"Parasite" (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a South Korean dark comedy thriller that has garnered international acclaim for its intricate storytelling, profound themes, and cinematic excellence. This film marked a historic milestone in the global film industry, becoming the first South Korean movie to win both the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Picture, among other accolades.
Summary and Ending Explanation (Spoilers)
The film follows the Kim family, who live in a squalid basement apartment and struggle with poverty. They artfully infiltrate the wealthy Park family's household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified workers. The film masterfully weaves themes of class struggle, deception, and the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty.
The climax is both violent and tragic, occurring during a lavish birthday party at the Park's house. The Kim family's deception unravels, leading to a violent outbreak. The father, Ki-taek, kills Mr. Park in a fit of rage triggered by Mr. Park's disgusted reaction to the smell of a dying man, whom he considers beneath him. The ending reveals that Ki-woo, the son, plans to earn enough money to buy the Park's house and free his father, who is hiding in the basement, reflecting the unattainable dreams of the lower class.
Learning Points and Significance
1. Class Divide and Social Commentary
"Parasite" profoundly illustrates the stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor.
- Basement Apartment vs. Architectural Marvel: The Kim family's cramped, semi-basement apartment, susceptible to flooding and pests, starkly contrasts with the Parks' spacious, architect-designed house. This physical disparity is a direct representation of the socio-economic gap.
- The Flood Scene: A pivotal scene occurs when the Kims' apartment is flooded with sewage during a storm, while the Parks are inconvenienced by a canceled camping trip. This scene powerfully contrasts the life-altering impact of such an event on the poor versus the mere inconvenience for the rich.
- The 'Smell' of Poverty: The recurring theme of the Parks commenting on the Kims' smell signifies the subconscious bias and disdain the wealthy may harbor towards the lower class, despite polite exteriors.
2. Symbolism and Cinematography
Bong Joon-ho's use of symbolism and cinematography is integral to the film's narrative.
- The Scholar's Rock: This rock, supposed to bring wealth, symbolises false hope. It's notably used in the scene where it's carried by Ki-woo during the flood, signifying the burden of false hope.
- Staircases as a Social Ladder: The frequent use of staircases symbolises social hierarchy. The Kims are often shown ascending or descending stairs, reflecting their attempts to 'climb' the social ladder or their fall from it.
3. Dark Comedy and Thrilling Narrative
The blend of dark humor with thrilling elements keeps the audience engaged while presenting serious themes.
- The Peach Allergy Scheme: The Kim family's clever plan to oust the housekeeper by exploiting her peach allergy is executed with a blend of humor and cunning, showcasing their resourcefulness and the lengths they'll go to secure their positions.
4. Universal Themes
Despite its Korean setting, the themes of "Parasite" resonate globally.
- The Party Scene: The birthday party scene, culminating in a violent outburst, is a powerful metaphor for the eruption of pent-up class tensions. It shows how these tensions exist universally, irrespective of cultural context.
Each of these points contributes to the film’s profound impact. "Parasite" uses its narrative, characters, and cinematography to offer a multifaceted examination of societal issues, making it a film that not only entertains but also prompts deep reflection and discussion.
Why "Parasite" is Extremely Well-Made
Narrative and Screenplay: "Parasite" is celebrated for its compelling narrative, which intricately weaves a tale of class struggle, family dynamics, and suspense. The script, co-written by Bong and Han Jin-won, is lauded for its cleverness and the way it employs visual language to contrast the living conditions of the rich and the poor. This contrast is not only symbolic but also visually stimulating. The Kim family's semi-basement apartment represents their liminal status, caught between the worlds of the haves and have-nots (Tallerico, 2019).
Social Commentary: The film's depiction of class struggle is one of its most significant aspects. The Kims and the Parks represent different social strata, and Bong uses various methods, including the architectural contrast between their homes, to highlight their differing wealth and social standing. Mark Kermode, in his review, notes how Bong has used staircases and escalators to mirror the ascent and descent of the social ladder, reflecting the changing fortunes of the characters (Legras, 2019).
Direction and Cinematography: Bong Joon-ho's direction in "Parasite" has been universally acclaimed. The use of camera angles, the mise-en-scène, and the film’s pacing all contribute to a narrative that is as visually captivating as it is thought-provoking. The Criterion Collection notes how the film supplies us with an indelible visual contrast between the Kims’ cluttered apartment and the Parks’ spacious designer home, contributing significantly to the film's thematic expression (Kang, 2020).
Global Impact and Recognition: "Parasite" has had a significant global impact, breaking ground for South Korean cinema. It became the first South Korean film to win Best Director at the Academy Awards and tied the record for the most Oscars awarded to an individual at a single ceremony. This achievement is particularly notable given the ethnocentric nature of the Academy Awards, which often prioritise English-language films over foreign-language films. "Parasite" also made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars and the first South Korean movie to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival (Kench, 2020).
Cultural Significance: The film's success at major awards ceremonies, including the Oscars and Cannes, and its global resonance underscore its accessibility and relevance beyond its cultural context. It's not just a landmark in South Korean cinema but in world cinema, bridging cultural divides and challenging the norms of the film industry.
In summary, "Parasite" is far from being an "overrated movie". Its combination of profound social commentary, exceptional storytelling, artistic direction, and global resonance establish it as a significant work in contemporary cinema. The film's multiple accolades and critical acclaim further reinforce its status as a groundbreaking and influential film.
"Smell"
Scenes Involving "Smell"
Ki-woo Noticing Mr. Park's Comment: Ki-woo (Kevin), the son of the Kim family, overhears Mr. Park talking about his father's (Ki-taek's) distinct smell, likening it to an old radish or a boiled rag. This conversation happens when Ki-woo is hiding under the table in the Parks' living room. The remark is made casually by Mr. Park, unaware of its offensive nature, highlighting the obliviousness of the wealthy to their prejudices.
Conversation in the Car: In another scene, Mr. Park discusses the smell with his wife while Ki-taek is driving them. Mr. Park describes the smell as "crossing the line," implying that it's a marker of Ki-taek's lower social status. Ki-taek, hearing this, becomes visibly uncomfortable and hurt, but he remains silent. This scene underscores the deep humiliation and the emotional toll such remarks have on the less privileged.
The Birthday Party: The culmination of the 'smell' motif occurs at the Park's son's birthday party. After the violent outbreak in the garden, Ki-taek observes Mr. Park reacting with disgust to the smell of Geun-sae, the man living secretly in the Park's basement. Mr. Park's immediate concern is to get his son to the hospital, disregarding the dying man. The reaction of repulsion towards the smell, even in such a critical moment, emphasises how deeply ingrained prejudices are.
Significance of the "Smell"
The recurring theme of smell in "Parasite" serves as a metaphor for the societal divide and the subconscious biases that people of different classes have towards each other. For the Parks, the smell is an unpleasant reminder of a world they wish to remain detached from. For the Kims, it's a source of shame and a constant reminder of their inferior social status.
Ki-taek's Reaction and the Murder of Mr. Park
The reason for Ki-taek's violent reaction and the murder of Mr. Park is multi-layered:
Cumulative Humiliation: Ki-taek's action is the result of the cumulative humiliation and resentment he feels from being constantly demeaned and looked down upon, epitomised by the repeated references to his smell.
The Final Straw: The moment when Mr. Park recoils from Geun-sae's smell, even amid a life-threatening crisis, acts as the final straw for Ki-taek. It symbolizes the insurmountable social barrier and lack of empathy the wealthy have towards the poor.
Spontaneous Outburst: Ki-taek's murder of Mr. Park is not premeditated but a spontaneous outburst of pent-up anger and frustration. It's a tragic climax demonstrating how deeply ingrained class prejudices can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
In summary, the "smell" in "Parasite" is a critical motif used to explore the themes of class division and social prejudice. It effectively illustrates the invisible yet potent barriers that exist between different social classes and how these prejudices can lead to tragic consequences.
Metaphorical Boundaries
Language and Behaviour: The Parks often use polite language but it's laced with condescension towards their staff. There's an expectation for the Kims to behave in a manner that doesn't 'cross the line.' This is evident in Mr. Park's frequent references to not "crossing the line," which implies a boundary in terms of intimacy, familiarity, and respect.
The Smell: As previously discussed, the recurring theme of the Kims' smell is a metaphorical boundary. It's a sensory reminder of the socio-economic gap, an invisible line that the Kims cannot cross despite their close physical proximity to the Parks.
Is Parasite Overrated?
"Parasite" is far from being "just an overrated movie." Its critical acclaim, numerous awards, and impact on audiences worldwide speak to its exceptional quality and significance. To rebut claims of it being overrated, it's essential to look at the film's craftsmanship, thematic depth, and cultural impact:
1. Thematic Depth and Storytelling
- Social Commentary: "Parasite" is lauded for its profound exploration of social class disparities, economic inequality, and the human condition. Its nuanced portrayal of these themes, set within the context of a thrilling narrative, makes it a film of significant depth and relevance.
- Innovative Genre Blending: The movie masterfully blends elements of dark comedy, drama, and thriller. This unique combination keeps the audience engaged while contemplating the serious issues it presents.
2. Cultural and Social Impact
- Global Resonance: Despite its specific Korean setting, "Parasite" resonated with international audiences. Its themes of class struggle and inequality are universal, making it relevant and accessible to a broad audience.
- Conversation Starter: The film sparked widespread discussion about social issues, highlighting its ability to engage audiences beyond mere entertainment.
3. Influence on Cinema
- Breaking Barriers: "Parasite" has broken barriers in the film industry, opening doors for more non-English language films to be recognised in international platforms.
- Influence on Filmmakers and Audiences: It has influenced both filmmakers and audiences, encouraging a more diverse and inclusive approach to storytelling and cinema appreciation.
In conclusion, the acclaim and impact of "Parasite" are grounded in its cinematic excellence, thematic depth, and cultural significance. Dismissing it as "just an overrated movie" overlooks the objective measures of its success and the subjective experiences of viewers who found it impactful and transformative.
Personal Thought
References:
Kang, I. (2020, October 30). Parasite: Notes from the Underground. Criterion. https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/7158-parasite-notes-from-the-underground
Kench, S. (2020). Parasite Synopsis: Pulling off the Con. Studiobinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/parasite-movie-analysis/
Legras, C. (2019). 82. Parasite (2019). OpenOregon. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/dpdfilm/chapter/parasite-2019/
Tallerico, B. (2019, September 7). Parasite. RogerEbert. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/parasite-movie-review-2019
※ Important: The content of this post is mostly taken from ChatGPT, and it had been arranged in a nice format by me. You should be fact checking these given points/examples in this post should you be using them for grading purposes. Thank you.
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