Parasite (2019 film)

Parasite (Korean: 기생충; RR: Gisaengchung) is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho that made history as the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film explores themes of class conflict and social inequality through the intertwining stories of two families from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Synopsis

The film follows the Kim family, who live in a semi-basement apartment and struggle with poverty. Through a series of carefully orchestrated deceptions, they gradually infiltrate the wealthy Park family's household by securing various positions as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. The situation becomes complicated when a former housekeeper reveals the existence of a secret bunker beneath the Park residence, leading to a series of events that culminate in violence and tragedy.

Production

Development

The concept originated in 2013 when Bong Joon-ho was working on "Snowpiercer." Initially conceived as a play, the project was inspired by Bong's own experience as a tutor for a wealthy family in his early 20s. The film's title serves a dual meaning, referring both to the poor family's infiltration of the wealthy household and the rich family's dependence on their employees' labor.

Filming

Principal photography took place between May and September 2018 in Seoul and Jeonju. The Parks' house, a central location in the film, was entirely constructed as a set, with the ground floor and garden built on an empty lot while the basement and first floor were created on a studio set. Visual effects were used for the second floor and external views.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography: Hong Kyung-pyo served as director of photography
• Music: Jung Jae-il composed the score, featuring minimalist piano pieces and baroque elements
• Editing: Yang Jin-mo edited the film using Final Cut Pro 7
• Language: Darcy Paquet provided English subtitle translation, making creative adaptations for international audiences

Themes

The film explores several major themes:

• Class conflict and social inequality in contemporary South Korea
• Late-stage capitalism and its effects on society
• The concept of "Hell Joseon" (헬조선) - a term describing the harsh socioeconomic conditions in modern South Korea
• Spatial representation of social hierarchy through the use of staircases and architectural levels
• Colonial and imperial undertones in modern society
• The importance of class solidarity

Reception

Box Office

Parasite achieved remarkable commercial success:

• Worldwide gross: $262.1 million
• South Korean gross: $71.4 million
• North American gross: $53.4 million
• First of Bong's films to exceed $100 million globally

Critical Response

The film received nearly universal acclaim:

• 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes
• 97/100 on Metacritic
• Praised for its direction, screenplay, social commentary, and performances
• Ranked as the best film of 2019 by numerous critics

Awards and Achievements

Parasite made history with numerous accolades:

• Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival (first Korean film to win)
• Four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film
• First non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture
• Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film
• Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast
• BAFTA Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Not in the English Language

Cultural Impact

The film's success has led to several lasting effects:

• Increased global recognition of Korean cinema
• Plans for an HBO limited series adaptation
• Tourism development around filming locations in South Korea
• Popularization of "ram-don" (jjapaguri) as a cultural dish
• Renewed discussions about social inequality and housing conditions in South Korea

Legacy

Parasite has been recognized as a landmark film that broke significant barriers for international and Asian cinema in Western markets. Its unprecedented success at the Academy Awards has been credited with helping to pave the way for greater recognition of non-English language films in mainstream Western cinema. The film's exploration of universal themes through a distinctly Korean lens has been praised for demonstrating the global appeal of local storytelling.

The film has also sparked important discussions about social inequality and class divisions, not only in South Korea but globally. Its commercial and critical success has influenced both the film industry's approach to international cinema and public discourse about socioeconomic issues.

See Also

• Bong Joon-ho filmography
• Korean cinema
• Class conflict in film
• History of the Academy Awards
• Social inequality in South Korea

References

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