Same story as season 1
But draggier. It took 3 episodes to get to the game, and the set up of why our hero wanted to join the game makes no sense.This season should more accurately be called part 1 because it just drags out to set itself up for so called season 3, which is really just part 2.
The show is repetitive - same games, sub-plots, etc. The only highlight is the many well known actors.
When the writer said he spent 10 years writing the original and didn’t want to film a second season, he should have stuck to his guns. This is s show about money grabbing as a money grab.
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A Thrill or a Letdown?
So, the 2021 blockbuster Squid Game finally released its second season at the end of December 2024. I was waiting for this for the last 3 years. As soon as they dropped it, i finished watching all seven episodes in one go and .... I had mixed feelings about Season 2.So, regarding the question whether it is better than season 1, the answer is NO, it is not. I would say Squid Game S2 surely is entertaining to watch but it’s not as good as S1. Compared to Season 1, this second season starts off really, really slow. The first two episodes are spent on conversations and running around rather than going into intense action right away like we did in S1. If S1 was about extreme thrills and action where characters focused on exploring and understanding their new environment to survive the game, S2 is more about the main character, Seong Gi Hun, trying to put an end to the game with all his might. To do that, he has no choice but to join the game again.
So, if someone is looking for the same level of thrills as in Season 1, they’re likely to get disappointed. In S1 we had no idea who the mole in the game was, which made the final reveal in the last moments so impactful. But in S2, we know from the start who the mastermind behind the scene is. it’s also quite frustrating that the villain is right in front of the protagonist, yet he doesn’t seem to have the slightest clue about it. I kept thinking, How can you be so dumb? Like you've been already tricked once man. you're supposed to act more vigilant but tsk tsk..
Really....the writing felt quite weak especially in designing the characters. While we could feel connected to the characters in S1 so easily, this was not the case in S2. Most of the characters introduced this season were one dimensional except for Hyun Ju, Player No. 120 (played by Park Sung Hoon) and Player No. 149 (portrayed by Kang Ae Shim). These two characters were very well written and excellently acted. that's right! we could genuinely feel their emotions or pain through whatever they're going through.
tbh, I was eagerly waiting for Park Sung Hoon's performance this time and as usual he didn't disappoint. Moving away from his usual villain roles, it was refreshing to see him take on a different character like this one; a badass yet capable and kind person with a captivating story line of his own. Honestly, among the many characters in Squid Game S2, Hyunju truly stand out for a reason.
Another funny thing is, I might have been waiting for this season but I never checked who were exactly going to be featured in the cast. So, it was a surprise to me once I started watching. I just couldn’t believe that almost all of my favorite actors like Lee Byung Hun and Kang Ha Neul were in the show. It was great to see Lee Byung Hun transition from a small cameo role in S1 to playing the main role in S2. But for Kang Ha Neul, I wanted more from his character but unfortunately, it was kind of DISAPPOINTING! Sadly, the production team didn’t utilize these talented actors to their fullest potential. I’ve seen some people complaining that Kang Ha Neul can't act but I disagree. For me, it was the production team that failed to bring the best out of him. I've seen his performances in other masterpiece like Forgotten, so yeah..... i’m definitely not going to say he can’t act.
Oh, let's not forget the phenomenal performance came from Gong Yoo. His extended cameo scene in Episode 1 was truly a treat for Squid Game fans.
Lastly, not exactly the same but while watching, viewers might sometimes feel like Season 2 is just a repetition of Season 1 because that's how I felt, especially during the scenes where the characters were playing the game. Despite these flaws, the show is still enjoyable. I finished the show in one go, which means, yes, it’s actually good. However, when compared to the first season, it might feel a little dull. What truly kept me engaged throughout the series were characters like Hyunju and the Front Man directly entering the game. While the suspense might have gone, the tension is still there.
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I did not like the gory. It shows the ugly side of human beings in distress situations.
Squid Game S2 is a continuation of S1 about rich people exploiting the poor by luring them with money and having them kill each other for their enjoyment. I watched the first season and didn't quite like it because of the gory scenes and the moral values it portrays.The same goes for S2. Although the acting was good, I am glad there were only seven episodes this season. It does review the ugly side of human beings when we are in distress situations.
Synopsis: Seong Gi Hun, a.k.a Player 456, has reentered the Squid Game after winning after the previous game. Now armed with the knowledge of the game, he seeks to save other players' lives and end the game. But those good intentions may fall flat in the face of millions of won.
My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2. Script: 7
3. Music/OST: 7
4. Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 6
6. Rewatchable: 6
Overall Rating: 7
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Same season 1 vibes but better!
going in watching this season I had no expectations that it will be even remotely close to the hype and how immersive and heart wrenching the first season was, but gladly I was wrong!everything from the diverse characters and their different backgrounds to the story building up to the different characters coming along to actually do what "make sense", to the games and the whole story and its plot twists were all extremely well written (even if it didn't have the nicest outcomes lol)
the whole cast is insanely good their acting and how believable they're! and I liked this season more because there were A LOT of likable characters and unlike season 1 you will be interested in their own decisions and story instead of being only impressed by the games or who betrays who.. I also loved how they gave us a different perspective and humanized the guards to tell part of their story! it was a very nice addition to see how both ends are actually humans and each is fighting for their life in different a way..
Also another thing that I really loved is the amount of lighthearted and even hilarious moments in this season, there's a lot of scenes where you will even forget how cruel this is all about because of funny it is lol, and I noticed to me the first one was mainly about getting shocked and feeling terrible it had so much drama and heart breaking scenes.. but this one felt leaning a bit more towards action at times it gets you hyped up and excited it's like their lil redemption arc lol and surprisingly it went way better than it could be! now as a viewer they're not trying to play on the shock value as much as they're showing you the story unfolds focusing more on the characters and their relationships and deeper concepts about their beliefs and who they're as people! and don't get me wrong it had all the heartbreaking moments as well! but this time it presented to the viewer with much more lore
the only thing that I didn't like was the open ending.. but I mean it kinda makes sense since the 3rd season is yet to air.. so hopefully all the stuff that remained will be covered by then!
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Don't Trust Stranger
The story is the continuation of the 1st season where the main character wants to take revenge. Not only that, but the others who's survived also help him to find the squid game place in order to stop them since lot of people already dead by playing the game. The game is similar to 1st season but most of it are a new game.Was this review helpful to you?
Ring-a-ring-a ling
This season was fun as hell to watch. I was afraid that it would be a clone of season 1 and with ridiculous amount of fan service for a quick cash grab but it was the total opposite. The director for 10 years had this story written and was pushing it and it was rejected many times before beibg accepted by Netflix. The passion in the characters and storyline really shows. It's not too often that i get to enjoy a really well crafted passion project.I know lots of people arent enjoying this season because it doesn't have as many games as season 1, but in my honest opinion it would have been boring to see the exact same plotline all over again in season 2. Like I personally came for action, angst, character building, villian arc , psyclogical trauma and etc.
The games are fun not gonna lie which is why i got that darn Round and Round song stuck in my head. But I been having the most fun with the various characters and seeing how the interact on the screen with all the twist and turns.
I will say i wasnt as sad and heartbroken as season 1. I do miss the heartache and this season was fun that i only had 2 moments where i was. I hope season 3 adds back the angst.
Also STAN T.O.P ♡♡♡♡♡
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This review may contain spoilers
BEST THING IVE EVER WATCHED!
okay so Squid Game s2 is how my passion for kdrama and kpop started ( #newgen ) it was AMAZING I haven't watched the first one for a few reasons. one being I've gotten spoiler from Tiktok and another being I'm too young too be watching freaking s3x scenes and I think an $A scene aswell..anyway I'll get on with this reviewww
so I did get quite a lot of spoilers still from tiktok but obviously it's too grim
to put on titkok so atleast half of it was an surprise for mee.
cast : DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED THE CAST IS SO FINEEEE. like there's choi seung hyun from bigbang that I discovered through player 230 , GONG YOO. , LEE FREAKING BYUN HUN HES SO HOT and obviously more including the girls are STUNNING !
set :
the creativity on the set from the train station to the games are AMAZING apparently they did use CGI for the majority of the games but I mean how is it possible to make most of itt . However they said the mingle game is made themselves !! it's so creative but looks horrifying to think if I were one of the players, especially dae-ho towards the end when he went to the bedroom place ALONE. IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIGHT W GUNS. so yeahhh very creative !
songs:
I think they used really good tracks in the back of a lot of scenes like in the mingle game and red light green light where they used fly me to the moon . I also love the song in the game where they are playing mini games before the time runs out ( I think the panthalon no idea )
overall thoughts :
the director is SO CREATIVE I could give him the world for making this show bro it's so good and entertaining each episode had me crying , scared , rarely happy icl .. but only because there are people dying who I love like : thanos , gyeong-su , se-mi and MANY more. ALSO THE SADDEST DEATH HAS TO BE 390 I CRIED FOR THE WHOLE NIGHT AFTER HE DIED I DIDNT REALLY SEE IT COMING THE FRONT MAN IS SO MEAN FOR BETRAYING GI-HUN . anyway I rreally hope gi-hun discovers that the frontman is player 001 in season 3!
i think I've covered everything so this is the end of my review ! I rreally reccomend to people who like mystery, thriller and betrayal !
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My joy knew no bounds when I first got to know that season two was coming and the first episode would be released on December 26th.
New adventure, new learning ,new joy ,new excitement, new fear .But season one and season two are the things I'm most into I'm afraid it's this doll.
I have no shame in saying that after watching a few episodes of season one I was pretty scared and then sat down to watch season two.
I'm a big fan of Korean dramas I've watched so many Korean dramas so far Fifty percent had sad endings.
Korean dramas are like an addiction and Squid Game Season 1 and Season 2 are like getting into that addiction even more.
You might dread watching Squad Game Season 1 or Season Two episodes, but you can't quit.
This fear will make you more excited about what might happen next.
But what I hate the most is that season 2 is only being shown once a week
The problem I'm having with this is that I can't wait, I'd say Season 2 at least twice a week.
Seong Gi Hun, a.k.a Player 456, has reentered the Squid Game after winning at the conclusion of the previous game. Now armed with the knowledge of what the game is really about, he seeks to save the lives of other players and end the game once and for all. But those good intentions may fall flat in the face of millions of won.
Now let's see where the story goes
The funniest thing I found was the kiss scene in Player 230.
The way he kissed the voating button always gets me. That kiss seemed like it had so much feelings in it.😂
Squid Game Season 2 Another thing I find funny is Hyun Joo's iconic slap.The Slap was just so satisfying, it was the best thing she could do at that moment. such a smart character, she was also so claim and knew what to do at the critic moments.
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Enjoyed this season
No matter what others say, I personally enjoyed this season. Finished it in one go. I actually prefer this season more than the previous one. My stress level and anxiety were jumping up and down just like was T.O.P was jumping up and down in this series 😂. The story was very similar to the previous one (I mean the story of the characters). The leader participating, idontgiveafck type people dying, bad choices and betrayal. Witing eagerly for season 3.Was this review helpful to you?
It's squid game what do you think !?
"Squid Game Season 2 : 8/10 – A Bloody, Bombastic Sequel That Almost Lives Up to the Hype"🔥 WHY IT (MOSTLY) DELIVERS:
The new games – Even more twisted, creative, and visually insane than Season 1.
Return of Gi-hun – Lee Jung-jae’s rage-fueled revenge arc is chef’s kiss.
The bigger budget – Every frame looks like a dystopian painting.
💀 THE "OKAY, CHILL" MOMENTS:
The overstuffed plot – Too many new characters, not enough depth.
Some recycled twists – "Oh, another betrayal? Groundbreaking."
That one CGI fight – Video game cutscene vibes.
🎯 VERDICT:
"Like The Empire Strikes Back of death games—darker, messier, but still a hell of a ride." Watch if: You crave more societal rage and brutal set-pieces. Skip if: You hate unresolved cliffhangers (Season 3 is coming…).
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This review may contain spoilers
Talented actors a good sequel to the previous season...
I understand my statement that the season 2 is a good sequel to the previous season may seem shocking to many but there are a lot of parameters i evaluated the squid season 2 on to come to this conclusion .1.I doubt the makers ever wanted to make a season . Squid game was most probably a limited series. So if we keep that in mind the story is pretty well thought out with no gaping holes that i could catch on
2. I watched this with low expectations. I have noticed a pattern, particularly in kdramas season 2 hardly ever lives up to the expectations of season 1. Best example of this is sweet home .
3. I did not expect them to just show another season with just games, like would see another group of players, playing the games. I wanted a continuation of gi hun's story like what he did with the money , background of masked man's life and most of all did jun ho survive or not. I got that ,so i am satisfied.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT SQUID GAME 2
1. The armed rebellion. It was soooo cool
2. The masked man .......
3.The gangster and his lackeys
4. Gong-yoo
5.the trans girl. Park sunghoon in the armed rebellion oh lord have mercy
There is a lot , i could write another paragraph but would end up spoiling a lot
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE
1. The music. It was out of place
2.the rapper aka the evil character of this season. He didnt give off evil uk he was lame stood out of place. Really annoyed me whenever he came up. I had to skip all of his scenes. Compared to him Deok su was a much more developed character.
3. The side characters - i liked most of the side characters ngl but there were few that we not required at all maybe in the next season but not in this one.
1. The guys who daughter has cancer
2.the north korean mom
3. The min su gye
4.pregnant lady.
Under-uses Characters - Too many characters, but none leave a strong impression. Big names like Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, and Wi Ha Joon had noooo role to play. They were just there
honestly compared to the season 1 where the characters looked genuinely scared these characters didnot act that well..????
4. In season1 people looked like they were fighting for there lives.. They looked scared when sm1 died. Here well u need watch the season to understand.
Finaly i would like to conclude i liked the season, acting was good. The games were good tooo . Yall giving reviews the games were bad. THEY JUST PLAYED 3 GAMES IN THIS SEASON AND THEY WERE FUN. NO SERIOUSLY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO BORING IF THEY JUST REPEATED THE GAMES FROM THE PREVIOUS SEASON. For me personally the season 2 did as well as season 1 if not better. Well i hope you watch it
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Season 2 was better than season 1
Season 2 of Squid Game delivers a significantly more engaging and layered narrative compared to its groundbreaking predecessor. The show takes the foundation laid by the first season and builds upon it, introducing not only new challenges but also delving deeper into the lives of the players and the enigmatic masked soldiers. By intertwining their stories, the season creates a richer, more emotionally impactful experience that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.One of the standout aspects of this season is its ability to expand the scope of the Squid Game universe without losing the core elements that made the first season so compelling. The introduction of subplots revolving around the masked soldiers was a particularly bold move. These narratives not only humanize some of the antagonists but also shed light on the inner workings of the games and the moral dilemmas faced by those enforcing the rules. The juxtaposition of their struggles against the players’ desperate fight for survival adds a new dimension to the show, making it more than just a tale of survival—it becomes a layered exploration of power, loyalty, and sacrifice.
The performances this season are notably superior, with the actors delivering nuanced portrayals that make the characters more relatable and memorable. The players’ backstories are given more screen time, allowing viewers to form deeper connections with them. The desperation, hope, and camaraderie that arise as the games progress feel more visceral, thanks to the cast’s strong performances. Similarly, the masked soldiers, who were mostly enigmatic figures in Season 1, are portrayed with greater depth, making their roles more compelling. Their struggles and moral conflicts add a layer of complexity to what might have otherwise been a straightforward antagonistic role.
Visually, the show maintains its trademark style, blending the surreal and the brutal in ways that continue to captivate. The set designs for the games are even more imaginative and intricate this time around, further immersing viewers in the twisted world of Squid Game. Each game feels like a meticulously crafted piece of art, designed to not only challenge the players physically and mentally but also to serve as a commentary on societal issues.
Despite its strengths, the season does have moments where the pacing feels uneven, particularly when transitioning between the games and the subplots. However, these minor flaws are outweighed by the show’s ability to keep viewers invested in its characters and their fates.
While I don’t personally anticipate rewatching Season 2, it is undeniably a commendable continuation of the series. It successfully expands the narrative while staying true to the themes and tone that captivated audiences in the first season. For fans of Squid Game, this season offers a deeper, more emotional dive into the harrowing world of the games, making it a worthy follow-up to the original.
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