Introduction
” Netflix has a new top-show titled “Squid Game” and it’s not even in the English language. Since its release on Friday, Sept. 17, the nine-episode Korean thriller as climbed its way to the number one spot on the streaming platform all over the world. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said on stage at CodeCon this week. “It’s only been out for nine days, and it’s a very good chance it’s going to be our biggest show ever.”
According to Flix Patrol, a website that tracks streaming statistics for the top platforms in the world, “Squid Game” is the number one show in 82 of the 83 countries it is available in. (It’s number two in Denmark.)
Here, we break down everything you need to know about the addictive thriller if you haven’t already watched it.
What is squid game?
“Squid Game” is basically a mash-up of “Hunger Games” and “Kill Bill.”Remember when we were kids playing games, the consequence to losing was dying? Well, take that idea, but make that fictional outcome a reality for adults.“Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games,” the description on Netflix reads. “Inside, a tempting prize awaits — with deadly high stakes.”
Further, 456 people, all who have financial struggles, are invited to participate in a mysterious survival competition to risk their lives to win the 45.6 billion prize ($38.5 million USD). Among the shows stars are Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, HoYeon Jung, Heo Sung-tae, Kim Joo-ryoung, Anupam Tripathi and Lee Yoo-mi.The two-minute-long trailer of the show gives viewers a sneak peek as to what they can expect from the series, including the lethal twists given to some of the childhood games as well as tense moments between contestants determined to win the prize money to settle their financial struggles.
· What should you know about “Squid Game” before watching?
a) ‘Squid Game’ is quite gory.
“Squid Game” isn’t for those who have a weak stomach. The trailer gives just a small taste of some of the gore and violence that occurs throughout the series as the competition is underway. But that is nothing compared to what actually takes place in the series. So if you’re squeamish at the sight of blood, we suggest stay far away.
This is inspired by the director wondering how would he feel participating in similar game.
Though some viewers have drawn comparisons to films like the “Hunger Games” series, “Battle Royale,” and “As the Gods Will ,” Hwang told Variety that the series was initially conceived as a film in 2008 . “I freely admit that I’ve had great inspiration from Japanese comics and animation over the years,” he said. “When I started , I was in financial straits myself and spent much time in cafes reading comics including ‘Battle Royale’ and ‘Liar Game.’ I came to wonder how I’d feel if I took part in the games myself. But I found the games too complex , and for my own work focused instead on using kids’ games.”
And More
When it came to exploring this idea, Hwang said in an interview with Soompi, “I wanted to create a sense of connection between the nostalgic games we played in our childhood and the sense of never-ending competition that modern adults feel.”‘There’s an irony in our most beautiful and innocent memories being changed into the most horrifying reality,” he added.
- Should kids watch it?
So, the show is rated for people older than 17, but you’re younger than that and still want to check it out?
We tracked down some experts to help better understand the risks of kids watching violent and mature content like Squid Game.CBC Kids News spoke to Neil Andersen, president of the Association for Media Literacy in Toronto, Ontario, and Mike Brooks, a psychologist from Austin, Texas, who writes extensively about the effects of screens and technology on kids.
- Is it a learning opportunity?
Fictional media like Squid Game, Andersen said, can be a way for kids and adults to discuss real world issues like violence and inequality.He is planning to watch Squid Game so that he can have conversations with his own grandchildren, ages 13 and 16, who are already watching and talking about it.
- Will there be a second season of ‘Squid Game’?
There aren’t currently any plans for a second season of the series. Hwang said that he’d consider making more feature movies before creating a second season of the show.
“I don’t have well developed plans for ‘Squid Game 2,’” he explained. “It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writers’ room and would want multiple experienced directors.”
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