Parasite, the Korean film directed by Bong Joon Ho, is regarded by many as the greatest movie of the century, but why? This thrilling film explores class, inequality, and how far people will go to survive.
Parasite follows the Kims, a poor Korean family dealing with poverty and unemployment. When the family’s son, Kim Ki-woo, gets hired as a tutor for the wealthy Park family, the family sees an opportunity. The Kims arrange an elaborate scheme to infiltrate the Park household — the mother becomes the new maid, the daughter an art teacher for the Park’s son, and the father their personal driver. The Parks remain oblivious as the Kims settle into their new roles, unaware that their entire staff had been replaced by just one family. All seems to be going well for the Kims, until a dark truth is revealed about the Park’s former maid.
The sudden shift in tone makes the story even more gripping and shows how quickly everything can fall apart. After this reveal, the movie becomes far more tense, as the characters face dangerous, unexpected situations. The discovery forces both families into a desperate struggle that shows how far people will go when their lives and safety are at risk. I thought the acting throughout the film was incredibly strong, and every character’s desperation feels believable.
Bong Joon Ho incorporates the use of complex cinematic techniques to differentiate the wealthy Parks from the impoverished Kims. I was impressed by how he didn’t shy away from portraying significant class distinctions. The director’s efficient utilization of space in establishing all the characters was particularly clever (like when Ki Woo and Mrs. Park were talking, as the maid and the Park’s son were playing in the background). The movie’s message about social class stays with you even after it ends and makes the entire film even more powerful. The final scene is emotional, shocking, and unforgettable, bringing together the themes of inequality and survival in a powerful way. This film ranks among my top 5 favorites of all time and I can’t wait for Bong Joon Ho’s next film coming out in 2027. This is the kind of film that everyone has to watch at least once in their life.
