Parasite (Korean: 기생충; RR: Gisaengchung) is a groundbreaking 2019 South Korean black comedy-thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho. Co-written by Bong and Han Jin-won, the film explores the stark class divide between the wealthy Park family and the poor Kim family. The Kims, living in a cramped semi-basement apartment, infiltrate the lives of the affluent Parks, leading to a series of shocking events. The cast includes South Korean stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam. Praised globally for its direction, acting, and socio-political commentary, Parasite became a cultural phenomenon, earning multiple awards, including the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes and Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Plot Overview

The Kim family—Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), his wife Chung-sook (Jang Hye-jin), and their children Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) and Ki-jung (Park So-dam)—are struggling to survive in Seoul, taking on low-income jobs and living in a semi-basement flat. Their fortunes begin to change when Ki-woo secures a job as a tutor for the daughter of the wealthy Park family. The Kims cleverly maneuver to get all family members employed by the Parks, unbeknownst to them. The plan, however, spirals out of control when a series of secrets and tensions unravel, leading to a dramatic and violent climax.

The film is a biting satire that reflects the harsh realities of income inequality and social stratification. Bong Joon-ho uses the physical spaces in the film, like the Park's grand home and the Kim's cramped basement, to symbolize the class divide.

Production and Development

The concept for Parasite originated in 2013 when Bong Joon-ho was working on Snowpiercer. Bong drew inspiration from his experience as a tutor for a wealthy family in Seoul. He initially considered turning this idea into a play but later developed it into a 15-page film treatment. Working with co-writer Han Jin-won, Bong expanded the story into a feature-length film. Bong also credited the 1960 Korean film The Housemaid and the infamous 1930s French Papin sisters case as key influences.

Principal photography for the film began in May 2018 and concluded in September of the same year. Notably, the Parks' home was a custom-built set that allowed for precise camera work and visual storytelling. The film was shot by Hong Kyung-pyo, with whom Bong had collaborated on Snowpiercer and Mother.

Global Acclaim and Accolades

After premiering at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d'Or, Parasite quickly gained worldwide attention. Critics lauded Bong's sharp direction and the ensemble cast’s performances, with particular praise for Song Kang-ho’s portrayal of the Kim family patriarch.

The film continued its successful run at the 92nd Academy Awards, making history as the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture. It also took home Oscars for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. The film's achievement was a watershed moment, breaking barriers in Hollywood and elevating international cinema’s visibility on the world stage.

Why Parasite Stands Out

Parasite resonated with audiences because it brilliantly addresses themes of class struggle and societal inequality in a way that transcends cultural boundaries. The film's layered storytelling keeps viewers engaged, blending black comedy, thriller, and social commentary into a cohesive narrative. Bong’s direction is meticulous, using visual metaphors like staircases and architecture to symbolize the characters' social mobility (or lack thereof).

Moreover, Parasite doesn’t present a simplistic view of good and evil. Both the Kim and Park families are portrayed with depth, allowing the audience to empathize with characters on both sides of the social divide. The film’s central message about the perils of unchecked capitalism and wealth disparity is particularly timely, making it a relevant critique in today’s world.

How to Watch Parasite

If you're wondering how to watch Parasite, it's widely available across multiple platforms. The film is streaming on popular platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (for non-US audiences), and available for rent or purchase on digital services such as Google Play, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies. Additionally, physical copies, including Blu-ray and DVD editions, are available for those who want to add this modern classic to their collection.

A special black-and-white edition of the film, approved by Bong Joon-ho, offers an alternate viewing experience and is available on select platforms like The Criterion Collection. This version provides a different cinematic feel, emphasizing the film’s stark visual contrasts and elevating its socio-political themes.