Deceit, comedy, drama, suspense – these are only some of the things you’ll see in the Korean film “Parasite.” And let me tell you now, it is mind-blowing! It’s one of those films that you have to go blindly into with complete trust in the people behind it to truly understand why it has become a global sensation. Here, director Bong Joon Ho serves up a unique blend of humor, suspense, and emotion that’ll grip you tight and leave you on the edge of your seat for the whole ride. Then, afterward, it’ll leave you wondering long after it has ended.
“Parasite” revolves around two families, one poor (The Kims) and the other filthy rich (The Parks). As chance has it, the Kims’ son gets hired by the Parks to tutor their daughter. Then, after seeing how naive and gullible the Parks are, a plan forms with the Kims. One by one, they get integrated into the Parks household by pretending to be unrelated and highly-commended professionals who seem to answer the Parks’ needs just at the right moment. Just as they’re getting everything they’ve wanted, however, a dark and sinister twist wedges a sharp dagger into their plans. And it leaves them with deadly consequences.
The best part about it all is that you know something’s wrong or something will go wrong eventually. But, you’ll never be able to guess what it is exactly. Here are some more reasons why “Parasite” is a definite must-see.
1. Parasite Received An 8-minute Standing Ovation
After the lights go up and the credits start rolling, you’d expect any good film at any awards show to receive applause. But, at the Cannes’ Grande Theatre Lumiere, audiences were on their feet clapping and cheering eight minutes well after the lights went up. Before the screening, Bong warned that his film might be a little hard to understand for foreign audiences according to Variety. But, as it turns out, the director had nothing to worry about. In fact, the film also took home the prestigious Palme d’Or Award that night.
2. It’s a Masterpiece
In addition to the Palme d’Or Award, “Parasite” has also taken home plenty more awards, the most recent one being Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes. Now, it is headed to the Oscars and is being shortlisted for the Best International Feature category. Its also now set to have a limited series at HBO. It’s easy to see why it’s hauling off all these awards. From cinematography to the acting, the settings, the writing, the tones, and the directing, “Parasite” has the best of it. Director Bong’s previous movies like “Okja,” “The Host,” and “Snowpiercer” were superb but, this has got to be his best work yet.
3. Its Razor-Sharp Message About Greed and Class Discrimination
One of the best things about “Parasite” is that it’s not only entertaining and aesthetically pleasing, it also strikes up a social message. At the very heart of it is a razor-sharp message about greed and class discrimination. Although it is not immediately obvious or spoon-fed in any way to the viewers, the issue is tightly tied to the differences between the two families. And it carries through even with the general pleasantness of the Parks and the amusing and easy-going personality of the Kims. Bong creates a steady rising tension from the get-go with plenty of symbolism with the issue at hand and lets it all unfold in the film’s dark and sinister end.
4. It Amazed Even Other Film Directors
You know a film has got some chops when even other film directors are raving about it. And for “Parasite,” a lot of directors of other successful films have spoken about it. Josh and Bennie Safdie, directors of the Adam Sandler film “Uncut Gems” tweeted “Don’t ask questions, don’t read about it, just see it. Director Bong and his incredible cast will use your mind as a host as they show you how absurd our invisible rules are.” In addition to them, Ari Aster, the director of the horror hit “Midsommar” also had something to say. “This film is astounding. Bong Joon-Ho is peerless right now in genre storytelling. Dizzyingly efficient, funnier than anything, totally bananas, and deeply deeply sad,” he said.
5. It’ll Take You On A Ride Like No Other
“Parasite” starts out innocently enough. But, the longer it goes, the more that the initial unease it presents grows on you. And it becomes more than a simple story you thought you could predict. Mysteries become a whole lot stranger, things get creepy fast, and then it all explodes into total mayhem. But, at the same time, it also presents moments of comedy that many of us can relate to. Suffice to say, this film will twist you up and turn you inside out a couple of times before plopping you down like it hasn’t just messed you up. The absolute beauty of it all is that director Bong manages to combine all these elements in a smooth ride that’ll make you cringe, cry, laugh, gasp, and maybe even cover your eyes. So, if you’re ready to watch “Parasite,” good luck!