Parasite (2019)
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Lee
Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam
Genre: Drama, Thriller,
Dark Comedy
Release Date: May 30, 2019
Introduction: A Masterpiece
of Social Commentary
Parasite, directed by Bong
Joon-ho, is a gripping dark comedy that masterfully explores themes of class disparity,
ambition, and deception. The film became a global phenomenon, earning critical
acclaim and multiple awards, including the coveted Academy Award for Best
Picture. Through its compelling narrative and richly layered characters,
Parasite offers a scathing critique of social inequality and the lengths
individuals will go to secure a better life.
Setting the Scene: A Tale
of Two Families
1. The Kim Family
The film opens in the
dilapidated basement apartment of the Kim family, who struggle to make ends
meet in a lower-class neighborhood of South Korea. The Kims—father Ki-taek
(Song Kang-ho), mother Chung-sook (Jang Hye-jin), daughter Ki-jung (Park
So-dam), and son Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik)—are depicted as resourceful yet
desperate, resorting to petty schemes to survive. Their living conditions
starkly contrast with those of the affluent Park family.
2. The Park Family
In sharp juxtaposition to
the Kims, the Park family lives in a lavish, modern home in a wealthy
neighborhood. The family consists of patriarch Dong-ik (Lee Sun-kyun), his wife
Yeon-kyo (Cho Yeo-jeong), and their two children, Da-hye (Jung Ji-so) and
Da-song (Jung Hyun-joon). Their life of luxury and privilege highlights the
vast chasm between the classes, setting the stage for the film’s central
conflict.
The Catalyst: An
Opportunity Unfolds
1. The Scheme Begins
The story takes a dramatic
turn when Ki-woo gets a chance to tutor Da-hye, the Park family's daughter.
With the help of his sister Ki-jung, who poses as an art therapist, the Kims
hatch a plan to infiltrate the Park family’s lives. They exploit their skills
and cunning to gain employment within the affluent household, each member
assuming a false identity.
2. Deception and Intrigue
As the Kims integrate
themselves into the Parks' lives, they employ various tactics of deception to
maintain their facade. The film showcases a series of cleverly orchestrated
events that highlight the Kims’ resourcefulness and determination to escape their
dire situation. Their infiltration symbolizes the desperate lengths individuals
will go to improve their circumstances.
The Rising Tension: The Clash of Worlds
1. Class Disparity Exposed
The stark contrasts between
the two families are accentuated throughout the film. While the Parks enjoy a
life of comfort and luxury, the Kims are forced to navigate the challenges of
poverty and survival. The film cleverly illustrates the obliviousness of the
wealthy to the struggles faced by the lower class, as the Parks remain largely
unaware of the Kims' true identities and motivations.
2. Secrets Unveiled
As the Kims become
increasingly entrenched in the Parks' lives, tensions rise. The arrival of a
former housekeeper, Moon-gwang (Lee Jung-eun), who harbors her own secrets,
introduces a new layer of intrigue. The revelation of her hidden connection to
the house creates a tense atmosphere, culminating in a shocking turn of events
that forever alters the dynamics between the two families.
The Climax: A Sudden Turn of Events
1. The Birthday Party
The film reaches a
climactic turning point during Da-song's birthday party, which becomes a
chaotic culmination of the Kims' lies and manipulations. As tensions escalate,
the dark undercurrents of class conflict come to a head, resulting in a violent
confrontation that lays bare the consequences of deception and ambition.
2. The Disruption
The party devolves into
chaos as the truth of the Kims’ infiltration is exposed. The film deftly shifts
from dark comedy to a harrowing thriller, illustrating the destructive impact
of social inequality. The Kims are forced to confront the consequences of their
actions, leading to a shocking and tragic series of events that resonate long
after the credits roll.
The Denouement: The Price
of Survival
1. The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the
birthday party disaster, the film delves into the psychological and emotional
toll of the events that transpired. The Kims and the Parks are left to grapple
with the fallout of their choices, revealing the deep scars left by societal
divisions. The film poignantly captures the despair and hopelessness that can
arise from systemic inequality.
2. A Harrowing Conclusion
The final scenes of the
film serve as a haunting reflection on the nature of ambition and the cost of
survival. Ki-taek’s desperate actions underscore the lengths to which
individuals will go to escape the grip of poverty, ultimately leading to a
devastating conclusion that leaves viewers questioning the morality of their
choices.
Themes and Messages: A
Mirror to Society
Parasite delves into
several poignant themes that resonate deeply with audiences:
1. Class Struggle
At its core, the film is a
powerful commentary on class disparity. It highlights the vast divide between
the wealthy and the impoverished, exploring the impact of socioeconomic status
on human relationships and aspirations.
2. Deception and Identity
The theme of deception runs
throughout the film, as the Kims assume false identities to infiltrate the
Parks' lives. This raises questions about authenticity, privilege, and the
lengths individuals will go to achieve their dreams.
3. The Cost of Ambition
Parasite also examines the
consequences of ambition and desire. The characters’ relentless pursuit of a
better life ultimately leads to tragedy, suggesting that the desire for upward
mobility can come at a significant price.
Cinematic Achievements: A
Technical Marvel
Bong Joon-ho’s direction in
Parasite is nothing short of masterful. The film seamlessly blends genres,
oscillating between dark comedy, thriller, and drama. The cinematography,
featuring stunning visuals and meticulously crafted shots, enhances the
storytelling, immersing viewers in the stark contrasts between the two
families’ worlds.
The screenplay, co-written
by Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won, is tightly woven and filled with clever twists
that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s pacing allows for
moments of tension and levity, striking a delicate balance that amplifies its
emotional impact.
The performances of the
ensemble cast are exceptional, with Song Kang-ho delivering a standout
portrayal of Ki-taek. His nuanced performance captures the complexity of a man
caught between desperation and ambition, evoking empathy from the audience.
Conclusion: A Timeless
Reflection
Parasite transcends the
boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering a profound and
thought-provoking exploration of class struggle and human nature. Its
unflinching portrayal of the divide between the rich and the poor resonates
powerfully in today’s society, prompting audiences to reflect on their own
lives and the systemic inequalities that persist.
With its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and striking visuals, Parasite has solidified its place as a modern cinematic masterpiece. The film's impact extends far beyond its runtime, leaving viewers with lingering questions about morality, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in an increasingly divided world. As the film concludes, it serves as a stark reminder that the quest for a better life can often lead to unforeseen consequences, echoing the timeless struggle of humanity across the ages.
