While Korean media and audiences mostly criticized “ Squid Game 2 ,” critics around the world were divided in their opinions about the film.
Lee Jung Jae continues to star in “Squid Game”. Photo: Producer
“Squid Game 2” released on December 26 on Netflix is still receiving attention globally.
According to Flixpatrol, on December 29, “Squid Game 2” ranked No. 1 in all 93 countries worldwide that have Netflix. This is the first program in Netflix history to achieve this impressive achievement.
Following part 1, part 2 of “Squid Game” follows the main character Gi Hun ( Lee Jung Jae ) – the winner of part 1 – who refused to move to America to return to participate in the game again, to find the manipulator behind this deadly game, to avenge the deceased.
While Korean media and audiences have largely criticized “Squid Game 2,” critics around the world are divided.
Screen Rant rated the movie 8/10 and commented that “Squid Game 2” is not inferior to part 1. It brings more interesting games, allows for more complex stories involving new players. Among them, the most shocking thing is player number 1 “Front Man” (Lee Byung Hun).
Variety said that “Squid Game 2” is bloodier, more expansive and extremely engaging.
Variety reviews: “The structure, costumes, sets and even the haunting cover art of Part 1 remain in Part 2. But much of the film is not repeated, by finding a new angle to reflect on the things that are hurting modern Korea: the exploitation of capitalism, the erosion of morality and class inequality.
Part 2 also illustrates how people can easily inflict pain and violence on others when they are empowered by a little power…
An eerie examination of greed, brutality, and a culture that worships money, Squid Game 2 is less dystopian than it is a reflection of a worsening global crisis.
This story illuminates how different priorities and lack of self-awareness can cause major rifts in society, promoting groupthink and barbarism.
Boasting some incredible plot twists, these 7 episodes bring the story to a sure-to-be-riveting conclusion when season 3 premieres in 2025.”
TOP (Big Bang) plays a drug-addicted, out-of-date rapper in “Squid Game 2“. Photo: Producer
Meanwhile, the Hollywood Reporter said that the second part of “Squid Game” was a complete disappointment.
“It lacks the fun and quirkiness that kept the first one from sinking into its miserable setting, and is completely lacking in new details or insights into the nature of the game.
With the exception of Choi Seung Hyun ( T.O.P. ), who makes Thanos incredibly unpredictable and alive, every new character feels like a lesser replacement for someone we lost in the first season,” wrote the Hollywood Reporter.
The Guardian rated “Squid Game” season 2 as not as good as season 1. The chase scenes, car crashes and gunfights in the first episodes seemed to be the director’s “delay strategy”, but this was unnecessary. The satire element was replaced by a revenge chase. It was entertaining enough, but led to an unpleasant feeling of bloodlust.
TIME commented that the 7 episodes of “Squid Game 2” have a slow, boring pace.
“When Gi Hun returns in a green tracksuit, we meet a new cast with a lot of emotion, but the plot feels like a rehash of part 1. The violent scenes are not much different from what viewers have seen,” the magazine wrote.
