021]

I really like the idea of the show, it brings newness to the horror genre. The story is simple about a poor father and his darling daughter, which gives the viewer sympathy for the main character very well. However, in this episode there are some scenes that are emotionally irrational, illogical, which affect the truthfulness of the story, for example, why is it that the poor people don't panic when they wake up and They line up very neatly. And there are many dialogue scenes between the characters that look a bit fake and like they are joking with each other seriously.

I just don't get it.

[GraXXoR · 5/10 · 11 October 2021]

25 years living over here and yet I don't get the reverence that people have with Korean and Japanese TV programs

Poor acting, ridiculous scenarios...stupid plots.

I'm sorry but I remember a time when directors like Iwai Shunji made shows that made audiences think and feel emotions other than fear, loathing and WTAF.... This kind of low hanging fruit programme is by nature purile, lowbrow emotional blackmail redistributed as TV...

very disappointed.. However, I will still give it 5 based on the sheer production quality.

Slow and intriguing

[AvionPrince16 · 8/10 · 2 October 2021]

The beginning of squid game its pretty slow and take the time to present their characters and the why the principal character will take place in this game. After that, we are asking ourself how it will end. And how the character will escape of these horrors. There have some funny, serious, violent, dramatic and emotionnal moments. The first episode is pretty pleasant and make us wonder differents things and the first episode make us to watch the others episodes.