Hold onto your kimchi, folks, because “Parasite” is not your typical family drama. This South Korean masterpiece is a genre-bending rollercoaster that will leave you breathless, questioning everything you thought you knew about class, society, and the dark side of human nature.
Now, I’ll admit, I went into this movie completely blind (pun intended!). I knew it was a Korean film with a catchy title, and based on my experience with other Korean cinema, I was expecting a horror flick. But “Parasite” is a different kind of horror – the kind that creeps up on you slowly, burrows under your skin, and leaves you with a lingering sense of unease long after the credits roll.
The story follows the Kim family, a poor family living in a semi-basement apartment, who cunningly infiltrate the wealthy Park family’s household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. What starts as a clever scheme to improve their financial situation quickly spirals into a chaotic and unpredictable series of events, with twists and turns that will leave you gasping for air.
“Parasite” is a masterclass in filmmaking. The writing is sharp and witty, the directing is masterful, and the cinematography is breathtaking. Every shot is meticulously framed, every scene is infused with tension, and the film’s overall aesthetic is both beautiful and unsettling.
But what truly sets “Parasite” apart is its social commentary. The film tackles themes of class inequality, social mobility, and the desperation that can drive people to extreme measures. It’s a story that resonates with audiences across cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, highlighting the universal struggles of those who feel trapped by their circumstances.
And let’s talk about that ending. No spoilers here, but let’s just say it’s one of the most shocking and unforgettable climaxes I’ve ever seen. It’s a gut-punch that will leave you reeling, questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters and their motivations.
and nice little cameo from Park Seo-joon! He was the star of Itawewon Class which was a great show!
“Parasite” is a must-see for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking cinema and masterful storytelling. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting discussions and challenging your perceptions of the world around you.
Now, for a little trip down memory lane…
Remember that time “Parasite” made history at the Oscars? Yeah, that was pretty epic. I had the chance to visit the Dolby Theatre in LA with my Korean friend back in 2020, and seeing “Parasite” listed among the Best Picture winners was a moment of pure pride and excitement. This film wasn’t just a masterpiece; it was a cultural phenomenon that broke barriers and shattered expectations. This, along with Crazy Rich Asians, inspired me to storytell whether it be short films, commercials, podcasts, game shows, etc! Totally cried when they won all the awards they did. And when it won Best Picture, Bong Joon-ho made sure others got to speak.
Here’s a recap of “Parasite’s” historic Oscar wins:
- Best Picture: The first non-English language film to win this prestigious award.
- Best Director: Bong Joon-ho, the visionary behind this masterpiece.
- Best Original Screenplay: A testament to the film’s brilliant writing.
- Best International Feature Film: A well-deserved recognition of South Korea’s cinematic excellence. (known as Best Foreign Language Film prior to 2020)
“Parasite’s” Oscar triumph was a watershed moment for international cinema, proving that language is no barrier to powerful storytelling and universal themes. It’s a film that will forever be etched in cinematic history, and its impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
So, if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and watch “Parasite.” It’s a cinematic experience you won’t soon forget. And hey, if you ever find yourself in LA, be sure to check out the Dolby Theatre and pay homage to this groundbreaking film. It’s a reminder that great storytelling can transcend borders and connect us all through the power of cinema.
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Rated: 15+ Korea Media Rating Board (KMRB):
R (USA)
Runtime: 132 minutes
Release Date: 21 May 2019 (Cannes)
30 May 2019 (South Korea)
My rating: 10.0 Mainasty Masterpieces
| Hangul | 기생충 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 寄生蟲 |
| Revised Romanization | Gisaengchung |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kisaengch’ung |
| Directed by | Bong Joon-ho |
| Screenplay by | Bong Joon-ho Han Jin-won |
| Story by | Bong Joon-ho[1] |
| Produced by | Kwak Sin-ae Moon Yang-kwon Bong Joon-ho Jang Young-hwan |
| Starring | Song Kang-ho Lee Sun-kyun Cho Yeo-jeong Choi Woo-shik Park So-dam Jang Hye-jin Park Seo-joon |
| Cinematography | Hong Kyung-pyo[2] |
| Edited by | Yang Jin-mo |
| Music by | Jung Jae-il[1] |
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