Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 film “Parasite” is an exceptional piece of cinema that captivated audiences worldwide and made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. This South Korean dark comedy-thriller masterfully blends elements of suspense, social satire, and intense drama to deliver a powerful critique of class disparity. In this comprehensive review and recap, we’ll explore the narrative, characters, themes, and the cultural impact of “Parasite”—a film that has redefined modern cinema.
Plot Recap: The Tale of Two Families
The Kim Family: Struggling for Survival
The film opens with the Kim family, a poor but resourceful household living in a semi-basement apartment in a bustling yet grimy part of Seoul. The family consists of Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), the father, Chung-sook (Jang Hye-jin), the mother, and their two children, Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) and Ki-jung (Park So-dam). Despite their dire financial situation, the Kims maintain a close-knit relationship, relying on odd jobs and small scams to make ends meet. Their life takes a significant turn when Ki-woo is offered a tutoring job by his friend Min-hyuk, who tutors the daughter of a wealthy family, the Parks.
The Park Family: A World of Luxury
In stark contrast to the Kims, the Park family lives in an opulent, modern home designed by a famous architect. Mr. Park (Lee Sun-kyun) is a successful businessman, and his wife, Yeon-gyo (Cho Yeo-jeong), is a somewhat naive and easily manipulated homemaker. They have two children: Da-hye, the teenage daughter, and Da-song, a young boy with a fascination for Native American culture. The Park family’s wealth and privilege stand in sharp contrast to the Kims’ poverty, setting the stage for the film’s exploration of class dynamics.
The Infiltration: A Perfect Scheme
Seeing an opportunity to improve his family’s situation, Ki-woo cleverly manipulates his way into the Park household, securing a job as Da-hye’s English tutor. Impressed by the Parks’ lavish lifestyle, Ki-woo devises a plan to get his entire family employed by the Parks without revealing their relationship. Ki-jung becomes the art therapist for Da-song by posing as an experienced professional under the alias “Jessica,” while Ki-taek takes over as the family’s chauffeur, and Chung-sook replaces the longtime housekeeper, Moon-gwang (Lee Jung-eun).
The Revelation: Secrets Unveiled
The Kim family’s scheme seems to be going smoothly until an unexpected twist changes everything. One rainy night, Moon-gwang returns to the Park household, revealing a shocking secret: she has been hiding her husband, Geun-sae (Park Myung-hoon), in a secret bunker beneath the house for years to evade loan sharks. This discovery sets off a chain of events that spiral out of control, as the Kims are forced to confront the precarious nature of their deception.
The Climax: Chaos and Consequences
The tension reaches its peak during a lavish birthday party for Da-song. The celebration turns into a nightmare when Geun-sae escapes from the bunker, seeking revenge for the Kims’ betrayal. In a chaotic and violent confrontation, several lives are lost, including Mr. Park and Geun-sae. Ki-taek, overwhelmed by rage and grief, kills Mr. Park and goes into hiding in the secret bunker. The film concludes with Ki-woo dreaming of rescuing his father by one day buying the house, though the reality of their situation makes this dream appear hopeless.
Character Analysis: Complex Portraits of Humanity
Ki-taek: The Desperate Father
Song Kang-ho delivers a nuanced performance as Ki-taek, the patriarch of the Kim family. Ki-taek embodies the frustration and helplessness of the working class, caught in a cycle of poverty with little hope for upward mobility. Throughout the film, Ki-taek’s character evolves from a passive and compliant figure to someone driven to violence by the inequities he faces. His journey is a poignant reflection on how systemic inequality can lead to desperation and moral compromise.
Yeon-gyo: The Naive Matriarch
Cho Yeo-jeong’s portrayal of Yeon-gyo, the naive and sheltered wife of Mr. Park, serves as a critique of the obliviousness of the wealthy. Despite her kindness, Yeon-gyo is easily manipulated, blind to the struggles and deceit of those around her. Her character represents the disconnect between the upper and lower classes, highlighting how privilege can create a bubble that insulates the wealthy from the harsh realities faced by the less fortunate.
Ki-woo and Ki-jung: The Ambitious Siblings
Ki-woo and Ki-jung, played by Choi Woo-shik and Park So-dam, are the brains behind the Kims’ infiltration of the Park household. Both siblings are intelligent, resourceful, and adaptable, qualities that allow them to thrive in the Park family’s world. However, their ambition is ultimately their downfall, as their schemes unravel with devastating consequences. Their characters serve as a commentary on the lengths to which people will go to escape poverty, even if it means compromising their morals.
Geun-sae: The Forgotten Man
Geun-sae, portrayed by Park Myung-hoon, is a tragic figure who represents those who have been completely marginalized by society. His life in the bunker beneath the Park house is a metaphor for the underclass, living in the shadows and invisible to the rest of society. His descent into madness and violence is a stark reminder of the destructive impact of social exclusion and economic disparity.
Themes and Symbolism: A Deep Dive into Social Commentary
Class Disparity: The Divide Between Rich and Poor
At its core, “Parasite” is a biting critique of class disparity and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. The film uses the physical spaces—the Kims’ cramped basement apartment and the Parks’ expansive, luxurious home—as symbols of the economic divide. The Kims’ efforts to climb the social ladder are met with temporary success, but the film ultimately shows that the barriers to true social mobility are insurmountable within the existing system. The tragic ending underscores the futility of trying to escape poverty in a society that is rigged against the underprivileged.
The Invisibility of the Underclass
The film also explores the concept of invisibility, particularly the way in which the upper class is oblivious to the existence and struggles of the lower class. This is symbolized by Geun-sae’s life in the hidden bunker, literally living beneath the feet of the wealthy Park family, yet completely unseen and forgotten. The Kims, too, become “invisible” as they blend into the roles assigned to them by the Parks, erasing their identities in the process.
The Stench of Poverty
A recurring motif in the film is the “smell” of poverty, which becomes a point of tension between the Kims and the Parks. Mr. Park comments on the smell of Ki-taek, noting that it is a smell that he associates with those who live in poverty. This observation becomes a symbol of the deep-seated prejudices and barriers that exist between the classes. The smell represents the inescapable stigma attached to poverty, something that cannot be hidden or washed away, no matter how much the Kims try to assimilate into the Park family’s world.
The Rock: A Symbol of False Hope
Throughout the film, Ki-woo clings to a scholar’s rock given to him by Min-hyuk, believing it to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The rock represents the illusion of upward mobility and the false hope that material wealth can bring happiness and security. In the end, the rock becomes a weapon of destruction rather than a source of salvation, symbolizing the futility of chasing after wealth in a society that is inherently unequal.
Cinematic Techniques: Bong Joon-ho’s Mastery
Visual Storytelling
Bong Joon-ho’s direction in “Parasite” is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The film’s cinematography, led by Hong Kyung-pyo, uses framing, lighting, and composition to enhance the narrative and themes. The contrast between the dark, confined spaces of the Kims’ home and the bright, open spaces of the Parks’ home visually represents the economic divide. The camera often positions characters at different levels—literal and metaphorical—to emphasize the power dynamics at play.
Pacing and Tension
The pacing of “Parasite” is meticulously crafted, with a gradual build-up of tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The film seamlessly shifts from dark comedy to intense thriller, keeping viewers engaged while also making them think. The use of suspense, particularly in scenes where the Kims’ deception is at risk of being uncovered, creates an atmosphere of unease that mirrors the precariousness of their situation.
Music and Sound Design
The film’s score, composed by Jung Jae-il, plays a crucial role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The music shifts from playful and lighthearted during the Kims’ initial infiltration to ominous and tense as the story darkens. The sound design also contributes to the film’s atmosphere, with the sounds of rain, footsteps, and even silence being used to heighten tension and underscore key moments.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Critical Acclaim and Awards
“Parasite” received widespread critical acclaim for its originality, storytelling, and social commentary. The film’s success at the 2020 Academy Awards, where it won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film, marked a historic moment for both South Korean cinema and international filmmaking. “Parasite”’s achievements have opened doors for more non-English language films to gain recognition on the global stage.
Social Commentary and Relevance
The film’s exploration of class disparity resonated with audiences around the world, particularly in societies facing similar issues of economic inequality and social division. “Parasite” sparked conversations about wealth disparity, the struggles of the working class, and the often invisible barriers to social mobility. Its themes are universally relevant, making it a film that continues to be discussed and analyzed in various cultural and academic contexts.
Influence on Cinema
“Parasite” has had a significant influence on modern cinema, inspiring filmmakers to explore bold and unconventional narratives. Bong Joon-ho’s success has also highlighted the importance of diverse voices in filmmaking, encouraging the global film industry to embrace stories from different cultures and perspectives.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Masterpiece for the Ages
“Parasite” is more than just a film; it is a profound social commentary that challenges viewers to confront the realities of class disparity and the human condition. Bong Joon-ho’s direction, combined with stellar performances and masterful storytelling, makes “Parasite” a cinematic masterpiece that will be studied and admired for years to come. It is a film that entertains, provokes thought, and ultimately leaves a lasting impact on all who experience it.
Whether you’re revisiting “Parasite” or discovering it for the first time, this review highlights the brilliance of a film that has redefined what cinema can achieve. “Parasite” is not just a story about a family; it’s a mirror reflecting the social divisions that exist in our world today, making it a timeless and essential piece of cinema.
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