Since its debut, the show’s popularity has puzzled critics. After all, it is not the pioneer of capitalism discussion – the theme has been used and reused in many other shows such as “Made in Bangladesh” and “The Inheritance”. So what makes it so popular?
Many would argue it is because non-English-language entertainment is currently on the rise. Others would insist on crediting Bong Joon-Ho’s 2019 satirical masterpiece “Parasite” for paving the way.
One thing’s for sure: Asian films have often been thought-provoking and underrated. The reason only a mere handful have made waves internationally is because most viewers refuse to deal with the “one-inch wall” – subtitles.
Writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk has been known to describe “Squid Game” as his “fable of modern capitalism”. Critics can debate over whether the show takes a pro or anti-capitalist stance, but Netflix is still raking in the dough, providing an ironic reminder that capitalism always wins.
So why is “Squid Game” so popular? Perhaps because of the inherent fantasy of rolling in money. After all, in the real world, the odds of winning the lottery are abysmal, whereas in the show, the probability of winning 45.6 billion won, or approximately RM160 million, is one in 456.
“Squid Game” revolves around 456 debt-ridden contestants fighting to death – with children’s games – for a chance at a better life. Many viewers were devastated by the ending, not because of how bad a dad the main character, played by Lee Jung-jae, really is, but because of how he chooses to spend the prize money.
Fans took to social media to debate on how, in similar but hopefully less bloody circumstances, they would spend that much cash. Most prioritised their families above all else.
With this in mind, FMT speaks to five Malaysians on what they would do if they won RM160 million.
Wheel assets
After years of renting, Yvonne Gabriel would like a house to call her own. She tells FMT that five cars for her children and herself would be ideal.
“At least I don’t have to worry about the car breaking down, hoping it’s nothing serious or expensive,” the 62-year-old says.
“I’ll probably get two helpers and a chauffeur. Invest some of the money. I’ll also identify poor families and help them out, especially single mothers with kids.”
For graphic designer Edrina, 27, it is “bye-bye” nine-to-five.
“I will quit my office job and move to a spacious high-rise condo where I can set up my own art studio,” she says. Expanding her worldview is of utmost importance, and travelling is definitely part of her plan.
“I’ll also figure out ways to make money actively work for me, so I never have to live paycheque to paycheque again.”
Ryan Yap, also 27, says paying off his car and education loans come first. “Personally, I just don’t like being bound. Once that’s out of the way, I actually have no clue.
“I will most likely consult my friends and family about what to do next. Investments, trust funds maybe.”
‘Squid Game of Thrones’
Thirty-five-year-old Leela, on the other hand, is not interested in such rational approaches. The die-hard “Game of Thrones” fan does not hide her disappointment over how that particular series was handled.
“The last season was ridiculous. I will use all of the prize money to reshoot a few episodes, the finale in particular,” she says jokingly – or not.
As for 67-year-old Orson, the best thing to do is give it all back.
“I will buy land big enough to house three self-sustaining communities,” he says. “One will be an old folk’s home, one will be for the care of abandoned animals, and the last will be reserved for farmers and workers who will keep things up and running.
“With the balance, I hope to invest wisely to ensure these three communities will never face any shortage when it comes to expenses.”
