Jocul Calamarului (2021)

Before I get into the irate rant from hell I have bubbling within me -- let's start from the top.

I love this show. I can't even try to deny that. I started it out of curiosity because I kept seeing so many people talking about it and once I started, the storyline and acting kept me hooked.

Okay scratch that. I can't go through this in order. I'm mad as hell. I mean I could chew bricks at this point. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ENDING?!?! I am so pissed off Gi-Hun won. Sorry, but I am. In what world did I ever think he would grow brains and actually think about others? I mean even in the games, he tended to just hide behind people to never get his hands dirty. I don't blame him. It was a good strategy even if he didn't mean it. But he is a coward. From trying to take advantage of a old man to blaming everyone for the outcome.
I honestly had hoped that once he left he would have at least followed up on his promises to not only those 2 people but to his daughter as well. But would you look at that. A year later and still looks and acts like a bum.
Like I try to think yeah what he went through was traumatic but how can you promise people that you'll take care of their families... and then not? Even at the very end end he didn't do what he said he would. Wow, okay, he got the kid out and homed him with the old lady and left the money there... I'm just like what the hell? She's probably going to try to turn it over to the police. Lol As what about finding the kids mom? Why bother promising that if you didn't plan too?
I'm sorry. I'm just pissed. Even at the end when we find out there is going to be a season 2 and he is saying "how can you do this to people" -- like they didn't give then a choice? They all went through the first game and left. Guess what... they all (most) came back, did they not? The choice was ALWAYS there, no one just took it again. How can you blame them for the other people's greed? Lol Were you not there too? That makes you just as greedy. I can't stand people like this. They want to put the blame on everyone else while trying to make themselves a hero. It pisses me off. I didn't want him to win honestly. I really wish Sae Byeok had won. I SAID WHAT I SAID!!!!

So if we completely bypass the pos he really is and focus on the other aspects of this show... holy hell there is so much I'll never be able to think of innocently again. Lol RIP kids games. XD
I really do look forward to season 2 though. Mostly to see how Byung Hun and Ha Joon turn out. mostly because I feel like Ha Joon is still somewhere if you know what I mean.
And I mean come on, any chance I have at seeing Gong Yoo you know i'ma take it. I hope he is in season 2 with more parts. Lol


I realize this review is 99% pissed off and complaining and 1% of me all over the place. I'll probably come back to this once I have calmed down and add more to it because I know this show is really good. They all just played their parts all to well that I feel like my head might explode. Lol

Mind you, I know not everyone will agree with what I have to say and that's great. Just don't dump your complaints on my review lol they have a spot where you can write your own review. :p

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An okay drama for its length, but not more than that.

First things first, I can’t help but compare this to Alice in Borderland, because that was the first of this genre of show I ever saw. While there are definitely differences, and both shows are good enough to watch them and still make a separate impression, for me AiB takes the cake in the “deadly/survival games”-genre. I think maybe I would’ve enjoyed Squid Game more if I hadn’t watched AiB first, because it set a bar that Squid Game just couldn’t reach.

Now, this review isn’t about AiB, so let’s talk about Squid Game. I think the biggest problem with this show was I had a lot less empathy towards the characters. I didn’t care much about their story, and some of them just felt a bit unfinished and flat to me. I wish we saw more background of some of the main characters. The show was pretty short, but I think it could’ve done with a flashback here and there of the characters pre-game. Some characters were okay, but most of the characters just didn’t seem to understand their actions and decisions have consequences. Consequences they knew about. I will say, the main actors did great though, which was one of the saving graces of the show.

There were also just some disruptive scenes that were just so awkward to watch due to their dialogue. Sometimes I was really immersed in the show, but then there were a couple of scenes that were just so cringy that completely took me out of it. There weren’t too many but I still think the show could’ve done without.

The games themselves were really thought out and I liked that most about the show. But the games themselves, and their result didn’t leave as much of an impression on me due to the characters being so lacklustre.

I think the first few episodes were pretty good, but let’s just say I was glad the final two episodes were only 80 minutes combined in total.

What I did love though were the set design, costume design and background music. Both were so good, quite childlike to fit with the games, but at the same time eerie, to fit with the theme of the show. It really tied everything together.

Overall, I think this is worth trying it out, but only if you’re into this genre. I think it’s mainly worth it because it is so short, so you won’t throw away too much if your time if you end up not enjoying it. That being said, I can’t see myself rewatching this anytime soon.

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Welcome to a roller coaster ride of emotions

Before moving onto the drama I would like to ask a question that --Is KINDNESS reciprocated in this world or is it not? I would like to ask again that Is KINDNESS reciprocated in this world or is it not? Let's talk about this at the end of the review .

Now coming back to the drama it was a roller coaster ride of 9 great episodes which contains the truth about a human nature. This drama tells us what we humans are capable off for the sake of money. How we can even go as far as killing and betraying someone we know for money. This is human nature.The only thing that is protecting us are those kind souls. Who even at the face of death helps someone else.

The story builds up in a way that helps the viewers understand the situation someone is ready to put their lives on the line. It tells us how our everyday life can be more of a hell than the real hell itself. And how the poor don't have the choice but to put their lives on the line to survive.

The cast of this drama did a pretty excellent job. They brought their characters to life.Jung Ho Yeon was outstanding in this drama in the way she portrayed Kang Sae Byeok. I loved her character. Also Lee Jung Jae nailed his character.

Now coming back to the question i asked earlier Is KINDNESS reciprocated in this world or is it not?
So the answer to my question is KINDNESS can be reciprocated back depending upon the person. It is reciprocated by another kind heart person. And through that we keep on living.

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REALLY shocking! REALLY visual! REALLY bloody!

Ever been in a bad position in life, where you didn't see any exit? Now imagine that one person approaching you, offering you the solution to all your of problems if you just play that simple kids game with them. Would you accept?
Well, in the series of Squid Game hundreds of people did, but it took a brutal turn.

Carrying a lot of responsibility, the actors and actresses of Squid Game do a hella convincing job. Every little emotion gets recreated at such a detailed level, that makes it easy for the viewer to take part in the fictional world. Furthermore the frustrated, desperate, crazy actions of the different characters, especially in the critical, dangerous and stressful situations, seem truly realistic, which makes the overall experience more frightening.
In addition to that, definitely a few of the plots caught me off guard!! I don't want to spoiler anything here so I keep myself quiet, but I bet YOU can't foresee a lot there, since integrating unexpected spins in the story is that well executed in this series.
The music adds a lot of contrast and support here and there, improving the atmosphere a lot!
Well, at last but definitely not least I L O V E D the character and relationship development. The interactions and background stories were astonishing. When I started watching the series I didn't expect those ups and downs, turns and twists. Moreover seeing the characters grow with their challenges creates kind of a bond between viewer and the individuals, thus the spctator gets more involved in the story.

All in all: recommended , but definitely a heavy one. Not quite for sensitive people.

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Pretty interesting

First of all, I would like to mention that it was a good watch for a drama with 9 episodes. Honestly, I'm pretty confused about the ending but other than that the story was pretty suspenseful with a lot of violence and had its sad or emotional scenes (which may or may not wrench your heart).

The acting was really good so kudos to all the actors. The music wasn't anything memorable, it was just enough to create some sorta suspense. The storyline was quite confusing with the revelations and I think I need some explanations from other people so that I can understand better.

While it did fail to wrap up everything, it isn't that bad and pretty much depends on your taste whether you would like it or not so check out the synopsis and content rating then give it a watch! (Please check the trigger warnings then decide whether to watch it or not)

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I love how Koreans are stepping up their game with their unique new ideas in dramas

First of all I wanna say:I LOVED IT

I wanna start by talking about how the vibe and sets of the drama were bright and colorful but the story was dark and bloody, this made the drama more creepy and interesting and fun to watch I really liked this about the drama and I think this is what made it different from “Alice in borderland” which people said is similar to this drama
The story:
Well as I said in the headline I LOVE how Koreans are getting more and more creative with their dramas, not only in terms of story but also the camera work ,the sets, the fashion (and in this drama it’s not exactly fashion but the customs), anyways the plot is really good I don’t think I got bored any moment watching it, one of the things that I think about when watching a drama is what messages does it say, what did the writer want us to conclude from watching this and I think this drama has really great messages and experiences to learn from

The acting:
The acting is amazing every single actor did his role excellently, and since I didn’t see many people praising our ml gi hoon I wanna say he’s one of the main reasons that made this drama fun to watch his acting is natural he portrayed the character of a kind and a simple civilian so well and I could feel his emotions too, all the acting was brilliant but those who stood out to me were: firstly our sae byeok that got so much recognition because of her role and still I can’t believe that is her debut, secondly joon ho the police officer I think this is my first time seeing him acting but definitely he shined so much to the point where I am watching his other works now, and Ali’s character which is also most people’s favorite he was such a lovely add to the cast

Rewatch? I’m not a rewatch kind of person especially for a drama that definitely needs a season two, but for those who like to rewatch I think you’ll rewatch this since every episode has so much going on and so much details to realize and analyze, and also that at end of the drama your perspective will some kind of change so it’ll be fun to watch again with that new perspective

Overall I highly recommend to watch this, it’s definitely worth your time, it’s also only 9 episodes but still with a good experience and entertainment.. so give it a go!

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ironic, symbolic, nittygritty and overboard

the acting here was great, Jung Ho Yeon as a rookie was a great addition, I'll look forward to her upcoming work

tbh, the games were simple, though it looks good on paper, it actually was boring. I get the irony of making people kill or be killed with child games, but having seen things like the genius, the hunger games and saw, the child games were, child games

their "twists" as well were meh. I did see behind the black mask right away, though there were a few "oh" moments even when the expected happened but it still made me "oh"

like the final 2 deaths.. tbh it seems unfit for people who joined a game to cold heartedly kill others, end up killing themselves so close to the end
I actually thought Sang Woo was going to try and kill Gi Hoon again

the old man, lol right until I saw his name on the last card I was wondering why not only an old man went in, but why make an old man character. to gain sympathy on the ml. to hurt him when the old guy does?
sadly that was what Sae Byeok was about ;(

this was not revolutionary or even that entertaining but still it was somewhat "different", not that different from alice in borederland, saw and hunger games but it felt new enough
I wouldn't mind watching a 2nd season though I mean what can 1 dude do against an army of rich people with an even bigger army of gunners

I did enjoy the cameos, I feel like usually "big" names like to either go in for a short guest role for funnies or well not give up a main role, but lee byung hun and goongyoon were somewhat key characters . though I wonder if LBH actually played the whole thing or did he just come during the reveals xD

ALSO, what happened to poor joonho! and his messages?!

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A Grim Game Of Greed: Play Or Skip?

Trigger Warning: blood, death, gore, gunshots, physical assault, burning, NSFW, flashing lights, graphic imagery, hanging


The recent Netflix hit Squid Game is a thrilling, and emotionally layered survival series which plays off the idea of free will, economic disparity and privilege and turns it into a grim game of greed.

The whole thing starts with when someone offers a desperate man the chance to play a child's game of flip the card and wager on the outcome. As that offer escalates, it turns out that more than 450 other desperate, immensely debt-loaded people have been lured into a similar brutal contest, where they’re playing popular childhood playground games for the chance to win 45.6 billion Korean won (about $39 million), only if they manage to eliminate all the contestants and be the last person standing.

All the nine episodes take place in present-day Korea, and the players are invited who are on the margins of society. It seems like the entire game could very well be secretly undergoing with none the wiser. Recent Korean cine stories like Parasite and Itaewon Class have adeptly addressed wealth inequality and class struggle in real-world circumstances, rather than through the lenses of American fantasies like The Hunger Games and Elysium. Film director Hwang Dong-hyuk (known for My Father, The Crucible) follows this trend with Squid Game, his first drama series. In spite of unrealistic elements, the show seems to have been designed to convey that our present reality can be just as hellish as any imagined world.

The script is a ticking clock that will glue you to the screen as shows of this genre should do by constantly making the audience question "what would I do in that situation?". The whole point of shows like this is to become extremely relatable. Despite the cold violence, gore, and blood, the story does not lack all the emotional impact that it's supposed to generate. The haunting score by Parasite composer Jung Jae-IL only adds to this constant terror and suspense.

However, I could not help but feel disappointed by the final leg of the series. In episode six, which is a total emotional stunner, it feels the series has reached its summit plot-wise but then suddenly veers into unsatisfying and predictable story decisions, with quite a number of glaring plot holes. The last three episodes seems highly underwhelming in terms of intensity and insight of the earlier ones.

Thankfully, everything else appears to be immersive and brilliant. Beautiful scoring, enchanting set design, and immaculate visuals are some of the ingredients that will keep you hooked. Along with exceptional performances from a remarkable ensemble. The personality changes that Ki-hoon (played by Lee Jung-jae) goes through is an acting masterclass. Other notable work from actors came from Anupam Tripathi, Wi Ha-Joon, Oh Young-soo, Kim Joo-ryoung, and Lee Byung-hun. Although, Gong Yoo's cameo acts as the cherry on the top. His brief appearance both in the pilot and the finale episode acts as a captivating device as well as a friendly reminder to our Goblin ahjussi.

Squid Game grips you through 9 episodes that are realistic enough but watching it is uncomfortable and is certainly not for everyone. Keeping the multiple trigger warnings in mind, the show should not be viewed by both kids under 15 and adults undergoing mental health issues as some scenes can get quite traumatic. The drama is tempting to fast-forward, either to skip the gore, or to bypass the sense of dread when the show stretches out some of the lethal rounds. While the discomfort could be written off as the price of admission for watching a deadly game, it really affirms our own humanity. The fact that this show has become an overnight global phenomenon both seems like an irony and a sad reality.

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More Than Just a Game

Squid Game was something I was looking forward to post Devil Game. I enjoy thrillers with an edge that offer social commentary and it doesn't disappoint. I think that is why it resonates so much with American audiences. The games: convened by bored rich people at the expense of the desperate ordinary people trying to get by, some for noble reasons, all at the end of their rope; are supposedly a great leveler, offering a way out that is an equal opportunity. Inequity is a hot button topic everywhere, but here income inequality has grown so grea tly that we have situations where some people die for want of medical care while others are killing for amusement. This could be happening right now for all we know.

They quickly find out that it's more than money on the line, and yet such is their desperation that they continue forward, despite knowing that every game is whittling down the players, some of whom have formed alliances with and become bonded to in that way that only survivors of trauma can.

We learn about the characters of the individuals playing the games in bits and pieces by the choices they make, flashes of backstory and when they occasionally share some information with someone else. You have an incomplete picture for some people the entire time, while you can see some clearly from the beginning. Others you discover facets of their character only in extremis.

This makes for GRIPPING viewing. I was so grateful Netflix put up all episodes at once so I was able to binge watch it over 2 days. Mostly one day, and the finale the next morning. I just couldn't stop once I got started, it's that compelling.

Some shows you have to force yourself to finish, others you have wait for weekly releases, some you even savor every slowly released episode knowing that it brings you closer to the end and you just don't want that to happen. (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is like that.) But this one, just plan to let yourself watch as many episodes back to back as you can.

I've seen some people commenting on an extremely brief scene that takes place in a bathroom during a sexual interlude. Both people are clothed as far as the camera can see, the bulk of the content in the sequence is dialogue, and it just seems ridiculous to me to object to such a minor sexual setting in a series that has about 8 -9 straight hours of extreme violence. But heads up, please watch that part and don't skip it, it's important to the story. Apparently some people were so offended they skipped it. Perhaps they were underage or something.

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Great premise and thought-provoking convrsations

Boy does this show know how to keep you watching! I'm gonna be honest, after finishing Devil Judge I didn't think any other drama this year would impress me but someone recommended this show to me and I decided to give it a watch. Great decision really. I had so many questions and the main ones weren't really answered until towards the end of the series. The format for the show is not new, but for Korea's take on "The Hunger Games," this show did not disappoint. Actually I will say this show is better than The Hunger Games. There.

The premise is enough to make you watch the first episode but the great performances from the actors and the intriguing feel of the show is what pushed you to finish-and all the unanswered questions.This show had a lot to say and I feel it touched on a few interesting themes. It was really interesting to me how the show was full of characters that are deemed dirty in Korean society. It was quite refreshing since the kdrama landscape is always full of chaebol type shows that tell the stories of Korea’s top 1%. Not to mention all the subtle comments about people and society that are scattered throughout the conversations of the characters and scenarios of the games. Some scenes just really make you think.

The characters were really great. Sure there were more compelling characters than others, but everyone was so fleshed out you actually ended up liking everyone, including the less favorable characters like Mi-Nyeo or Deok-Su.

Overall I think this was an amazing show. Sure it’s not perfect. and some things were left unknown purposefully perhaps. However this show was just really well made, from the actors to the art design to the script. Truly a phenomenal show. I strongly believe that this show lives up to every ounce of hype it is getting and it deserves all the attention it’s getting. Especially the actors. I hope that in season two there are still so many mysteries regarding The Front Man and his past. I wouldn’t be mad if a prequel regarding his time in the games was a thing. I also wanna know more about The VIPs and how they come to work for the leader. Not to mention the ambiguous ending. Given the way things went towards the end I definitely think there will be a next season. 10/10.

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An innovative concept, but finished a bit hastily

Squid Game had one of the best concepts, with mystery around few people who participates in a game with millions to win. The story is simple yet creative and it works most of the entire series.

The start was strong, with violence and bloodshed during the games which built an intense environment to leave us guessing what would happen next.

The story went through well with a good last episode as well. But it still felt that it was not finished as it should have been ended, with an open ending hinting for Season 2 (Although I would have preferred this to end in a single season).

My Rating : 7/10

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