Parasite: A masterpiece - A short movie review
Written by Shan Balakid
Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 film Parasite is undoubtedly one of the most well-thought-out and mentally cultivating movies to have ever existed. Similar to Parasite, Bong has directed many other films such as; Snowpiercer, Okja, The Host and Memories of Murder.
The film won four Academy Awards at the Oscars 2020, taking home the most awards home, which included Best Picture, Directing, International Feature Film and Writing (Original Screenplay). Making history by being the first foreign-language film to receive the title of ‘Best Picture’ - it’s no wonder why this South Korean masterpiece is loved by many.
To refresh your mind, the story follows two seemingly opposite families. First, we have the Kims, who are living in a busy lower working-class part of Seoul. Despite having jobs, the mother and father, Chung-sook and Ki-taek do the bare minimum and conduct minor scams in order to get more cash. Ki-Woo, their son, is then asked by his friend to tutor a girl for English as he is in love with her. Unlike his friend, Min, he hasn’t experienced a full university education. Due to his status in society, he is unable to afford nor pass the entrance exam, however, is incredibly knowledgable in English. As a friend, Min trusts him because he doesn’t want another tutor to fall for her. To make him seem more like an ‘academic’, Ki-Woo changes his name to Kevin and begins his job - and thus, an idea sparks within him. The second family are the Parks, who are extremely wealthy and live in a modernistic house. Ki-Woo is able to smuggle his whole family to work for them, all changing their identities and stealing the roles of former staff members. His sister, Ki-jung, the tutor for the family’s younger son. The mother, the housekeeper. The father, Ki-taek, the driver - and a family scheme is born.
Parasite is a clever and a sensational movie, but digging down deeper there’s so much to it. The film delves into the idea of ‘rich vs. poor’ and embeds many symbolic codes all throughout to further highlight this concept. It shows how two families on opposite ends of the economic scale interconnect and makes us question: who really is the parasite? The twisty ending leaves viewers on edge, wanting more. It is unquestionable that Parasite lives up to all the hype.
For all those looking for a drama that is unpredictable, cunning and remarkably extraordinary, Parasite is the one for you.