Squid Game Season 3 review: Brutal games and bigger moral dilemmas make you pause and reflect
'We are not horses. We are humans,' says Gi-hun aka Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae) in Netflix's Squid Game 3. This is his message for those who are behind the brutal games that continuously test humanity and use human beings as mere pawns for their sadistic pleasure.
Even as Squid Game Season 3, which is also the final season of the hugely popular series, keeps changing its pace and mood to keep the audience glued, the questions and statements that prick the conscience keep coming up. The narrative, packed with twists and turns, also makes a strong point regarding kindness and doing what's right. It also almost neatly ties the loose ends while piquing the audience interest about what happens to this discreet but brutal world of games where wealthy people prey on those who are vulnerable.
Squid Game Season 2 started with a more sombre note with the transformation of Gi-hun, from a simple-hearted gambling addict to a one full of regrets and fury after winning $456 billion prize money after emerging victorious in a series of gruesome games where human beings are treated as trash. Resolute on tracking down the masterminds of the game and putting an end to it, he re-enters the game determined to end it for once and all. He also makes multiple attempts to stop the game midway. But the co-participants' greed and evil nature come in the way of his plan everytime. The season ended with a cliffhanger when Gi-Hun led a failed rebellion.
The new season picks up from there although Gi-hun never recovers from the shock of losing his friend and other supporters. He is filled with the 'survivor's guilt' and dejection. To shake off that guilt and stupor, he has to be told 'It's not your fault'. Yet, he can't quit the Squid Game. Instead Gi-hun is forced to make some important choices as they are thrust into deadlier games that examine the participants' resolve and morality.
Meanwhile, In-ho (Lee Byung-hun) resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) continues his search for the elusive island, where the games take place. One of the strengths of the series is the impressive ensemble cast.
As actors such Jo Yuri as Jun-hee (Player 222), Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333), Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-joo and Kang Ae-sim as Geum-ja reprise their roles, they deliver compelling performances. Lee Jung-jae, however, stands out with his riveting performance as he essays a brilliantly written character.
Even though each game reveals how diabolic human beings can be when a massive cast prize dangles over their head — tempting them and triggering the feeling among them that it will never be enough, Gi-hun does not budge from his stand. When Front Man asks him: 'Do you still have faith in people?' Gi Hun gives a derisive look and walks away.
What proved to be a masterstroke by Hwang Dong-hyuk, director and writer of the series, is that he chose seemingly simple games that children play and gave them a dangerous twist. Some of these games have a dreamy setting even though the consequences of not making it through successfully are brutal. For instance: The improvised hide-and-seek game is played in colourful rooms with sketches by children on the walls and starry night painted on the ceiling.
Watch Squid Game Season 3 trailer:
Moral dilemmas are bigger this time. The series also addresses the issue of good vs bad people. 'No matter how you look at it, life is unfair. Bad people do bad things but they blame others and go on to live in peace. Good people beat themselves over everything that goes wrong,' says a compassionate participant to Gi-Hun.
The bumbling Gi-Hun who transformed into a man possessed by a mission to save others, even though he had to stay away from his only child, is the soul of the series that not only thrills the viewers and grabs their attention but also makes them pause and think.
Squid Game Season 3 director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Squid Game Season 3 cast: Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Jo Yuri, Lee David as Min-su, Roh Jae-won, Park Gyu-young
Squid Game Season 3 rating: 4 stars
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