As a seasoned viewer of countless dramas and thrillers, I must say that the brutality and intensity of Squid Game left me utterly spellbound. The final episode, in particular, was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with each scene more harrowing than the last.
2021 saw the South Korean survival thriller, “Squid Game,” achieve international acclaim, breaking numerous Netflix records, claiming the title of most-watched non-English series produced by the streaming platform, and eventually leading to a contentious reality show adaptation. With global lockdowns forcing people indoors in search of entertainment, “Squid Game” resonated with viewers, despite some unclear plot points.
Apart from its captivating plotline, grand production, top-notch scriptwriting, and stellar cast, “Squid Game” also showcased the characteristic violence and gruesome scenes that are frequently found in South Korean film and television. The series was unafraid to be bold, graphic, and uncompromisingly violent, which contributed to its initial impact and shock factor. However, this brutality wasn’t merely for sensational purposes; instead, it served as a fitting element that complemented the story’s ethical subtext and social commentary on contemporary capitalist society. It’s no surprise that it garnered widespread critical praise alongside commercial success, ultimately winning six Primetime Emmy Awards out of 14 nominations.
As Season 2 is about to start (debuting on December 26 on Netflix), it’s an ideal moment to re-examine some of the most intense scenes from Season 1.
Red Light, Green Light Massacre (S01E01)
In the popular series “Squid Game”, while each game has left an indelible mark, the initial one from the pilot episode stands out as the most legendary. In this game, the participants, numbering in the hundreds, are much like the audience – oblivious to the peril that awaits them. They’re uncertain about what the first test will entail. Assembled in a massive, synthetic playground, they encounter a towering robot doll with camera eyes that monitor their movements. If any player moves after the robot announces “Red Light”, they are immediately eliminated – a fate that means a fatal bullet to the head.
From the get-go, as the game kicks off, it’s chilling to witness a player dropping like a domino within seconds. At first, disbelief shrouds the atmosphere – until someone else comes close enough to see him spew blood onto the ground. That moment, that chilling reality sets in. The second player, attempting to flee for his life, is gunned down too. Panic ensues like a tidal wave, sweeping through the crowd as people scream and scatter haphazardly, sprinting towards their own demise. A line of guns starts firing indiscriminately, claiming every soul who breaks the rules. It’s an unrelenting bloodbath, heightened by palpable tension. The clock ticks relentlessly, a giant timer reminding us that each survivor is lucky – but must stay focused and obey the rules to avoid joining the growing pile of the fallen. This, my friend, is Squid Game.
Deok-Su Stabs the Guy Who Traps Him (S01E02)
In Season 1, Deok-su (Heo Sung-tae) stands out as the most ruthless, cunning, and brutish character. He’s an imposing figure with a strong air of arrogance and self-centeredness, constantly plotting to advance himself, even if it means stepping on others. Despite his unsavory nature, he makes for an exciting watch during (and in between) the games. In Episode 2, we delve into his past; Deok-su is on the run from dangerous underworld figures who seek him due to debts he owes them. His boss wants him dead after losing significant sums of money at a casino in the Philippines, so he hires one of his men to set Deok-su up.
In a car, he’s sitting with another man when a mob of Filipinos encircles them, intending to seize and slaughter him for black market organ sales. However, Deok-su is like an indomitable cockroach, a survivor who always manages to find a way out. As his captor tries to exit the vehicle, the remorseless criminal seizes him, plunges a knife into his thigh, and repeatedly stabs him until he bleeds to death. Deok-su shows no remorse; instead, it appears that he relishes the thrill of taking a life. It turns out that this isn’t the only time he will kill in self-defense or to advance his own interests.
The Playground Shootings (S01E03)
In episode 3, the second contest, titled Honeycomb, is set within a compact play area rather than the first game, and offers an entirely distinct challenge. Contestants select from four unique shapes that must be carefully extracted from a honeycomb cookie using only a needle. This task requires finesse, and it’s equally nerve-wracking (or perhaps even more so) as Red Light, Green Light. If a player damages, breaks, or alters the shape of the cookie in any manner, the monitoring officials instantly terminate them.
The contest is a test of accuracy, composure, and focus at first sight, but as sharp, chilling gunshots echo through the tense quietude, the atmosphere escalates dramatically. We observe numerous ‘removals’ in close proximity, bodies collapsing onto the sand like heavy sacks, leaving expanding puddles of blood behind them. As before, “Squid Game” doesn’t flinch from explicit violence, underscoring the unyielding harshness that has come to define one of the show’s distinctive aspects.
Deok-Su Beats a Player to Death (S01E04)
In Episode 4, it’s Deok-su, also known as Player 101, who’s causing a stir once more. Following the second game, survivors queue up for their daily meal. However, when Deok-su and his group notice they only get an egg and a soft drink (a clever move by the game designers), they grow enraged and demand better rations. When their protest is ignored, they boldly return to the line for seconds. Deok-su’s intimidation manages to silence most of the complainers until one of the female players betrays them, exposing the group after several individuals are left without food.
In one of the scenes, a bold man confronts Deok-su, attempting to provoke the criminal with his actions. However, Deok-su severely overestimates his own abilities, leading to a disastrous outcome. Infuriated and enraged, Deok-su delivers a fierce punch to the smaller man’s head. As soon as he collapses, Deok-su continues to mercilessly kick him until he loses consciousness. Tragically, the man who dared to challenge the gang doesn’t make it through the ordeal. Although this scene might not appear overly violent compared to the rest of the series, its harsh realities and survival-of-the-fittest atmosphere warrant its inclusion on this list.
The Fight After Lights Out (S01E04)
Earlier it was noted that the light meal served to the competitors in the game had been strategically prepared by the organizers to provoke a brawl (essentially, a riot) among the participants. As expected, this strategy unfolded smoothly once darkness fell. Not surprisingly, Deok-su and his team instigated the fight with the intention of intimidating and ultimately eliminating other players, thereby increasing their odds of claiming the grand prize.
As darkness falls, Deok-su stealthily approaches the bed of the informant and brutally attacks her with repeated stabs. The commotion alarms others, leading to a frenzied panic among the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, each person fights for their survival using whatever tools they can find. Amidst this carnage, the Squid Game’s mastermind, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), orders the lights to flash erratically, further intensifying the violent and disorienting scene. The brutal acts, ruthless attacks, and barbaric killings reach their peak before guards storm in brandishing guns, halting the mayhem – though only those who survived remain.
The Doctor Killing One of the Staff Members with a Scalpel (S01E05)
111, also known as Byeong-gi (Yoo Seung-ju), stands out among the competitors in “Squid Game” due to his peculiar nature. Once a disgraced doctor, he makes a pact with certain suspicious game officials to collect organs from slain contestants. In Episode 5, Byeong-gi encounters difficulties during the dissection of another fallen player, unlike his usual efficiency. Nearby, two guards are engaged in a heated argument, creating distractions and annoyances for the doctor, leading him to become increasingly agitated until he eventually lashes out at them.
He eventually completes the operation and expects the guards to share info about the next game in exchange per a previously agreed-upon arrangement. But the guards instead tell him they’re unaware of what the next game is. This is when the doctor picks up a scalpel and grabs the guy beside him, holding the blade to his throat. He says they better find out what’s coming, or he’ll kill the man right there. They seemingly agree but then try to trick and disarm Byeong-gi. During the altercation that ensues, he stabs one of them in the neck multiple times. The fight is quick and brief, and the doctor is lucky enough to get away after merely receiving a mild beating, but the harvesting of organs to sell on the black market is another instance of the sadistic side of humanity that “Squid Game” often showcases.
Gi-hun Tricking Player 1 during the Fourth Game (S01E06)
In Squid Game, not all cruelty is physical; some are deeply emotional or ethical, shattering spirits and emotions instead of bodies and bones. A poignant demonstration of this happens in Episode 6, during the fourth game, when Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) deceives Player 1, Oh Il-nam (Oh Yeong-su), leveraging his senility. Given that Gi-hun would lose the game and perish if he didn’t lie, this act seems particularly heartless. However, it is important to remember that Gi-hun isn’t an evil person; in fact, he consistently strives to do what’s right amidst harsh conditions. But when confronted with death, his moral compass takes a backseat, and we witness the devastating impact on his heart.
The situation becomes even more intense when Il-nam, unexpectedly, begins to wander around the game arena, triggering memories of his childhood district in the elderly man. As he recalls joyful family moments, Gi-hun grows increasingly remorseful and tormented by his decision. In the climax, he decides to continue deceiving for the sake of winning the round. When it appears Il-nam is executed (though this isn’t shown), Gi-hun walks away with tears in his eyes, feeling that this moment could be the lowest point in his life. “Squid Game” portrays such a scenario, involving tricking an aged and vulnerable man, exploiting his illness to gain an edge, and leading him potentially to death.
Sae-byeok’s Partner in the Fourth Game Gets Murdered (S01E06)
In episode 6, Sae-byeok (Hayeo) and her companion Ji-yeong (Lee Yoo-mi) find themselves in a parallel scenario. They decide to engage in a straightforward game that concludes in just one round. Prior to this, they make a pact to have an open and truthful discussion, revealing secrets they’d never share with anyone else, knowing that at least one of them won’t survive the games. This conversation is significant in shaping Sae-byeok’s character as she opens up emotionally like never before. The intimate revelations, feelings, and memories exchanged between these two women are captivating and poignant, making it all the more heart-wrenching to witness who emerges victorious.
As the crucial point approaches, it becomes clear that Ji-yeong had resolved earlier on in the game that she would be the one to forfeit, contrasting with Sae-byeok who would ultimately win. This selfless act was driven by her desire to preserve something worth living for and make use of the winnings, rather than herself. The poignant scene where she’s fatally wounded, smiling through tears, is an indelible image that lingers in our memories. It’s a heart-wrenching moment that strikes deep within us.
Sang-woo Pushing the Man Who Helped Them in the Game (S01E07)
In Game Five, it’s less about my honed skills and more about the roll of the dice, or should I say, the shatter of the glass beneath my feet. The Squid Game contestants and I find ourselves treading on a precarious bridge, where panels of ordinary and strengthened glass lie side by side, each one potentially giving way under our steps. A chance guess could spell life or death for us. And if that wasn’t tough enough, there’s always the temptation to sacrifice another player to learn which glass is safe – a decision that, as time runs out and desperation sets in, seems less like a cruel twist and more like a viable strategy compared to any other game we’ve played so far.
Initially, Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo) appears as a seemingly kind and intelligent individual within the series, but there’s an underlying malevolence in his character that becomes more apparent as we delve deeper into his personality. By Episode 7, it’s evident he’ll go to great lengths, regardless of the cost, to secure the prize, often hiding his sinister motives. A clear example of this is when, with just two jumps left before crossing the bridge, he pushes a man who had managed to identify which bridge panels were safe and dangerous. This act results in the unfortunate man’s death, allowing Sang-woo to survive – an action that, while necessary as we soon discover, showcases his cruel ruthlessness and innate killer instinct. Although our feelings towards him are complex and we may feel some sympathy for him, this is the moment where he undeniably transforms into the main antagonist – the last opponent to be conquered in order to survive Squid Game.
Front Man Shooting His Own Brother (S01E08)
One captivating side story in “Squid Game” revolves around an officer, named Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-joon), who manages to sneak onto the island disguised as a guard. His mission is to find his lost brother, and during the series he’s portrayed as carefully observing the location, gathering information, and preparing to inform the police about the secretive events happening there. He intends to return with backup to bring an end to this whole affair. However, before Jun-ho can cause any significant disruption of the operation, The Front Man tracks him down on the island and apprehends him.
In Episode 8, the detective’s mind begins to piece together the puzzle, with the crucial last clue being the identity of the man orchestrating everything. Atop a cliff guarded by many, Jun-ho stands firm against the Front Man who approaches him. The game’s mastermind offers Jun-ho an escape route, but he refuses. Instead, he fires his last bullet at the Front Man, hitting him in the shoulder. When the villain’s mask is removed, it’s revealed that the man behind Squid Game is none other than Jun-ho’s long-lost brother. Stunned by this discovery, Jun-ho demands to know why, but only receives a fatal shot in response and plummets off the cliff. The act of executing his own brother without hesitation in such a ruthless and heartless manner is as cruel and merciless as it can get.
Sang-woo slitting the throat of Sae-byeok (S01E08)
In the heat of the fifth game, only Gi-hun, Sang-woo, and I (Sae-byeok) remained alive. My condition worsened drastically, bleeding out painfully before everyone’s eyes. Despite Gi-hun’s attempts to aid me, there was nothing that could be done; I knew my time was running out. Before revealing my fatal wound, we shared a poignant conversation where I asked Gi-hun to look after my little brother if he emerged victorious. Instead of responding, he made his way towards Sang-woo who was asleep, harboring plans to take his life in those very moments. I intervened before he could get too close, reminding him that he’s not a killer, especially not one who would strike without warning or remorse – he’s a good soul at heart.
As Gi-hun notices that the girl is gravely wounded from blood loss, he quickly moves towards the door to summon help. The guards eventually arrive, but instead of aid, they bring a casket. Upon turning back, Gi-hun discovers that Song-woo had brutally killed Sae-byeok while he was absent. Though the scene doesn’t depict the murder itself, the gruesome wound on Sae-byeok’s neck is shown, leaving an unsettling impression. The moment causes immense anger in Gi-hun, leading him to attack Song-woo. However, the guards manage to subdue them both and take Sae-byeok’s lifeless body to the casket. Revenge is now a matter of time.
The Squid Game (S01E09)
In the decisive match, often referred to as the final showdown, the last two competitors find themselves positioned diagonally, with one having to eliminate the other in order to emerge victorious in Squid Game. At this juncture, the game’s regulations hold little importance; Gi-hun is seething with anger and thirsting for vengeance (adopting an aggressive strategy), while Sang-woo had long anticipated such a predicament might arise eventually. Essentially, both are driven by the desire to settle the score.
As the rain pours down, a couple, each carrying a knife, engage in a rough skirmish. Since neither is a professional fighter, their fight is clumsy yet intense, with both men employing every underhanded trick they can think of. The struggle intensifies quickly as they grapple and wrestle in the mud, resembling two enraged children with the strength of grown men. Despite it being a brief, intense battle for survival, Gi-hun eventually gains the upper hand. Instead of killing Sang-woo, he unexpectedly proposes that they both leave the game together, albeit without the prize money. However, Sang-woo refuses. He seizes one of the knives, stabs himself in the neck instead, and asks Gi-hun to use the winnings to help his mother before succumbing to his wounds. In a brutal and violent manner, the final game concludes.
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2024-12-16 19:01