Interesting article. I’d heard of Squid Game but now I’ll be sure to check it out when it appears in our local library collection.
Since the early 2000s Korean cinema has blossomed. I’m not sure why but they really hit their stride. For anyone interested in darker stories and horror I recommend all the movies by director Na Hong-jin, especially The Wailing which is one of the best, and longest, horror movies I’ve seen.
It also helps that, so far, Korean cinema hasn’t been infected by US-style progressive ideology. US movies are increasingly little more than dreary sermons.
I live in South Africa. Even decades ago, we felt that the majority of series coming from the US had a little lesson for us all at the end. Seinfeld came along and saved the day.
Much of the BBC and ITV output in the UK is relentlessly didactic, morality plays for the modern age. Programmes, as you suggest (and in the spirit of today’s redefinition of language) should now be referred to as ‘sermons.’
Steve Walker
2 years ago
I’m not entirely convinced by this argument that the reason for squid Game’s global success is down to its contemporary resonance.
It seems part of a recent trend to over intellectualise and derive meaning from even the most frivolous forms of entertainment – James Bond and Marvel movies being the latest examples.
That isn’t to say Squid Game is mindless entertainment; far from it. It’s a cleverly constructed, engaging, emotionally satisfying piece of fiction that works on multiple levels.
But it’s also possible that the show’s worldwide popularity is much more easily explainable: it’s bl**dy good fun.
Brendan O'Leary
2 years ago
It’s very well-made and compelling viewing.
The characters’ back-stories are somewhat class-warrior stereotypes but the lead actors give them depth, humour and humanity.
Last edited 2 years ago by Brendan O'Leary
Warren T
2 years ago
“…morality is a fatal luxury in this game.” When this is the subtext, nothing good ever happens. I would add that when morality is relative, good things never happen either. Tragically, this is where we are headed in the West until the revival takes place.
Marianna Kunna
2 years ago
After watching episode 2 last night. I did indeed have a dream about the playground games of my childhood: what’s the time Mr Wolf, British Bulldog and the like. I certainly have an uncomfortable feeling in my gut watching this series, but whether that is ‘han’ or the product of the last 18+ months of lies, deceit, propaganda and coercion on the part of our government, I am unsure. Excellent essay though.
John Self
2 years ago
“Alice in Borderland” on NF is a Japanese series with a similar premise. I’m surprised it’s gone under the radar, given Squid Game’s success.
Interesting article. I’d heard of Squid Game but now I’ll be sure to check it out when it appears in our local library collection.
Since the early 2000s Korean cinema has blossomed. I’m not sure why but they really hit their stride. For anyone interested in darker stories and horror I recommend all the movies by director Na Hong-jin, especially The Wailing which is one of the best, and longest, horror movies I’ve seen.
It also helps that, so far, Korean cinema hasn’t been infected by US-style progressive ideology. US movies are increasingly little more than dreary sermons.
I live in South Africa. Even decades ago, we felt that the majority of series coming from the US had a little lesson for us all at the end. Seinfeld came along and saved the day.
“No lessons, no hugs”. I think they actually had that poste up on the writers’ room wall…
Much of the BBC and ITV output in the UK is relentlessly didactic, morality plays for the modern age. Programmes, as you suggest (and in the spirit of today’s redefinition of language) should now be referred to as ‘sermons.’
I’m not entirely convinced by this argument that the reason for squid Game’s global success is down to its contemporary resonance.
It seems part of a recent trend to over intellectualise and derive meaning from even the most frivolous forms of entertainment – James Bond and Marvel movies being the latest examples.
That isn’t to say Squid Game is mindless entertainment; far from it. It’s a cleverly constructed, engaging, emotionally satisfying piece of fiction that works on multiple levels.
But it’s also possible that the show’s worldwide popularity is much more easily explainable: it’s bl**dy good fun.
It’s very well-made and compelling viewing.
The characters’ back-stories are somewhat class-warrior stereotypes but the lead actors give them depth, humour and humanity.
“…morality is a fatal luxury in this game.”
When this is the subtext, nothing good ever happens. I would add that when morality is relative, good things never happen either. Tragically, this is where we are headed in the West until the revival takes place.
After watching episode 2 last night. I did indeed have a dream about the playground games of my childhood: what’s the time Mr Wolf, British Bulldog and the like. I certainly have an uncomfortable feeling in my gut watching this series, but whether that is ‘han’ or the product of the last 18+ months of lies, deceit, propaganda and coercion on the part of our government, I am unsure. Excellent essay though.
“Alice in Borderland” on NF is a Japanese series with a similar premise. I’m surprised it’s gone under the radar, given Squid Game’s success.