Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Parasite is a South Korean black comedy thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film explores themes of class disparity and social inequality through the story of two families: the wealthy Park family and the impoverished Kim family.
The Kim Family’s Struggle
The film opens with the Kim family living in a small, semi-basement apartment. They struggle to make ends meet by folding pizza boxes and stealing Wi-Fi from their neighbors. The family consists of Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), the father; Chung-sook (Jang Hye-jin), the mother; Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik), the son; and Ki-jung (Park So-dam), the daughter.
The Opportunity
Ki-woo’s friend, Min-hyuk, offers him a job tutoring the daughter of the wealthy Park family, Da-hye (Jung Ji-so). Despite not having a university degree, Ki-woo accepts the offer, forging credentials to secure the position. He is hired by Mrs. Park (Cho Yeo-jeong) and soon gains the family’s trust.
Infiltrating the Park Household
Seeing an opportunity, Ki-woo devises a plan to get the rest of his family employed by the Parks without revealing their relationship. Ki-jung poses as an art therapist for the Parks’ young son, Da-song (Jung Hyeon-jun). Ki-taek replaces the Park family driver after framing him for a fabricated scandal, and Chung-sook becomes the housekeeper by manipulating the Parks into firing their longtime housekeeper, Moon-gwang (Lee Jung-eun).
The Secret Basement
While the Parks are away on a camping trip, the Kims revel in their newfound luxury. Their celebration is interrupted by Moon-gwang, who returns to the house claiming she left something in the basement. The Kims discover a hidden bunker where Moon-gwang’s husband, Geun-sae (Park Myung-hoon), has been hiding from loan sharks for years. The situation escalates as Moon-gwang threatens to expose the Kims, leading to a violent confrontation.
The Climax
The Parks return home early, forcing the Kims to hastily clean up and hide. During Da-song’s birthday party, Geun-sae escapes the bunker and attacks the Kims, killing Ki-jung. In the chaos, Ki-taek kills Mr. Park (Lee Sun-kyun) after he shows disdain for Ki-taek’s smell, symbolizing his disregard for the lower class. Ki-taek then flees the scene, disappearing into the bunker.
The Aftermath
The film concludes with Ki-woo and Chung-sook surviving the incident. Ki-woo discovers that his father is hiding in the bunker and communicates with him via Morse code. Ki-woo vows to become wealthy enough to buy the house and free his father, but the reality of achieving this goal remains uncertain.
Movie Ending
The film ends on a bittersweet note, highlighting the persistent social divide and the elusive nature of upward mobility. Ki-woo’s dream of rescuing his father remains a distant fantasy, underscoring the harsh realities faced by the lower class.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Parasite.
Type of Movie
Parasite is a black comedy thriller that blends elements of drama, satire, and suspense to explore themes of class disparity and social inequality.
Cast
- Song Kang-ho as Ki-taek
- Lee Sun-kyun as Mr. Park
- Cho Yeo-jeong as Mrs. Park
- Choi Woo-shik as Ki-woo
- Park So-dam as Ki-jung
- Jang Hye-jin as Chung-sook
- Lee Jung-eun as Moon-gwang
- Park Myung-hoon as Geun-sae
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Jung Jae-il, whose music enhances the film’s tension and emotional depth.
Filming Locations
The film was primarily shot in Seoul, South Korea, with both real locations and meticulously constructed sets contributing to the authentic and immersive atmosphere.
Awards and Nominations
Parasite received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Bong Joon-ho), Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film
- Cannes Film Festival: Palme d’Or
- Golden Globes: Best Foreign Language Film
- BAFTA Awards: Best Film Not in the English Language, Best Original Screenplay
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Bong Joon-ho meticulously planned the film’s visual and thematic elements, ensuring a seamless blend of dark humor and social commentary.
- The elaborate house set was designed specifically for the film, allowing for precise control over the visual storytelling and symbolism.
- The cast underwent intensive preparation to authentically portray their characters’ complex relationships and social dynamics.
Inspirations and References
The film draws on Bong Joon-ho’s observations of class disparity in South Korea and incorporates elements of black comedy and thriller genres. The story highlights the pervasive and often invisible barriers between different social classes.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of the film closely aligns with Bong Joon-ho’s vision, with minimal alternate endings or deleted scenes. Special editions may include behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While Parasite has not been directly adapted into a book, numerous analyses and studies explore its themes, production, and cultural impact in detail.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Kim family’s infiltration into the Park household.
- The discovery of the hidden bunker and Moon-gwang’s husband.
- The chaotic and violent birthday party.
- Ki-woo’s vow to rescue his father and the final montage.
Iconic Quotes
- “You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan at all.” – Ki-taek
- “She’s nice because she’s rich. If I had all this money, I’d be nice too.” – Chung-sook
- “It’s so metaphorical.” – Ki-woo
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s use of vertical spaces symbolizes the social divide between the wealthy and the poor.
- The recurring motif of smell represents the invisible but pervasive barriers between classes.
- Visual metaphors, such as the flooding of the Kim family’s basement apartment, highlight their precarious living situation.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was around $11 million, and it grossed over $263 million worldwide.
- Parasite made history as the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or and the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
- Bong Joon-ho’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the film, from set design to character development.
Why Watch?
Parasite is a masterfully crafted film that offers a thought-provoking and darkly humorous exploration of class disparity and social inequality. Its compelling performances, sharp writing, and striking visuals make it a must-watch for fans of cinema that challenges and entertains.
Director’s Other Movies
Bong Joon-ho also directed:
- Snowpiercer (2013)
- Okja (2017)
- The Host (2006)
- Mother (2009)
- Memories of Murder (2003)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Shoplifters (2018)
- Snowpiercer (2013)
- Burning (2018)
- The Handmaiden (2016)
- Memories of Murder (2003)
Parasite is a classic in the world of contemporary cinema. It offers a rich and layered narrative that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its blend of humor, suspense, and social critique ensures its place as a modern classic.
