The U.S. weekly Time said that the movie again showcases its brutal charm and powerful performance in the final season. The movie magazine Collider also praised it as an “overwhelming finale that maximizes all strengths and shows beyond.” The Financial Times also praised it for its fast development and sharp production.
There were also praise for the meaning of the ending. Bloomberg called it a series that asks questions about what remains of our humanity. “Season 3 has the most shocking twist, but it ultimately contains the natural dignity of human beings,” Decider said.
However, criticism of the repetitive story structure has also been raised. The New York Times (NYT) said in a review article, “To make it worth a second or third season as a creation, there had to be something that surprised us,” and pointed out, “Most TV series may have some formula, but it’s harder not to notice it when the formula they are repeating has just been created by themselves.” He also pointed out, “The approach to the decision of fate by the main character, Ki-hoon (played by Lee Jung-jae), gives tension even if it is artificial to this season, but the types of characters derived from the long history of Western dramas and war movies are more one-dimensional and predictable than ever.” In addition, he pointed out, “Director Hwang Dong-hyuk still coordinates the action skillfully, but his imagination is lacking.” The Hollywood Reporter, a movie magazine, said the review under the title, “The once-crazy Netflix hit ended with a disappointing ending.” The media said that anyone who expected enough compensation in the third season may not be satisfied again because season 2, which was disappointing compared to season 1, delivered only half of the plot.
He also criticized, “In the early days (of season 1), the gloom was tempered by deep sympathy for people trapped in this maze, and hopes that compassion and connection could occur (between people) sometimes fluttered even in harsh environments, but in season 3, we no longer attempt to portray characters in abundance.”
Variety, another media outlet, also said, “Season 3 is not as grand a work that remains as deep in mind as the previous two seasons due to the repetitive structure of the game and the absence of new characters.” “Still, there are some persuasive twists that make the last six episodes worthwhile,” he said.
Rotten Tomatoes, a U.S.-based movie and TV series rating website, scored more than 250 viewers on season 3 of “Squid Game” as of 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The ratings were 52 out of 100, barely exceeding half the mark.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
