A lot of plotholes were left entirely unexplained. And the idea that the old man was secretly behind everything completely ruins his character arc, and the moral dilemma that gi-hun had to go through in episode six.
101 Reviews
People getting mad at Gi Hun are missing the point.
tobyford-768086 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Whilst I agree the old man twist was poor writing, I found Gi Hun's decision to not enter the plane rather satisfying. His daughter will be there when he comes back. But for so many other people, they will not, if he gets on that plane. Hundreds will die miserable and lonely deaths away from their families, children, mothers, husbands and wives. All because of the system. How could he ever live with himself knowing he was allowing that to continue when he has the money and power to possibly end it? I know what I would do.
One Lucky Mastermind
Laqshayaroraofficial6 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The mastermind of this game was the old guy with brain tumor. Actually they gave us many hints that the old man was just more than a regular player!
Il-nam (Meaning - First Man): Old man was player number 1 (Entered the game before the other players), Oldest player (Age of other players were between 20-40), Playing for fun (unlike the other players, he had no motive ), The only guy who was delighted playing the 1st game while the other players were scared (Also the killing machine didn't scan him), Expert at all the 6 games (has been seeing players playing these six games since many years, also played them when he was a child), Final voter to decide (in episode 2), The guy who stopped the night fight, The only guy who didn't have locks on his handcuffs while playing Tug Of War, The only guy with no record of playing the current game (episode 5), The guy who didn't care much to team up with anyone in Game 4 as he knew that the left out player won't be eliminated, The guy who intentionally lost the 4th game as the 5th game was too dangerous for him (He knew players would push each other, remembering the safe glass was tough in his condition, Also he wanted to get eliminated from the game on the place that looked like his childhood place where he played these games), The missing VIP, The reason why Gi-hun won the game ( He only convinced Gi-hun to come back in Episode 2, He helped Gi-hun in winning the games, He might me Gi-hun's father) and The Best actor of all time (as he knew everything and every game but pretended he didn't)
I still thought they could have made this Episode better (Final fight wasn't good enough) and more satisfying for everyone but still this show is one of the best shows on Netflix right now.
Il-nam (Meaning - First Man): Old man was player number 1 (Entered the game before the other players), Oldest player (Age of other players were between 20-40), Playing for fun (unlike the other players, he had no motive ), The only guy who was delighted playing the 1st game while the other players were scared (Also the killing machine didn't scan him), Expert at all the 6 games (has been seeing players playing these six games since many years, also played them when he was a child), Final voter to decide (in episode 2), The guy who stopped the night fight, The only guy who didn't have locks on his handcuffs while playing Tug Of War, The only guy with no record of playing the current game (episode 5), The guy who didn't care much to team up with anyone in Game 4 as he knew that the left out player won't be eliminated, The guy who intentionally lost the 4th game as the 5th game was too dangerous for him (He knew players would push each other, remembering the safe glass was tough in his condition, Also he wanted to get eliminated from the game on the place that looked like his childhood place where he played these games), The missing VIP, The reason why Gi-hun won the game ( He only convinced Gi-hun to come back in Episode 2, He helped Gi-hun in winning the games, He might me Gi-hun's father) and The Best actor of all time (as he knew everything and every game but pretended he didn't)
I still thought they could have made this Episode better (Final fight wasn't good enough) and more satisfying for everyone but still this show is one of the best shows on Netflix right now.
Season 1 review: A brilliantly surreal & violent critique of modern society.
joebloggscity10 October 2021
After having watched a bunch of shows on Netflix, I have finally found something special here: The Squid Game. Upfront I've been a long-time fan of the alternative Korean film market, and this TV series is another gold star from their stables.
In this Season One, what we have is something is & isn't really that new a story, revolving around a bunch of people who ultimately choose to compete in a set of immature games that have deadly consequences, with the winner taking the spoils, a life changing sum of money.
The show is derivative and doesn't really hide that fact, taking elements directly/indirectly from Battle Royale, TXH 1138, Wicker Man, The Running Man, The Dark Knight and even countless survivor zombie films like Night of the Living Dead. You can add the obsession also in life with the countless number of reality TV shows too.
This mish-mash actually works. Why? It's because the set of characters are diverse BUT written in a believable manner which is quite an accomplishment. What we have is characters who are all flawed in some ways and end up having to make decisions on murky morale dilemmas which are life or death for them and/or their families & friends both within the game and not.
There are surreal settings which I won't spoil which will at first humour you but then scare you, as it's dark, violent and bloody.
Sounds crazy but actually it comes together as it's creating a Kafkaesque critique of modern life with a bitter outlook on our free market age and the power of big moneyed powermongers. This creates questions and issues which we all begin to ask ourselves, and you may find yourselves in the same delusions that you will always do what is right. That's clearly not all how life works sadly as you see here.
We have parallel stories of the characters lives outside, and a selfless cop trying to find his long lost brother. This all adds intrigue and greater depth. The only thing I didn't like was that there was a laziness in the writing of the rich faceless Western men. They were all practically old white men (one was of mostly like Chinese origin), and this seemed a bit cliched and narrow minded, and only partly diminished its aims. However, that shouldn't be one to ruin the rest of a great film.
I really enjoyed this series. It's about morale conundrums and a critique of our socities, our worries and those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It will leave you contemplating some questions about life, but it's not a political or revolutionary story. I'd highly recommend it to everyone to watch this.
In this Season One, what we have is something is & isn't really that new a story, revolving around a bunch of people who ultimately choose to compete in a set of immature games that have deadly consequences, with the winner taking the spoils, a life changing sum of money.
The show is derivative and doesn't really hide that fact, taking elements directly/indirectly from Battle Royale, TXH 1138, Wicker Man, The Running Man, The Dark Knight and even countless survivor zombie films like Night of the Living Dead. You can add the obsession also in life with the countless number of reality TV shows too.
This mish-mash actually works. Why? It's because the set of characters are diverse BUT written in a believable manner which is quite an accomplishment. What we have is characters who are all flawed in some ways and end up having to make decisions on murky morale dilemmas which are life or death for them and/or their families & friends both within the game and not.
There are surreal settings which I won't spoil which will at first humour you but then scare you, as it's dark, violent and bloody.
Sounds crazy but actually it comes together as it's creating a Kafkaesque critique of modern life with a bitter outlook on our free market age and the power of big moneyed powermongers. This creates questions and issues which we all begin to ask ourselves, and you may find yourselves in the same delusions that you will always do what is right. That's clearly not all how life works sadly as you see here.
We have parallel stories of the characters lives outside, and a selfless cop trying to find his long lost brother. This all adds intrigue and greater depth. The only thing I didn't like was that there was a laziness in the writing of the rich faceless Western men. They were all practically old white men (one was of mostly like Chinese origin), and this seemed a bit cliched and narrow minded, and only partly diminished its aims. However, that shouldn't be one to ruin the rest of a great film.
I really enjoyed this series. It's about morale conundrums and a critique of our socities, our worries and those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It will leave you contemplating some questions about life, but it's not a political or revolutionary story. I'd highly recommend it to everyone to watch this.
Even if it's not perfect closure, it's a damn emotional one
lareval26 September 2021
A great series (or season) finale. While there are some things open ended, the most important stuff comes to a close pretty neatly. The final game is satisfying, the pay off after it is reality-crushing sad, the final twist (who the creator is) pays kind of 'Ten Little Indians' meets 'Saw' homage and while It could be not that shocking it's a good, effective capper to the character so the motivation of the game. After an emotional ending bonding two depressive fates into a well deserved hope, there's a (probably intentional) cliffhanger. Overall, a great ending to a great series.
After episode 6 maybe 7..it falls
abdassy23 September 2021
The first 6 episodes were amazing and episode 6 was one of the most amazing episodes I have ever watched., however after that the show gets lost somehow.
Unnecessary twists with some boring in the end, and some of the twist were so predictable.
Anyway, I have to say that I loved the show and the actors but they were end was poor for me.
Unnecessary twists with some boring in the end, and some of the twist were so predictable.
Anyway, I have to say that I loved the show and the actors but they were end was poor for me.
6
Edvis-19974 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So three last episodes were going downhill. How the last episode is so predictable, rushed and didn't make a lot of sense. End first episode with quote like Terminator "I'll be back" is just a disgrace for viewer. I loved first 6 episodes but after that is just a big disappointment.
Season One Review
southdavid15 October 2021
I don't know whether you've heard about this one, but just to give it a bit of much needed publicity, "Squid Game" is a Korean show on Netflix. I'm kidding of course, whereas I'd personally prefer to be the one to discover something whilst it's relatively unknown, I came to "Squid Game" when it was already a worldwide phenomenon. Usually, hype like this is followed by inevitable disappointment, but I really liked the show and was impressed at how deep and character driven it was.
Desperate for money, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) agrees to partake is a mysterious game. Along with 499 other volunteers he is drugged and taken to an island and participates in various versions of children's games where the ultimate reward is an obscene amount of money, but the risk of failure is death. Between the games, alliances are formed and broken and the true nature of the competitors comes out.
As I say, what could be a cheap exploitation style show is elevated by so much work spent on investing in the characters - their backstories and motivations - as well as by the performers who do such a good job of playing them. All of the seven or so principle characters are excellent but it's Lee Jung-jae who is the lead and has the most transformative role. Gi-hun initially starts as a shady and unlikeable character, but one who's heart and kindness grow across the run until you can't help but love him.
The changing nature of the games can make for some heartbreaking moments, but it's the episode Gganbu, which is perhaps the most affecting hours of television that I've seen in a while.
Do I want a second season? Tough one. Personally rather than follow on the story from here, I'd rather find out more about The Frontman, what happened to him to get him to the point we find him.
A thrilling, tense and surprisingly emotional series. Well done.
Desperate for money, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) agrees to partake is a mysterious game. Along with 499 other volunteers he is drugged and taken to an island and participates in various versions of children's games where the ultimate reward is an obscene amount of money, but the risk of failure is death. Between the games, alliances are formed and broken and the true nature of the competitors comes out.
As I say, what could be a cheap exploitation style show is elevated by so much work spent on investing in the characters - their backstories and motivations - as well as by the performers who do such a good job of playing them. All of the seven or so principle characters are excellent but it's Lee Jung-jae who is the lead and has the most transformative role. Gi-hun initially starts as a shady and unlikeable character, but one who's heart and kindness grow across the run until you can't help but love him.
The changing nature of the games can make for some heartbreaking moments, but it's the episode Gganbu, which is perhaps the most affecting hours of television that I've seen in a while.
Do I want a second season? Tough one. Personally rather than follow on the story from here, I'd rather find out more about The Frontman, what happened to him to get him to the point we find him.
A thrilling, tense and surprisingly emotional series. Well done.
Just made me a bit mad
kristinaarsova-9324323 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I love the other episodes and the acting was on top but the weird feeling i got about player no.001 in first episode turned out to be justified.
The lack of originality of the screenplay tottaly ruined every good immpresion i had from the other episodes.... I still love this series but it just feels like i relive jigsaw all over again , like some remake with brighter glow .
The lack of originality of the screenplay tottaly ruined every good immpresion i had from the other episodes.... I still love this series but it just feels like i relive jigsaw all over again , like some remake with brighter glow .
Thrilling conclusion.
Borgenschatz22 September 2021
This is definitely been one of the best kdramas of this year and I commend the creators for working on such an amazing series.
Some of the scenes in this episode were gut wrenching to watch but all in all highlighted the desperation and terrifying headspace humans will go to when put in a situation the main characters of this show were placed in.
The final episode sets up a potential second season pretty well and I am really looking forward to it.
Some of the scenes in this episode were gut wrenching to watch but all in all highlighted the desperation and terrifying headspace humans will go to when put in a situation the main characters of this show were placed in.
The final episode sets up a potential second season pretty well and I am really looking forward to it.
Mixed feelings
rageman-317005 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Not a bad episode at all but several things:
1-you realize gi left behinde the ones he promised to look after for a whole year right?
2-why the did he dye his hair red????
3-001being the mastermind was a cheap twist imo 4-give me one good reason why I shouldn't believe they sniped his ass right as he walked off the airplane Great show average ending.
2-why the did he dye his hair red????
3-001being the mastermind was a cheap twist imo 4-give me one good reason why I shouldn't believe they sniped his ass right as he walked off the airplane Great show average ending.
Series is a 9/10, final is a 3
jtnickelson22 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
No lesson learned, this dude is a jerk. I really can't get past the fact he again screws over the most important person in his life, his daughter! You had to link into the next series before reconciliation?
This episode ended awful. The rest of the series was awesome, I loved it.
It's a show, for sure, but couldn't you have had him see his daughter and make amends instead of aborting his flight so he can go after a season 2 plot?
Anti hero, or apex jerk writer? Blah.
This episode ended awful. The rest of the series was awesome, I loved it.
It's a show, for sure, but couldn't you have had him see his daughter and make amends instead of aborting his flight so he can go after a season 2 plot?
Anti hero, or apex jerk writer? Blah.
Good
aaaaaron-frannnnnnnn11 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Good Episode - Pros first
-The camera work, cinemtography, photographer, IDK who it is, but just some establsihing shots alone almost moved me to tears.
-The showdown with the last two players was pretty great. And good combination of keeping it entertaining action, while being a realistic fight between two non-athletes.
-The extremely touching story of him helping out everyone he could.
Cons - Keep in mind, this is EXTRME nitpicking, and still think this is one of the best episodes.
-The big reveal with 001 was a little much. It's as if they were relying on that trope to carry the episode. Then of course he explains every detail of who, what, where, when why he did everything. This was sort of a big one for me. Even at the first episode, they would be like. "hey look at that", then we would get a flashback of the thing we saw 5 min earlier.
-He could've visited his daughter first. Not like he had to move there or anything, but couldve given us one moment with his daughter, and idk given her a thing with a "#67" the same number as the pickpocket girl who he ended up being close to.
-The one year later thing was sort of weird. I guess all these "cons" (which like i said are just me being picky and personal preference) - could be solved with just winning the games, then he feels sorry for himself for a month. Then the conversation with old man. Then a good 20 minutes of him doing good, time with his daughter, then dying his hair red (which changes him to the assertve agressor) and going back to "settle the score". I guess this is more fan fiction at this point. But wouldve send all the same messages, but with a little more emotion.
-The showdown with the last two players was pretty great. And good combination of keeping it entertaining action, while being a realistic fight between two non-athletes.
-The extremely touching story of him helping out everyone he could.
Cons - Keep in mind, this is EXTRME nitpicking, and still think this is one of the best episodes.
-The big reveal with 001 was a little much. It's as if they were relying on that trope to carry the episode. Then of course he explains every detail of who, what, where, when why he did everything. This was sort of a big one for me. Even at the first episode, they would be like. "hey look at that", then we would get a flashback of the thing we saw 5 min earlier.
-He could've visited his daughter first. Not like he had to move there or anything, but couldve given us one moment with his daughter, and idk given her a thing with a "#67" the same number as the pickpocket girl who he ended up being close to.
-The one year later thing was sort of weird. I guess all these "cons" (which like i said are just me being picky and personal preference) - could be solved with just winning the games, then he feels sorry for himself for a month. Then the conversation with old man. Then a good 20 minutes of him doing good, time with his daughter, then dying his hair red (which changes him to the assertve agressor) and going back to "settle the score". I guess this is more fan fiction at this point. But wouldve send all the same messages, but with a little more emotion.
Best of kdrama 2021
vishalmellark19 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Finest kdrama this year that leaves you shocked and wanting more . Kdramas have alot of talking. It doesn't mean it's necessarily bad , loved how ki hoon and ilnam play a game involving a drunkard. It's beautifully written , shot and acted .
Awaiting s2.
P. S im mad to ki hoon for not taking the flight .
Awaiting s2.
P. S im mad to ki hoon for not taking the flight .
Why did they do that?!
ostborgdaniel3 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I feel like they ruined the character II-nam by making him the one behind the whole thing... It destroyed everything of a character arc with him. And because of this it also ruins everything between II-nam and Gi-Hun in episode 6. Why did they make us care for the old man like that, only to completely destroy it in the finale?! :(
Well-handled climax
Leofwine_draca8 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I had no problem with this last episode. The final game is as expected, even a little unremarkable, but the twists that follow it are well-handled with plenty of depth. I do feel Lee Byung hun is shoehorned into the story at this point, but nonetheless this serves as a fitting end to the season. Will there be a second? I have no idea, but I'll watch it if there is...
Pretty bad ending for a great show
mattrabbi20 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode, as well as last one, were extremely frustrating. In other episodes I either felt a thrill or an investment in the plot and subplots. While in these last two, I just found myself rolling my eyes at some decisions made by characters, as well as the plot twists.
First of all, I'd like to mention Sae-Byeok's death in last episode. So anti-climactic for her character! She had such great moments in previous episodes foreshadowing her success in the games, and I'm sure many viewers were rooting for her. But then she ends up dying to a random piece of glass??? At the very least, they could have made her death meaningful. But nope.
Also, the twist about the old man being behind it all was so disappointing!! Yes, looking back, it makes sense. But even so, I found myself wishing it wasn't true! It's rare for me to feel this way, but I wish I hadn't seen this episode, as it ruins a lot of the show for me.
Not only that, but the reason behind it is so dumb as well. The whole time we were wondering about the mystery behind the games, and it turns out it's all just because some rich guys were bored.
After all of those reveals that felt rushed and lazily written, I was sure that it was just because they wanted a way to cap off the whole show in an interesting way considering the cool games were over. But then they tease a 2nd season with that cliffhanger??? How on earth could they keep this interesting considering how one-dimensional the whole mystery ended up being? And with all but one of the characters we grew attached to being dead, how do they expect to keep this interesting?
Overall really cool show, and not to forget the fantastic and emotional marble episode, but pretty lousy ending.
First of all, I'd like to mention Sae-Byeok's death in last episode. So anti-climactic for her character! She had such great moments in previous episodes foreshadowing her success in the games, and I'm sure many viewers were rooting for her. But then she ends up dying to a random piece of glass??? At the very least, they could have made her death meaningful. But nope.
Also, the twist about the old man being behind it all was so disappointing!! Yes, looking back, it makes sense. But even so, I found myself wishing it wasn't true! It's rare for me to feel this way, but I wish I hadn't seen this episode, as it ruins a lot of the show for me.
Not only that, but the reason behind it is so dumb as well. The whole time we were wondering about the mystery behind the games, and it turns out it's all just because some rich guys were bored.
After all of those reveals that felt rushed and lazily written, I was sure that it was just because they wanted a way to cap off the whole show in an interesting way considering the cool games were over. But then they tease a 2nd season with that cliffhanger??? How on earth could they keep this interesting considering how one-dimensional the whole mystery ended up being? And with all but one of the characters we grew attached to being dead, how do they expect to keep this interesting?
Overall really cool show, and not to forget the fantastic and emotional marble episode, but pretty lousy ending.
Hmmmmm
raffaellofilipus17 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Could've been done better, but it was good for what it was. The plot twist of the old man being behind it all I suspected, but never thought would be true. And because it's true, it kinda ruined the masterpiece of an episode that is "Gganbu". I don't mind Gi-Hun returning for a season 2, but I think they should've just concluded with him going inside the plane to see his daughter, or end it ambiguously, and end this show as it's own story rather than continuing for another season.
Sadly not a great ending :(
numenorsniper-6639621 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Squid Game made me glued to the screen most of the way, especially the first, fourth and sixth episodes. Sadly the show peaked at Ep.6 then declined in quality, with a fizzle out ending rather than the intense highs and creative spark that we got from other episodes. If only the show's ending was as strong as it's beginning, but sadly this last episode is by far its weakest, in my opinion.
Great Ending
be23zE6 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I don't care whether there is a season 2 or not, that ending was a phenomenal closer to a great story. While most of the plot twists were predictable and laughable in the case of the Front Man's identity reveal, that last one was quite unexpected for me and seriously demented. But what makes a great story is not exciting twists. Squid Game is a great story simply because it engages you. I was engaged enough to feel sad when it turned out Gi-han's mother died while he was out playing deadly games for sadistic aristocrats. I was engaged enough to feel bad for Gi-han's daughter when he ultimately decided to go against the Front Man's will and stay in Korea, leaving her disappointed yet again and possibly fatherless. I am engaged enough to almost demand to know what happens to Gi-han next.
But I don't need to. As it stands, Squid Story is outstanding. It is thrilling, thought provoking, and addictive. I just want to see more of the actors and more from the director(s?), Squid Story or not.
But I don't need to. As it stands, Squid Story is outstanding. It is thrilling, thought provoking, and addictive. I just want to see more of the actors and more from the director(s?), Squid Story or not.
Ehm
iainscott-881134 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Saw this show blow up all over social media and decided to give it a go . Watched the first 6 episodes in 2 days it's was that good ... then came the last 3. WHAT A WAY TO RUIN EVERYTHING. Yes the ending sets up season 2 but after all you went though u decide not to see your daughter ??!! Or look after the boy , u might not have swore to it but it's the only right fitting ending .
Season should of been shorter and it would of been 8/10 now it's a 5.
Season should of been shorter and it would of been 8/10 now it's a 5.
A good beginning of the end that falls flat
omega1452 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Very well done final "Squid Game" showdown between Gi-Hun and Sang-Woo. The year later jump kind of loses it for me. The twist with Il Nam didn't work for me and fell flat. Should have left with that emotional goodbye on episode 6. Don't mind the open ending with Gi-Hun turning back to right some wrongs. Really disliked the focus on the "VIPs" the last few episodes. Very generic characters with bad acting and voice dialogue. A show that had some great tense moments and some powerful acting at moments that fell apart a bit towards the end.
Confused ending
dennisbett30 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I get that this last episode was a conclusion so they couldn't make it thrilling, but the story was really dull and they didn't focus on the things that mattered after the game ends. They went on with storylines like they're trying to teach a lesson but not in a very engaging or interesting way. He let's the brother of a girl he clearly cared for in the game stay in an orphanage for a year because he's depressed. They really screwed over his daughter because as much as he kept talking about her, he barely got over his guilt to take care of her. He also abandons her for revenge or whatever justice he is seeking. I may be bitter but he doesn't deserve custody of his child if those are his priorities.
Ends strong!
mm-397 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Ends strong! One Lucky Day I thought would be a sappy P C ending! Not at all. What I like is we see the effects of what blood money does to the protagonist. The protagonist is worse off after the game. No soul! The viewer sees the man behind the game. The wizard with a plot twist. The main theme is humanity vs greed. With too much money abundance means nothing is why the game was made. A reformed protagonist tries to set his life right and sees the game starting again. Room for part two is a strong ending!
Perfect Ending
JackHoleey17 October 2021
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
