MORAL OF THE MOVIE

What can be considered a blessing by some can also be a destructive catastrophe for others (ie. the rain sequence). Parasite puts a spotlight on flawed economic/social systems through the experiences of two families from different social classes. The film criticizes the universal struggle of these systems that allow the few to live the illusion of a perfect life at the expense of the rest.

WHO I THINK WOULD MOST ENJOY THIS MOVIE

If you like a movie with twists and turns like in Get Out, then you’ll love Parasite. This is a film for fans of movies like Get Out that combine thrilling entertainment with deep social commentary.

ADDITIONAL NOTES/COMMENTARY

First of all, I would like to say that this is one of my favorite films of all time. I’ve seen it a few times now and would strongly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it even if I don’t know them personally. One of the main reasons that I love this movie so much is the fact that it combines a very enjoyable and entertaining thriller premise with deeply profound and universal morals despite being an international film. If you’ve never seen any of Bong Joon-ho’s movies, then you are missing out on some incredible works of art that have that fascinating combination of being a thrilling ride while also making you think and reflect of the person you are and the society you’re a part of. Parasite is exactly that. There is no black and white in this film: just grey areas. No protagonist is wholly good or bad; they’re just victims of their own circumstances. The family from lower social class (Kim family) is forced to do whatever they can to get out of the financial rut imposed on them by a system set out against them. The family of higher social class (Park family), on the other hand, are the way they are (using and taking advantage of others) because of that very same system that emphasizes the illusion of a perfect life for them as much as possible. When there’s money and power, greed and vanity tend to follow along. Then there’s also the extreme embodiment of servitude that is epitomized by that one dude (you’ll know who I’m talking about when you watch it) who is completely defeated by the system and fully submits to the idea of being lesser than and only apt to serve your “master”. The Kim family hasn’t submitted as they still aspire for a better status. There are many allusions to the U.S. throughout the film that point directly to the universally desired American Dream of being able to go from nothing to being very successful (financially) simply because of hard work. More often than not, however, it is solely that (a dream) and is not fully realized for those that dream of it. That’s what this film, in my opinion, beautifully criticizes. My favorite sequence in the film is the rain sequence that perfectly symbolizes the divide between social classes. The cinematography throughout the movie is spectacular but is especially amazing in that sequence. In summary, Parasite is one of the few films I consider to be perfect that will keep you engaged, entertained, and at the edge of your seat all the while presenting you with subtle social commentary that makes you reflect of your own actions and involvement within your own social hierarchies.