Films like Parasite don’t come around too often; it exceeded my expectations even with all the hype surrounding it. The film, by Korean director Bong Joon Ho has had amazing reviews and here is another one to say if you haven’t seen it yet, please do, and if you have seen it, go see it again, as this is the film that keeps on giving.
The narrative follows the poverty-stricken Kims, who work their way into the wealthy Park’s family life. As the plot unfurls, it is beautifully supported and enhanced by Hong Gyeong-Pyo’s cinematography, who creates a visual masterpiece. Lines are everywhere; superficially satisfying, but also making allusions to characters crossing lines or being trapped in a situation (which is not always physical). Similar to how Robert Yeoman (who has worked with Wes Anderson) expertly uses light and symmetry to create mood and tone, Gyeong-Pyo creates a feast of moments that bring so much to the table.
Recurring motifs are used frequently in choreography, lyrics and films, as we enjoy the sense of familiarity when something is repeating and developing. Whilst there are a number of notable recurring motifs to look out for in Parasite, it still manages to get a balance between this familiarity and comfort while also shocking us into moments of complete unease with jarring scene transitions and plot twists. We sit rather comfortably at times as we indulge in the Kims fiery wit and mock the ignorance of the Parks but then the comfort blanket is yanked away.
Bong Joon Ho takes us on an emotional rollercoaster – also a physical one if we consider the levels explored throughout this film. It is at times emotionally poignant, often thrilling and always witty, with much of the humour interwoven into class commentary. Every joke and snarky comment lands, in a script that is brilliantly polished, with a cast that bring electrifying energy.
A word I have heard many people use to describe the film is ‘weird’. They are not wrong. I think this is the first time I have seen a peach used as a weapon and I loved it. The genius of Joon Ho and Gyeong-Po and the detail they bring to this film is amazing, but even if you do not want to over analyse it as I have, it is still so enjoyable and a must watch.