India & S.Korea

The movie “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon-ho, deals with various themes such as social class, family, and human nature, leaving a deep impression on the audience. The rough plot is as follows:

“Parasite” revolves around a marginalized family in Seoul. The Kim family, led by Ki-taek (played by Song Kang-ho), struggles to make ends meet in their impoverished life. Ki-taek’s son, Ki-woo (played by Choi Woo-sik), is unable to attend university and stays home as an unemployed young man, while his daughter, Ki-jung (played by Park So-dam), dreams of art school but remains unemployed. One day, through a stroke of luck, Ki-woo is offered a tutoring job for English at the wealthy Park family’s mansion, substituting for his friend who is going abroad. This opportunity becomes a turning point in the Kim family’s fate.

Ki-woo seizes the chance to secure jobs for other members of his family in the Park household. Ki-jung is hired as an art tutor for the Parks’ son. Gradually, other members of the Kim family infiltrate the Park household as well, disguising themselves as different workers such as a housekeeper and a chauffeur. This infiltration marks the beginning of a subtle rearrangement of social classes.

However, even after the Kims integrate themselves into the Park family’s lives, the story does not end there. Unexpected events unfold as hidden secrets from the Park family’s past come to light, intensifying the conflicts and confrontations between the Kims and the Parks. Ultimately, unforeseen clashes lead to a dramatic climax. The film exposes societal inequalities and conflicts while captivating the audience with its artistic direction and gripping storytelling.

“Parasite” captivates audiences with its exploration of social issues while delivering entertaining and shocking scenes. Bong Joon-ho’s skillful direction and the stellar performances of the cast have earned the film numerous awards and widespread acclaim. Moreover, the film leaves a lasting impact, prompting viewers to contemplate its themes of social class, family dynamics, and human nature.

My Thoughts:

One day, to celebrate Park’s son, Da-song’s birthday, the Park family decides to go on a camping trip together. With the Parks out of the house, the Kims take advantage of the situation and indulge in the luxuries of the Park mansion as if it were their own. Ki-woo lies down in the front garden, enjoying the leisurely read of Da-hye’s diary, while Ki-jung takes a bath in the tub, sipping on imported mineral water and watching TV. Meanwhile, she indulges in playing with the three pet dogs in the garden. As night falls, they set up a lavish spread of drinks and enjoy the rain pouring down on the lawn. However, just as they start to relax, thunder roars, lightning strikes, and heavy rain suddenly pours down. Unexpectedly, a former housekeeper, who was previously dismissed, arrives, creating an unforeseen crisis. With the camping trip canceled due to the rain, and with Mrs. Park’s call announcing their imminent return, chaos ensues as the Kims scramble to clean up the mess and hide their true identities. Ki-jung swiftly hides under the living room table, while Ki-woo hides under Da-hye’s bed. Throughout this scene, the tension is palpable, and the realism of the situation grips the viewer’s attention. It’s a moment where the peaceful relaxation turns into a frantic struggle for survival, perfectly showcasing the film’s exploration of social class and human nature. Witnessing the Kims’ relaxed demeanor as they behave as if the mansion were their own, only to see their world turned upside down in an instant, makes one realize the true meaning behind the film’s title, “Parasite.” Bong Joon-ho’s masterful direction vividly portrays the class disparity and the lengths to which people will go to survive in a society riddled with inequality. This scene, among many others in the film, leaves an indelible impression, making “Parasite” a highly recommended cinematic masterpiece. I hope that everyone can watch it and experience the multitude of emotions it evokes.