Stories of survival are one of the most popular genres today, and also one of the most successful. This genre serves as a mirror of our own survival instincts, and it’s always interesting to see a person doing their best to stay alive as long as possible. That’s why Hunger Games, Battle Royale, The Belko Experiment, the Saw movies, and endless films about zombies are still raking up the cash, and it seems that they aren’t going soon.
But last September, a sleeper hit titled “Squid Game” became popular amongst many people. Why is that so? Korean cinema/series are some of the best in the world right now, so if you’re looking for a heart-pounding, exhilarating with a touch of poignancy, here are five reasons why you should Squid Game right now in your condo:
What is Squid Game?
Squid Game is a dark social satire about a group of 456 people invited to participate in a series of children’s games with deadly consequences in exchange for a chance to bring home around 45 billion won to the winner. We are introduced to a rag-tag group of people from different backgrounds: Gi-hun, who is a chauffeur and a gambler, Sang-woo who is the head of the investment team at a securities company, Sae-byeok who is a North Korean defector; Il-nam, an old man with a terminal disease; Deok-us, who is a gangster, and Abdul Ali, a Pakistani factory worker. The director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, wrote the script for about 10 years, and after numerous revisions and pitching, his script was finally approved.
Squid Game is super lush
Squid Game’s vivid imagery is one of the reasons to watch it. The production looked like it was born from intense dedication and passion, with every set and costume design filled with striking imagery and whimsical colors -- to compensate for the morbid side of the story. The colors ooze out from the screen, like those paint palettes commonly used in preschool wall decoration, which is fitting since they are playing a deadly version of children’s games. The costumes are painstakingly complex and simple and at the same time and it shows -- people are already making clothing inspired by the prisoner’s apparel. It feels like you’re being transported from your condo to the actual set itself.
Fleshed-out characters
This time, we aren’t getting the usual Hollywood survival story tactics which are tossing a bunch of characters with cookie-cutter personalities then call it a day. No, Squid Game is more detailed than that. Every people doesn’t feel like another disposable character. Almost all of them have these well-fleshed characters that make us feel and care about them. They are real, breathing people thrown into a bad situation that preyed on their desires to get out of their equally miserable situations and must work out as a team and play with their strengths in order to win. Sure enough, the series also showed us some of the most likely situations for people to act once they are in danger or if met with a difficult, life-changing decision that will make you wonder if humans are naturally good or naturally bad by themselves
It has a compelling story
Squid Game has a deceptively simple story, which is the reason for its charms. We aren’t thrown into some dystopian futuristic city like Hunger Games or play a game someone prevails like Battle Royale. The story for a lack of a better term is about choices and the lack of them. Sometimes, we need to do what we got to do, and under this shady game, they have to play with their wits and advantages to survive. That’s an ideal expectation. But people in the real world don’t do that. Some people will unflinchingly dump their loved ones to save themselves, others will do nothing and leave it all to God, some will make an effort to it but ultimately loses, and some will choose to back out from the game. What this story tells us is people aren’t like in the movies. And that’s what elevates the whole plot of the story.
Great performances
We are treated to a bunch of talented actors and actresses, mixed with popular faces in Korea and up-and-coming one who has yet to find their big break in the acting scene. That is effective casting, because letting new faces run the show instead of relying on the star power of popular actors helps us connect with the characters on a deeper level -- thus making the series more exciting and heart-stopping as you root to your favorite characters. Popular actors however are cast in smaller roles, like Lee Byung-hun (G.I. Joe: Retaliation, I Saw The Devil, A Bittersweet Life) as one of the masked personnel.
An overall good time
Squid Game is an easy pick to watch your family, friends, and relatives. It’s exciting, entertaining, and has a plot that will resonate with everyone. Besides, the last thing you don’t want is to bore your guests away by watching something old or something from the arthouse section. We know, those films have merits and taste is subjective, but if you’re planning to host a watching party-- be it online or actual, you need to be sure that your film of choice will fit everyone’s tastes, and luckily Squid Game is a popular pick. So popular that it became the number one most streamed show for the month of September, so what are you waiting for? Watch it now from the comforts of your condo, grab some snacks and friends and you’re good to go.
The series was released worldwide on September 17, 2021, and distributed by Netflix. The show received great positive reviews, and within a week of its release, it became one of Netflix's most-watched programs in several regional markets, including the Philippines. The show is currently on its first season, but the producers are expressing their support in greenlighting a second season due to its massive success.
Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit-oriented locations, and developed business districts that’s perfect for the best condo living experience ever.
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