Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a critically acclaimed South Korean film that won the Palme d’Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first South Korean film to win this prestigious award. It is also the first South Korean film to be nominated and win multiple Oscar statuettes, including Best Picture. The film combines elements of drama, comedy and social satire to deliver a thought-provoking narrative that explores class dynamics in society.
Parasite tells the story of the Kim family, consisting of father Ki-taek, mother Chung-sook, son Ki-woo and daughter Ki-jung. The family struggles to make ends meet and lives in a cramped underground apartment. When Ki-woo is offered an opportunity to work as an English tutor for the wealthy Park family, he sets into motion a plan to infiltrate the Parks’ lives. Progressively, each member of the Kim family finds employment with the Parks, hiding their identity and taking advantage of their generosity. As the two families become increasingly intertwined, tensions between rich and poor reach a critical point, leading to unpredictable consequences.
Parasite was directed by Bong Joon-ho, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Han Ji-won. Bong Joon-ho is known for his unique narrative style and his ability to skillfully mix different genres. With Parasite, he has created a compelling narrative that explores themes of social inequality and class struggle. The film was praised for its tight script, skillful direction, and nuanced performances from its actors.
Parasite Plot
Parasite tells the story of the Kim family, consisting of father Ki-taek, mother Chung-sook, son Ki-woo and daughter Ki-jung. The family struggles to make ends meet and lives in a small basement apartment. When Ki-woo gets an opportunity to work as an English tutor for the wealthy Park family, he hatches a plan to infiltrate the Parks’ lives. Gradually, each member of the Kim family finds employment with the Parks, hiding their identities and taking advantage of their generosity. As the two families become more intertwined, the tensions between rich and poor lead to unforeseen consequences.
Direction and Subject
Parasite was directed by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, who also co-wrote the film with Han Ji-won. Bong Joon-ho is known for his unique narrative style and his ability to mix different film genres. With Parasite, he has created a compelling narrative that explores themes of social inequality and class struggle. The film was praised for its precise screenplay, deft direction and multifaceted performances.
Bong Joon-ho has proven to be one of the most talented and influential directors in contemporary cinema. With his mastery of managing tension and narrative pace, he is able to engage the audience emotionally and create a unique cinematic experience. His bold and innovative approach to filmmaking has made him a leading figure in the global film industry.
The collaboration between Bong Joon-ho and Han Ji-won resulted in the creation of a solid and well-structured script. Parasite’s plot is full of suspense and twists, keeping the viewer glued to the screen. The plot develops fluidly, exploring the complex dynamics of contemporary society and the universal themes of greed, class struggle and social inequality.
Main Actors
Parasite features a cast of talented actors. Song Kang-ho plays the role of Kim Ki-taek, the patriarch of the Kim family. Lee Sun-kyun plays Park Dong-ik, the wealthy father of the Park family. Cho Yeo-jeong plays Choi Yeon-kyo, Dong-ik’s wife. Choi Woo-shik plays Kim Ki-woo, Ki-taek’s son, and Park So-dam plays Kim Ki-jung, Ki-taek’s daughter. The performances of the entire cast are praised for their depth and believability, adding layers of complexity to the characters.
Awards
Parasite received widespread acclaim and earned numerous awards. In addition to winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, it won several Oscars, including best film, best director, best original screenplay and best international film. The film’s success and critical acclaim cemented its position as one of the most celebrated films of recent years.
- Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival
- Best film at the Oscars
- Best director at the Oscars
- Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars
- Best International Film at the Oscars
Production and Distribution
The production of the film Parasite was carried out by CJ Entertainment and Barunson E&A. The film was distributed internationally by several production companies, including Eagle Pictures and Academy Two for Italian distribution. Production of the film took place in Seoul and Jeonju, South Korea, over the course of four months. The film’s total budget was approximately 13.5 billion won ($11.5 million).
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Parasite was composed by Jung Jae-il. His music emphasizes the tension of the film and increases the emotional impact, adding depth to the narrative. The soundtrack was released as an album in South Korea by Stone Music.
Criticism and Reviews
Parasite received acclaim from audiences and critics. The film has been praised for its masterful storytelling, powerful performances, and profound social commentary. It has been described as a dark, humorous and deeply impactful exploration of class dynamics and social inequality. Reviews have highlighted the film’s successful blending of genres, compelling characters, and ability to inspire both laughter and reflection.
- Unanimous criticism: Parasite has won the favor of international critics, receiving extremely positive ratings. Critics praised the mastery with which director Bong Joon-ho directed the film and constructed a compelling plot. Commentators also appreciated the film’s ability to experiment with film genres, creating a unique blend of suspense, humor and drama.
- Social Comment: An element that has particularly struck critics is the social message of Parasite. The film highlights socioeconomic inequalities and asks uncomfortable questions about human nature and power dynamics. Intelligent satire and profound analysis of class divisions have made Parasite an extremely significant and relevant film for contemporary issues.
- Extraordinary performances: The performances of the main actors received particular praise. Song Kang-ho as Kim Ki-taek delivered a powerful and magnetic performance, capturing the complexity of his character. Furthermore, the rest of the cast demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring their roles to life, helping to create an evocative dynamic between the characters.
The film Parasite has had a significant cultural impact, both in South Korea and internationally. The film’s success brought attention to the South Korean film industry and opened the door for greater diversity and recognition for international films. Director Bong Joon-ho’s unique style of storytelling and social commentary have made him a leading figure in the global film industry.
Oscar Award
Parasite made history at the 92nd Academy Awards by becoming the first South Korean film to win Best Picture. The film also won three other Academy Awards, including Best Director for Bong Joon-ho, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Film. These victories solidified Parasite’s place in cinematic history and highlighted the global recognition of South Korean cinema.
Reflections and Meaning
The film Parasite offers a profound reflection on social class dynamics, inequality and the struggle for survival. It raises questions about the nature of privilege, the dynamics of power, and the steps people are willing to take to improve their circumstances. It encourages viewers to reflect on the complexities of society and the inherent inequalities that exist in our world.
- The central theme of the film revolves around the all-out struggle for survival, in which the characters are forced to take extreme measures to improve their economic situation. This raises important questions about the morality of human actions when faced with difficult situations.
- Parasite highlights profound social inequalities and how they affect people’s lives. The contrast between the living conditions of the two social groups represented in the film highlights the disparity between the rich and the poor, highlighting the systemic injustices present in society.
Parasite demonstrates the power of cinema as a means of social denunciation. Through its masterful direction and its commitment to representing reality, the film brings out universal themes that can resonate across the world. The global success of Parasite highlighted the strength and impact of South Korean cinema on the international scene.
