Parasite (2019)

There are very few films that I, when recommending them, insist that people know as little as possible going into a first viewing. There are movies that simply need to be experienced. They need to exist on their own merits without context or prior exposure.

Bong Joon-ho's 2019 opus, Parasite, is one such film.

*   *   * It is my intention not to spoil any of this movie's surprises: to that end, pardon a review that seems to give short-shrift to a truly masterful movie *   *   *

I. What Is It?

This is the story of a family that will do anything to survive. Saying anything more would border on spoilers.

II. Three Movies in One

The first act of this movie is a quirky family comedy.

The second act of this movie depicts a con worthy of The Sting (1973).

The third act is a horror film.

That Bong Joon-ho slips from genre to genre so effortlessly and effectively is a marvel. With each new pivot, he left this viewer scrambling to keep up, jaw on the floor. Every single time I knew where this movie was going, it shocked me with a savage turn in a bold new direction.

This is the kind of movie that takes you on a ride. Go with it.

III. Fires on All Cylinders

This movie is everything a great movie should be.

The art direction is immaculate and detail oriented. The costumes are lush and character-driven. Bong Joon-ho's script is sharp and full of wit. His direction is slick and confident and emblematic of an artist at the top of his game. Kyung-po Hong's cinematography creates paintings of every frame that support and enhance the themes and ideas that Bong Joon-ho is wrestling with. The color and the framing of people and objects make this movie an incredible thing to look at. Even if you couldn't experience the rest of the film: its visuals and aesthetic would make it a glorious piece of art.

The acting in this film is top notch. Every actor could have gotten a Best Actor statue: the performances are committed, and nuanced and wonderful. You will laugh at the zaniness, and cry at the tragedy, and be horrified at the savagery of it all.

At 132 minutes long, the film lets every beat and character breathe without wallowing and staggering in bloat. It is as perfectly long as it needs to be with nary a wasted second.

IV. Provoking and Engaging

I saw this movie a long time ago (a few months, now), and I still think about it, occasionally. I can think of no better compliment to give a film than my constant attention, days and days after a viewing.

Not only that, this is a movie that demands to be watched. This is not a film to put on while you do chores, or fiddle on the computer. It moves, rather quickly, and the turns start coming right away. By the time the end of the movie comes around, Bong Joon-ho is paying off set up and rewarding attention throughout the finale. I enjoy a movie that keeps me rooted in my seat. And I was planted during Parasite.

After the credits rolled, my wife and I have found ourselves talking about class warfare, the illusion of hope, and the things that people will do to survive in a cruel world. We've interpreted and re-interpreted the characters' actions and the plot's movements. The film has provided us hours of discussion and discourse.

This movie will not let you go when you've finished it. It won't even let you go while you're watching it.

Why You Should See It

- It is a wonder of modern filmmaking: it is gorgeous to look at at every turn and showcases the power of the medium.
- It heralds Bong Joon-ho as one of the preeminent filmmakers working today.
- The performances of the entire cast are profound and powerful.
- It will stick its claws in you and force you to wrestle with its weighty subjects. This is a good thing.

Why You Shouldn't See It

- There is no good reason NOT to see this movie. Do not even start talking about how hard it is to read subtitles. I will not stand for it.

In Conclusion

There are people who question this film's Best Picture win at the Academy Awards. Those people are wrong. Parasite was one of the best films of 2019. It is a work of staggering power and creativity that showcases the full power of the cinematic art form.

Have you seen it? You should see it.

Go. Now.

Miscellany

- The Park house was built by the production. From scratch. The neighborhood that the Kims live in was also a set constructed by the production so that it could be flooded with water.
- It was the first Korean film to win the Palm d'Or at Cannes. It also made history as the first Korean film to be nominated for an Academy Award. It is also, then, the first Korean film to ever win an Oscar in the first place. That it nabbed Best Picture (and three other statues) is jaw-dropping. In fact, it was the first non-English language film to ever win in that category. Bong Joon-ho holds the record for most Oscar wins (four) for a single film, beating out Walt Disney.
- Bong Joon-ho's self-made storyboard drawings are being adapted into a graphic novel.
- Bong Joon-ho loves the look and feel of black and white film. He re-released a black and white version of Parasite in select US theaters in January.
- On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 99% score based on 249 reviews.
- After the Oscars, the film's box office take increased by 230%. It experienced the largest Oscar Effect since 2001's Gladiator. The film has grossed nearly $250 million worldwide on a budget of $11.4 million.