How to Appreciate ‘Parasite’: A Guide to the Film’s Themes and Impact

If you’re a fan of cinema, you’ve probably heard of or watched ‘Parasite’, the 2019 film by South Korean director Bong Joon Ho. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film, becoming the first non-English language film to win the top prize. The film also received universal acclaim from critics and audiences, who praised its originality, intelligence, humor, and suspense.

But what makes ‘Parasite’ such a masterpiece? What are the themes and messages that the film conveys? And how did the film influence the world of cinema and culture?

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the aspects that make ‘Parasite’ a must-watch film for anyone who loves movies. We’ll cover the following topics:

• The contrast and conflict between the rich and the poor in contemporary society

• The power and artistry of storytelling

• The complexity and diversity of human motivations and behaviors

• The impact and reception of the film

By the end of this post, you’ll have a deeper appreciation and understanding of ‘Parasite’ and its significance. Let’s get started.

The Contrast and Conflict Between the Rich and the Poor

One of the main themes of ‘Parasite’ is the stark contrast and conflict between the rich and the poor in contemporary society. The film exposes the harsh realities and injustices faced by the lower class, who live in cramped and squalid conditions, while the upper class enjoys a lavish and comfortable lifestyle. The film also critiques the superficial and exploitative nature of the capitalist system, which creates a parasitic relationship between the haves and the have-nots. The film suggests that the only way for the poor to survive and succeed is to deceive and harm the rich, and vice versa.

The film illustrates this theme through the two families: the Kims and the Parks. The Kims are a poor and struggling household that live in a semi-basement apartment, where they fold pizza boxes for a meager income and deal with problems like flooding, fumigation, and lack of Wi-Fi. The Parks are a wealthy and oblivious family that live in a spacious and elegant mansion, where they enjoy the services of a driver, a housekeeper, and a tutor. The Kims manage to infiltrate the Parks’ home by posing as various service providers, such as an English tutor, an art therapist, a driver, and a housekeeper. However, their scheme is complicated by a shocking discovery in the basement of the Park’s mansion, which leads to a series of tragic and violent events.

The film uses various cinematic techniques, such as cinematography, editing, sound, and production design, to emphasize the theme of class inequality. For example, the film uses vertical and horizontal movements to show the difference between the two worlds. The Kims have to descend from the street level to their basement apartment, while the Parks ascend from their garage to their living room. The film also uses stairs as a symbol of the social ladder and the gap between the classes. The Kims have to climb up and down the stairs to enter and exit the Park’s house, while the Parks rarely use the stairs themselves. The film also uses lighting and color to contrast the two environments. The Kims’ apartment is dark, gloomy, and gray, while the Parks’ house is bright, airy, and colorful.

The film also uses humor and satire to expose the absurdity and cruelty of the class system. For example, the film mocks the Park’s naivety and ignorance, such as when they are impressed by the Kim’s fake credentials and references, or when they are fooled by the Kim’s staged scenarios. The film also ridicules the Park’s snobbery and disdain, such as when they complain about the Kim’s smell, or when they express their disgust for the people who ride the subway. The film also shows the irony and hypocrisy of the class system, such as when the Kims enjoy the Park’s house while they are away on a camping trip, or when the Parks celebrate their son’s birthday party while the Kims are in a life-or-death situation.

The Power and Artistry of Storytelling

Another theme of ‘Parasite’ is the power and artistry of storytelling. The film showcases the director Bong Joon Ho’s mastery of cinematic techniques, such as cinematography, editing, sound, and production design, to create a compelling and immersive narrative. The film also demonstrates the importance of creativity and imagination for the characters, who use their skills and talents to construct convincing identities and scenarios. The film plays with the audience’s expectations and emotions, constantly surprising and shocking them with twists and turns.

The film is a masterpiece of storytelling, as it blends different genres and tones to create a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film starts as a comedy, as the Kims devise and execute their plan to infiltrate the Park’s house. The film then shifts to a thriller, as the Kims discover the secret in the basement and have to deal with the consequences. The film then turns into a horror, as the violence and chaos escalate to a bloody climax. The film then ends as a tragedy, as the Kims face the aftermath of their actions and the loss of their loved ones.

The film is also a masterpiece of storytelling, as it uses various cinematic techniques to enhance the narrative and the themes. For example, the film uses the motif of windows and doors to show the contrast and connection between the two worlds. The windows and doors act as barriers and openings, as they separate and reveal the different realities and perspectives of the characters. The film also uses the motif of rocks to show the symbolism and irony of the class system. The rock that the Kims receive from their friend is supposed to bring them wealth and luck, but it also brings them misfortune and disaster. The rock also represents the weight and burden of the class system, as it is used as a weapon and a shield by the characters.

The film is also a masterpiece of storytelling, as it shows the role and impact of storytelling for the characters. The Kims use their creativity and imagination to create and perform their stories, as they pretend to be different people and professionals. They also use their stories to manipulate and deceive the Parks, as they fabricate and stage their scenarios. However, their stories also backfire and betray them, as they are exposed and confronted by the truth. Their stories also reflect and affect their identities and relationships, as they lose and gain their sense of self and family.

The Complexity and Diversity of Human Motivations and Behaviors

A third theme of ‘Parasite’ is the complexity and diversity of human motivations and behaviors. The film portrays the characters as multidimensional and realistic, with both flaws and virtues. The film does not judge or condemn the characters, but rather invites the audience to empathize and understand them. The film explores the themes of family, loyalty, love, greed, guilt, revenge, and redemption, and how they affect the choices and actions of the characters.

The film does not present the characters as stereotypes or caricatures, but rather as nuanced and relatable human beings. The Kims are not simply greedy and cunning, but also resourceful and resilient. They are not only driven by money and survival, but also by love and solidarity. They are not only selfish and ruthless, but also compassionate and remorseful. The Parks are not simply naive and oblivious, but also generous and kind. They are not only driven by status and comfort, but also by curiosity and affection. They are not only snobbish and insensitive, but also vulnerable and fearful.

The film does not present the characters as heroes or villains, but rather as victims and perpetrators of the system. The Kims are not the only parasites, but also the hosts, as they are exploited and oppressed by the society. The Parks are not the only hosts, but also the parasites, as they benefit and depend on the labor and services of the lower class. The film also shows that the characters are not the only ones who suffer and cause suffering, but also the ones who help and harm each other. The film shows that the characters are capable of both kindness and cruelty, both sacrifice and betrayal, both forgiveness and vengeance.

The Impact and Reception of the Film

‘Parasite’ is not only a great film, but also a historic one. The film achieved unprecedented success and recognition, both critically and commercially. The film also raised important and relevant questions, both artistically and socially. The film had a profound and lasting impact on the world of cinema and culture.

The film is a milestone of cinema, as it broke the barriers and stereotypes of language, culture, and genre. The film became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as three other Oscars, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. The film also received rave reviews from critics and audiences, who admired its originality, intelligence, humor, and suspense. The film appealed to a global audience, as it transcended the differences and divisions of the world, and spoke to the common humanity and emotions of the people.

The film is also a spark of culture, as it stimulated and influenced the world of art, media, and society. The film generated a lot of curiosity and appreciation for South Korean culture, such as its cuisine, music, and style. The film also created a lot of parodies, memes, and references, such as the “Jessica Jingle”, the “Scholar’s Rock”, and the “Ram-don”. The film also ignited a lot of discussion and awareness about the issues of class inequality, social mobility, and human dignity.