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Parasite (2019)
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Why I'm Hooked on 'Parasite' - A K-Drama That's More Than Just a Thrill Ride
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'll be the first to admit, I was a bit skeptical about 'Parasite' at first. I'd seen the poster a few times and thought it looked like an anime or a Japanese film I'd seen before. But I kept running into it, and eventually, I caved in and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did, because it ended up being one of the most engaging movies I've watched in a long time. The plot is original, unpredictable, and full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved how the movie balanced humor and seriousness, making it a wild ride from start to finish. The acting in 'Parasite' is top-notch, with each character bringing their own unique energy to the film. The cinematography is stunning, with each scene beautifully shot and framed. The film's themes of class struggle and social inequality are timely and thought-provoking. I found myself laughing one minute and feeling emotionally drained the next. The movie's ability to evoke strong emotions in the viewer is a testament to its power.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
Hikaye9/10
Kalite9/10
Görünüm8/10
Hello everyone!
I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to watch 'Parasite' at first. I'd seen the poster a few times and thought it looked like an anime or a Japanese film I'd seen before. But I kept running into it, and eventually, I caved in and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did, because it ended up being one of the most engaging movies I've watched in a long time.
It came out in 2019, and now it's pretty easy to find online - even with a quality full dub. Although, some people might prefer watching it in the original language with Russian subtitles (or even without them), and that's also accessible.
I'm not a fan of Korean films or series, so it's really hard for me to remember the characters' names. That's why I decided to give each family member a nickname based on a type of parasite. Don't ask me why this particular character is named after this parasite, or why I chose this particular parasite - I just thought it was fun. Thanks to Kinogoik Berezhy for inspiring me to do this. In his reviews, he often gives characters clever nicknames, and it's really catchy.
I was glued to my seat for two hours and 15 minutes, and before I knew it, the time had flown by. The attention-grabbing storyline of 'Parasite' had me hooked from the very beginning. It starts off as an ordinary, everyday story, but then it takes a sharp turn and becomes something entirely unexpected on screen.
THE PLOT
introduces us to a family: Mr. Kim, the father, Mrs. Kim, the mother, and their children, Da-Hye and Ki-Won. They live in a cramped, dingy basement apartment, but it's clear that none of them are too bothered by their circumstances. They scrape by on odd jobs, steal their neighbors' Wi-Fi to stay connected, and even rejoice at the free insecticide sprayed on the streets – it's a bonus for their humble abode, a free pest control service.
Things take a turn when they meet a wealthy family. I became the English tutor for their daughter, thanks to an old acquaintance's referral and my sister's fake document skills. It wasn't a tough gig - just a couple of sessions a week - and the homeowner was generous, 'factoring in inflation.' What a blessing in disguise?
Before long, I had the idea to bring my sister, Ostracum, over as the art teacher for the young son. We used the same tricks - fake documents, blatant lies, and the homeowner's blind trust.
It wasn't long before we'd managed to manipulate the parents into becoming part of the family. Each of us played our role, and we even managed to make it work. With such trusting (albeit tarantula-infested) homeowners, it was bound to happen. But can things really go smoothly for this long...?Official synopsis:
Meet the Kim family, a regular Korean family who's been dealt a tough hand. They live in a damp, dirty semi-basement, have to steal their neighbors' Wi-Fi, and scrounge for odd jobs to make ends meet. One day, their son's friend, who's heading abroad for an internship, offers him a chance to work as a tutor for a wealthy classmate's daughter in the Pak family's luxurious designer mansion. The son fakes his way into the job, impressing the family matriarch with his supposed credentials. But then, he comes up with a crazy plan to get his sister hired too.
I'm really glad I didn't read the movie's brief description before watching it - that way, I didn't have any preconceived notions. Although, how could I not be curious when everyone's raving about it? There must be something that sets it apart from other movies released that same year.
The plot twists were coming at me left and right, especially up until the middle of the movie. There were times when I felt like I needed a break and wished the film would slow down a bit. But I have to admit, watching it all unfold was super engaging: the characters managed to create an initial impression from the get-go, so I found myself invested in their fate pretty quickly.
Honestly, I'm not really into symbolism, but I've seen people try to decipher all these hidden messages in the film. From the color scheme of the rich and poor houses to the interior design in certain scenes, even the characters' outfits have some hidden meaning. And that's exactly what makes it so fascinating – trying to piece together the puzzle and figure out the ending. The twist isn't exactly open-ended, but it does require some understanding of the filmmaker's vision.
What really stood out to me was the constant contrast between opposites: wealth and poverty, light and darkness, joy and sorrow, life and death. Even in terms of genre, I noticed a consistent back-and-forth between comedy and tragedy, family-friendly and bloody thriller. And it all works beautifully within the same film.
I still remember the words of my chemistry teacher from college, which he'd often repeat: there's no clear-cut divide between two opposing forces. And if I apply that idea to this movie, the ending is exactly what I think most viewers want to see.
The film also has its 'Russian roulette' moments - the more I rewatch it, the more I notice those subtle details that really pay off in the end.
Watching the movie would have been even more intense if I had a better grasp of South Korean culture. I later found out that the country's got some pretty deep-seated issues, like class inequality, access to higher education, and a lack of decent job opportunities.
I have to admit, my initial reactions to some scenes after the first watch were mixed. The unexpected twists were a bit jarring. There's also some over-the-top moments - maybe to add a comedic tone.
THE CHARACTERS
are great because they're all pretty ambiguous. You don't get clear-cut villains or heroes. One person who left a good impression from start to finish is the wealthy homeowner - her naivety, kindness, and generosity are really endearing.
The acting is solid, and each actor fits their role well.
THE FATHER - the head of the poor family - used to be a bus driver. For some reason, he reminds me of Grug from the movie 'The Croods', although they don't have much in common. And for some reason, I see him as the main character of this film. He's not my favorite, but I like him more than I dislike him. He's not particularly charismatic, but he shows some unexpected traits in his character at times.
Ascaris – the wife of Cephalus. Honestly, she's the least interesting character in this story for me. At least she's overshadowed by many of the other characters. There aren't many memorable scenes with her, and she doesn't say anything particularly interesting. Still, she's an important part of the story.
Dril – the daughter of a poor family. She shows up at the wealthy family's doorstep to work as an art teacher for their hyperactive son, who claims to see more than everyone else and knows that their house is haunted. She's got a tongue that's so sharp, she could probably talk her way around the devil himself. She's almost a pro at photo editing too.
Nematode – the first one to set foot in the wealthy family's house. He did okay in school, but his family couldn't afford to send him to university. Still, his school knowledge makes him a decent English tutor. He's so good that the wealthy family's daughter seems to want to ditch her other tutor.
I landed my job through a friend from high school, who I bumped into in my neighborhood by chance. He was already working for these people as an English tutor, but circumstances forced him to leave the country for a bit. Someone had to fill his shoes.
That wealthy couple - a family where the husband's always working and the wife is stuck at home, raising the kids. I mean, it's like, she's the one who's always cooking and managing the household. To be honest, when I first saw the trailer, I was expecting some cliché about 'good poor people, bad rich people', but by the middle of the movie, I'd already made up my mind that it was actually the opposite. And that's what made me feel so much sympathy for the wealthy couple. But, as I mentioned earlier, it's not that black and white.
Some of the dinner scenes
stuck with me - they were bright and colorful, even though there were plenty of dark, moody shots. If you're the type who loves digging deep into symbolism, you'll probably find plenty to analyze; I, unfortunately, wasn't able to pick up on any meaningful details. Like, what was the deal with the guy's grey jacket, not blue? Or the pillow on the couch being askew? Or the glass being too far away from the person drinking? It's not just about some minor detail, it's like it's screaming for attention.
I just wanted to say that the movie's aesthetic is really pleasant: it's warm, cozy, and feels like home.
The music accompaniment here is also spot on: each scene has its own musical theme. I even caught some classical music at times.
THE VERDICT:
this is an amazing film that'll keep you hooked with its uniqueness. If there are more movies like 'Parasite', I'd love to check them out. Although, I'm not sure if I'll experience the same wow factor. What I loved about this film is the simple yet complex storyline, the thought-provoking ending, the ambiguous characters, the clever mix of genres, and the good cinematography. For me, there's no downside - except for that slight feeling of unease after the first watch: there were a lot of unexpected moments on screen.
So, 'Parasite' gets a solid five stars from me. I highly recommend checking it out.
By the way, I remember hearing rumors about a potential sequel a few years ago - even caught an interview with the creator. Do you think it's all been put on hold? On one hand, I'm a bit disappointed. On the other hand, maybe the creator thought it'd be smart to not repeat the success of the first film, but instead, ruin the story altogether.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is 'Parasite' about?
Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film written and directed by Bong Joon-ho. The movie follows the story of the Kims, a poor family who live in a cramped semi-basement apartment in Seoul. The family's lives are turned upside down when the son, Ki-taek, lands a job as a driver for a wealthy family, the Parks.
Is 'Parasite' a good movie for beginners?
While 'Parasite' is an excellent film, it may not be the best choice for beginners. The movie has a complex plot, and the themes of class struggle and social inequality can be heavy-handed at times. However, if you're a fan of black comedy and thriller movies, you may enjoy 'Parasite' despite its complexities.
Is 'Parasite' available with English subtitles?
Yes, 'Parasite' is available with English subtitles on various streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
What awards has 'Parasite' won?
Parasite has won numerous awards, including four Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film).
Is 'Parasite' a Korean film?
Yes, 'Parasite' is a South Korean film written and directed by Bong Joon-ho. The movie is a product of Korean cinema and explores themes of class struggle and social inequality that are relevant to Korean society.
What is the runtime of 'Parasite'?
The runtime of 'Parasite' is approximately 132 minutes (2 hours and 12 minutes).
Is 'Parasite' suitable for all ages?
No, 'Parasite' is not suitable for all ages. The movie contains mature themes, strong language, and some violence, making it suitable for viewers 18 years and older.
Can I watch 'Parasite' on Netflix?
Yes, 'Parasite' is available to stream on Netflix in some regions. However, availability may vary depending on your location.
What is the budget of 'Parasite'?
The budget of 'Parasite' is estimated to be around $11 million.
check_circlePros
- •The acting in 'Parasite' is top-notch, with each character bringing their own unique energy to the film.
- •The movie's ability to balance humor and seriousness is impressive, making it a wild ride from start to finish.
- •The plot is original, unpredictable, and full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.
- •The film's themes of class struggle and social inequality are timely and thought-provoking.
- •The cinematography is stunning, with each scene beautifully shot and framed.
- •The movie's ability to evoke strong emotions in the viewer is a testament to its power.
- •The film's dark humor and satire are expertly woven into the narrative, making it a standout in its genre.
- •The movie's pacing is well-balanced, with a perfect mix of action, drama, and comedy.
cancelCons
- •The film can be emotionally draining at times, leaving you with a heavy heart.
- •Some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the first half of the movie.
- •The movie's themes of class struggle and social inequality can be heavy-handed at times.
- •The film's reliance on plot twists can make it feel a bit predictable.
- •Some viewers may not appreciate the film's dark humor and satire.
- •The movie's ending can be a bit confusing for viewers who haven't paid close attention to the plot.
- •The film's characters can be a bit one-dimensional at times, making it hard to connect with them on a deeper level.
- •The movie's themes can be a bit overwhelming, making it hard to process everything that's happening.
