Movie Review for the Film "Parasite"
Parasite: A Masterful Exploration of Class Struggle and Desperation

Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" is a captivating and complex film that explores class struggle and the lengths people will go to in order to better their lives. The film follows the Kim family, who are struggling to make ends meet in South Korea. They live in a cramped and dilapidated basement apartment, with no prospect of a better life. But when their son Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) is offered a job as a tutor for the wealthy Park family, they see an opportunity to infiltrate the lives of the rich and improve their own circumstances.
At first, the Kims are successful in their deception, with Ki-woo convincing the Parks to hire his sister Ki-jung (Park So-dam) as an art therapist, and his parents as the Parks' chauffeur and housekeeper, respectively. However, things quickly take a dark turn as the Kims' plan unravels and their true identities are revealed.
The film is a masterclass in storytelling, with Bong Joon-ho expertly weaving together themes of class conflict, capitalism, and greed. The contrast between the cramped living conditions of the Kim family and the opulence of the Park family's home is stark, highlighting the vast economic disparity between the two groups.
The Kims are willing to do whatever it takes to gain access to the Park family's wealth, and their desperation leads them down a dangerous path.
What makes "Parasite" so powerful is the way it subverts audience expectations. Just when you think you have a handle on where the story is going, it takes a sharp turn and reveals new layers of complexity.
There are moments of humor, horror, and heartbreak, all expertly crafted to keep the audience engaged.
The performances in "Parasite" are outstanding, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Choi Woo-shik is a standout as the ambitious and cunning Ki-woo, while Park So-dam brings a steely determination to her portrayal of Ki-jung. Song Kang-ho is excellent as the patriarch of the Kim family, imbuing his character with a sense of desperation and hopelessness.
But it is the performances of the Park family that truly elevate the film. Lee Sun-kyun brings a quiet intensity to his role as the aloof and detached Mr. Park, while Cho Yeo-jeong is delightfully naive as his wife.
The interactions between the Kims and the Parks are fraught with tension and subtext, with each character hiding their true motivations behind a facade of politeness.
Visually, "Parasite" is stunning, with every frame meticulously crafted to convey a sense of unease and tension. The film's use of space is particularly effective, with the cramped and chaotic living quarters of the Kim family contrasting sharply with the open and airy Park mansion.
The film's climactic sequence, set during a torrential downpour, is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with Bong Joon-ho using the weather to heighten the tension and create a sense of impending doom.
Overall, "Parasite" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that deserves all the accolades it has received. It is a scathing critique of capitalism and the economic inequality it breeds, but it is also a story about family, love, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect those they care about. With its nuanced performances, expert storytelling, and stunning visuals, "Parasite" is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, "Parasite" is a masterpiece of cinema that expertly weaves together themes of class conflict, greed, and desperation. Bong Joon-ho's storytelling is masterful, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways. The film's visual style is stunning, with each frame carefully crafted to convey a sense of tension and unease. The performances are outstanding, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. "Parasite" is a powerful critique of capitalism and economic inequality, but it is also a story about family, love, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect those they care about. This film is not only a cinematic triumph, but also a call to action to address the systemic issues that perpetuate economic inequality and social injustice.




Comments (1)
It’s a terrific film. I believe it gets better on repeated viewings! 👍😊