Award winning filmmaker Bong Joon-Ho puts Korean films under the limelight with his dark satire, Parasite. Here’s what I think of it.
One To Watch
By now, you’ve probably heard about Parasite. Sure, you have. Thanks to the awards season, the film is becoming more and more popular and could even take home the prestigious Oscar for Best Picture come February. But does it deserve all the attention it’s getting? Well, yes. Yes, it does!
Just seeing the title and the movie’s official poster, one might ask, “Is this a movie about monsters?”. Bong Joon-Ho directed the Korean monster-film, The Host, after all.
Parasite – an organism that lives on or in an organism of another species, known as the host, from the body of which it obtains nutriment.
Dictionary.com
Well, the answer to that is again, yes. But not in the way you think. In a lot of ways, Parasite is a film about “Monsters”. Not those ghastly-looking ones you’ve seen in the movies but perhaps far more frightening.
Who exactly are the monsters in this film? Watch the movie and decide for yourself.
But know that this is one of the best non-English films I’ve seen (ever) and one that everyone needs to watch.
Timely, Relevant, and Wildly Entertaining
Parasite gives its audience tons of things to ponder about. Its depiction of the modern society resonates to all movie-goers. Relevant, even for non-Koreans. The movie will get you laughing at the Kim’s and Park’s family’s symbiotic relationship but at the same time hate yourself for doing so.
Equipped with a strong ensemble headed by Korean actor and Bong Joon-Ho’s frequent collaborator Song Kang-Ho (Snowpiercer, The Host), the film’s cast delivers a gut-wrenching and heartfelt performance that is one for the ages.
It’s funny but not because of the punchlines but because of the un/fortunate circumstances that happens throughout the film.
This is a film that will take you on one of the most exhilarating cinematic thrill rides you’ll ever get on with its flurry of unexpected twists and surprises. One that will leave your mouths hanging open in amazement and will remember for a very long time.
Stunning Visuals, Engaging Themes
Now, Parasite’s themes are more mature and young children may not understand it, at all. But for more-developed audiences, its themes will surely strike a chord, with its focus on social disparity between the ultra-poor and the ultra-rich highlighted all throughout the film’s 2-plus-hour runtime. Plus, a beautifully written script relating everyday items and words to spark thought on social issues.
Of course, there is also the subtitles or as Bong Joon-Ho puts it, “1-inch-tall barrier” that the audience will need to overcome.
“Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
Bong Joon-Ho
With or without subtitles, Parasite is nothing short of amazing.
Another reason why this movie is so good is its one-of-a-kind visuals. The Park family’s modern mansion – a gorgeous centerpiece where most of the stuff happens. The Kim family’s semi-basement apartment. Everything you see all seems to be thought-out and created perfectly!
Skip or Watch?
Director Bong Joon-Ho is in full command of his craft in this film here and there are not a lot of films that are as well-crafted and transcendent as Parasite. This black comedy from the masterful director mixes social commentary, engaging plot, and powerful performance from its characters.
Having said all of that, Parasite might just be the best movie of 2019 and is an absolute must-watch!
VERDICT: WATCH!
Here is our rating for Parasite.
Let us know what you think of the movie by giving it your own rating or commenting below. Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.
