Movies

Squid Game’s brutal first episode spells out exactly what the show is all about

BBG News

As a seasoned viewer of countless dramas and a connoisseur of dark, thought-provoking storytelling, I must say that Hwang Dong-hyuk has truly outdone himself with Squid Game season two. It’s not just about the thrilling plot twists or the exquisite performances; it’s about the profound commentary on society and the human condition that resonates deeply.

Any fears we had that Hwang Dong-hyuk might just take the money and run with season two of Squid Game were roundly kicked out of the playground by the end of the first episode.

You can read Digital Spy‘s full review here. We’ve got a tighter focus right now though: like Gi-hun, Hwang has taken his enormous winnings and ploughed them back into attacking the corporate machine that fed him.

Squid Game season two episode one spoilers follow.

In simpler terms, when we mention Netflix and similar streaming services as part of the “streaming-industrial complex,” it means they’re symbols of capitalism in general. Season one didn’t make them feel awkward or embarrassed, and neither will season two. However, season two might warrant some embarrassment because of its content.

Throughout the season (with the storyline continuing into season three), Gi-hun embarks on a journey. In the initial episode, he persistently follows the Recruiter, who is seen cruelty offering the homeless an unappealing choice between a bread roll or a lottery ticket in a way that carries a dark and satirical undertone.

In this case, Hwang’s central theme is vividly illustrated in a compact yet impactful manner – specifically, through a powerful and climactic scene: the showdown between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the elegantly dressed ddakji player (Gong Yoo), who symbolize access to the games.

From what we learned in the first season, the Recruiter presents himself as attractive and affluent – a symbol of capitalistic success, always impeccably dressed and charming. The underlying message is: if you play along, you might achieve a lifestyle similar to his.

The last round of Russian roulette between him and Gi-hun serves as a means for the show’s creator, Hwang, to reveal the philosophical principles that the Recruiter represents.

Having just one round remaining and facing a 50% likelihood of mortality, Gi-hun finds himself staring at death for the third time, with the firearm now in his possession.

In a soft melody of Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman playing subtly, the Recruiter provokes Gi-hun with the possibility that he could kill him (revealing his boss’s identity), “However, I want you to acknowledge something. That you’re no different from everyone else. You’re just a common man who stumbled out of the trash heap.

The Recruiter deeply relies on Gi-hun accepting that their version of events is accurate. If Gi-hun disputes it and can demonstrate that he achieved success through his integrity, kindness, courage, belief in cooperation, and rejection of the game’s terms, then the Recruiter’s life could be based on a deception.

As a gamer, I’ve got this attitude that says life doesn’t matter much, so I might as well grab whatever I can. I see myself as the one in control of my destiny.

However, due to his life experiences in the game, Gi-hun is more insightful and can perceive past the youthful facade.

Instead of murdering the recruiter, Gi-hun chose to uphold his principles – and pointed the gun at his own head instead – proving that he’d rather face death than compromise the truth he lives by.

His risk pays off: he lives. The Recruiter seems surprised that he went through with it. And now the tables are turned.

In a swift action with just one pull of the trigger, Gi-hun points out, “You possess the power to end my life here. However, I cannot help but observe that you are no different from a pet, obeying commands blindly, wearing a mask and following orders without question. You are merely their loyal dog.

In this unexpected turn of events, the Recruiter finds himself in an impossible dilemma. There are no more options left for him to use. If he follows the rules and takes his own life, it would mean he’s nothing but a mere instrument of power. However, if he breaks the rules and kills Gi-hun instead, then Gi-hun was right all along, and the Recruiter is just a tool, not a true representative of power.

Because Gi-hun was correct, and his life’s beliefs were proven false, that’s why he takes his own life; it wasn’t due to him valuing the game over the player, but rather because his personal convictions were unmasked as hollow.

This season challenges everyone to reveal their true actions when faced with a tough situation. And it’s clear what Gi-hun would respond with. Faced with such a challenge, he’s not backing down; instead, he’s pushing even harder.

Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix.

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2024-12-27 10:50

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