Already of a k-drama addict, I was one of the first people who were keen to watch the Korean film “Parasite” much before its rise to fame post the Oscars.
The film can be easily broken down into two halves– a light-hearted and humorous first half and a surprising and thrilling second half, separated by a very time appropriate “intermission”.
The film begins by introducing us to the Kim clan who are a family of 4 living in extreme poverty and although talented in their own ways, do not have any luck in their monetary conquests. Then, due to a fortunate turn of events and a few tricks, they are all employed by the eccentric and wealthy Park family. Expectations and greed sow seeds in their minds and before the time they begin to grow like wild oats making the Kim family members daydreamers and money mongrels.
As the second half begins, the plot thickens and minute by minute the sandcastles made in the minds of the opportunistic Kim clan members are washed over by shock waves. A storm filled with lightning, thunder and downpour metaphorically represent the upheaval in the lives of the family members as they struggle to keep afloat.
The movie deepens and the inner human emotions are brought to the forefront revealing the seven deadly sins( wrath, envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, lust and pride)that live and thrive amongst us all. The pace of the film accelerates and brings us the most soul shocking, poetically correct and unbelievably twisted climax of this decade.
Director Bong-Joon-Ho’s creation is a lovely representation of our society where social distinction, destitute living conditions and gold-digging visionaries are all amalgamated together. Excellent symbolisms have been drawn in the film as to how high, mighty and untouchable the rich are considered while the poor live below them in the shadows, fighting for scraps each day and harbouring on them as leeches, much like the reference to them as the “parasite”.
While the rich are able to spoil their children rotten and give in to their every whim and fancy, the poor are hardly able to provide for good clothing, education and food for their young ones. Subtle but bold references to class distribution and arrogance of those with wealth are seen as they demean the poor due to the odour from their clothes and ignore their observations as interferences in their life. The movie also outlines the strength of love between Kim family members which carries them together in tough times while Park parents are hardly familiar with the lives of their children or each other.
Action, adventure, comedy, crime, drama, horror, mystery and thriller whichever genre of movie you prefer, this movie will satisfy your quench for it all.
The unexpected twists in the tale and the award-worthy performances by each of the actors makes this film an extremely worthy watch. If you are looking for something that will keep you engrossed during this lockdown that can keep you hooked for a couple of hours, you must get that popcorn ready and watch the movie on Amazon Prime.
Stay home. Stay safe.
