Opened: May 20, 2019
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, Jang Hye-jin, Park Myung-hoon, Jung Ji-so, Jung Hyeon-jun, Park Geyn-rok & Park Seo-joon
Focusing on the disparity in classes between two Korean families, Parasite is a perfect blend of comedy, drama and thriller that’s been able to transcend usual viewership of foreign language films.
Once Kim Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) gets a job as a tutor for the daughter (Jung Ji-so) of the wealthy Park family, he and his poor family devise a plan to get them all jobs within the household. When the Park family goes on vacation and the Kim family stays over, secrets are revealed.
The way the class separation is shown in the film is brilliantly done. There are small moments that transform into something larger, though it’s not always obvious to viewers. And every time you think that this story can’t take another twist, it does, which keeps the audience engaged.
Final say: Mind-bending without relying on effects. ★★★★★