Parasite was written and directed by Bong Joon – Ho.

Parasite follows a poor Korean family, the Kims, who begin to take jobs at the house of an upper-class Korean family, the Parks, by putting on fake identities. However, as the story unfolds, events take a very unexpected turn…

I’m saying this now, having seen it twice, I thought Parasite was a MAGICAL film.  I think it’s a very thought-provoking social drama that provides a brilliant balance of story and character, thanks to Bong Joon-Ho’s clever writing. At the start of the film, Bong Joon-Ho introduces the Kims and we get know them as a family, understand their dynamic and see the derelict and poor life they live. We start to connect with them emotionally, for example in the scene, where they’re drunk and laughing about. Bong Joon-Ho shows us the genuine relationships between each family member and that helps the viewer connect and care about the wonderful characters he creates.

The film also deals with the issue of social class brilliantly. We start to get to know the Parks when each member of the Kim family takes on a job in the Park’s house. As the film goes on, the lives of the two families become more intertwined and we see the issue of class become more apparent. For example, small moments in the dialogue emphasise this theme like when the rich mother orders Mrs Kim the housekeeper to make food in a certain way. Another way that Bong Joon-Ho shows the class difference is through the contrast in the two families dynamic. Despite the Kim’s poorer background, their dynamic is very genuine and warm and comes through in how they joke with each other. In contrast, the Park’s have great wealth and status but are almost robotic like with each other and I love the way the Director shows this contrast in a visual way and really gets you thinking.

But for me, it’s Bong Joon-Ho’s direction that makes this film. I really enjoy how he shifts genres throughout, starting the film as a drama, but then as it continues, introducing elements of comedy and thriller. By doing this, he constantly makes you wonder where the story is going, and it really allows you to become immersed in the story as he slowly reveals the twists.

My overall thoughts:

Parasite is a truly special film. It kept me gripped and I was fascinated by the layered storytelling and interesting themes which it addressed. I’d recommend it to anyone and if you’re looking for a foreign film to start with – this is the one!

Parasite gets a 10/10.