Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a chilling and darkly comedic tale that explores the insidious nature of class inequality, ultimately illustrating the violent consequences of desperation and the illusion of upward mobility. The film depicts a poor family, the Kims, systematically infiltrating the lives of a wealthy family, the Parks, only for their carefully constructed facade to shatter in a brutal climax of class warfare and unexpected revelations.
A Symphony of Deception and Desperation
At its core, Parasite is a masterfully crafted social satire. The Kims, living in abject poverty in a semi-basement apartment, are presented as intelligent and resourceful, albeit morally flexible. When Ki-woo, the son, gets an opportunity to tutor the Park family’s daughter, Da-hye, he seizes it and orchestrates a plan to get his entire family employed by the Parks, each assuming a false identity.
This infiltration is not achieved through brute force but through clever manipulation and exploiting the Parks’ naivete and reliance on others. The Kims are, in essence, parasites, feeding off the wealth and privilege of the Parks, mirroring the power dynamics inherent in a deeply stratified society. The film meticulously builds tension as the Kims become more deeply entrenched in the Park household, their deception becoming increasingly elaborate and fragile.
The turning point arrives with the discovery of the hidden bunker beneath the Park’s house, inhabited by Geun-sae, the husband of the Parks’ former housekeeper, Moon-gwang. Geun-sae, like the Kims, is a parasite, though one with a far more desperate and pitiful existence. This discovery leads to a violent confrontation, exposing the Kims’ deceit and unraveling their meticulously constructed world.
The film’s climax is a brutal and shocking bloodbath during a garden party hosted by the Parks. Ki-jung, the daughter, is fatally stabbed by Geun-sae, who seeks revenge for Moon-gwang’s death. Ki-taek, the father, witnessing the Parks’ disgust at Geun-sae’s smell and their insensitivity even amidst the chaos, snaps and kills Mr. Park. He then disappears into the secret bunker, becoming a parasite himself, living in the shadows of the very house he once aspired to inhabit.
Parasite is not simply a thrilling crime drama; it’s a provocative commentary on social injustice, the illusion of the American dream (or, in this case, the South Korean dream), and the lengths to which people will go to survive in a system rigged against them. The film leaves the audience grappling with uncomfortable truths about class division and the human cost of unchecked inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasite
Here are some commonly asked questions to deepen your understanding of the film:
H3 What is the significance of the smell in Parasite?
The smell serves as a potent symbol of class difference and societal prejudice in Parasite. The Parks, oblivious to the struggles of the Kims, are acutely aware of their “smell,” which they associate with poverty and the lower class. This subtle yet pervasive aversion highlights the invisible barriers that separate the wealthy from the poor, reinforcing the Kims’ feeling of inferiority and fueling their resentment. The smell acts as a trigger, ultimately contributing to Ki-taek’s violent outburst.
H3 Why is the film called Parasite?
The title Parasite is deliberately ambiguous, reflecting the complex relationship between the Kim and Park families. On one level, it refers to the Kims, who are literally and figuratively feeding off the Parks’ wealth and privilege. However, the Parks can also be seen as parasites, reliant on the Kims for their comfort and well-being, and blind to the exploitation that sustains their lifestyle. Ultimately, the title suggests that parasitic relationships exist across all social strata, albeit in different forms.
H3 What does the flooding of the Kim’s apartment symbolize?
The flooding of the Kim’s semi-basement apartment is a powerful visual metaphor for the overwhelming nature of poverty and the devastating consequences of inequality. The overflowing toilet, sewage, and general destruction represent the squalor and unsanitary conditions in which the Kims are forced to live, while the elevated position of the Parks’ house, untouched by the flood, underscores the disparity in their living conditions. The flood literally washes away the Kims’ meager possessions, leaving them even more vulnerable and desperate.
H3 What happens to Ki-woo at the end of Parasite?
At the end of the film, Ki-woo is recovering from a head injury sustained during the chaos. He vows to earn enough money to buy the Park’s house and free his father from the bunker. However, this hopeful resolution is tinged with irony and uncertainty. The film implies that his aspiration is likely a naive fantasy, given the systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty.
H3 What is the significance of the Morse code in the bunker?
Geun-sae’s use of Morse code to communicate with the outside world highlights his isolation and desperation. His messages, addressed to Mr. Park and praising him as a god, reveal the extent of his delusion and the psychological impact of his confinement. The Morse code also serves as a plot device, alerting the Kims to Geun-sae’s presence and setting the stage for the film’s violent climax.
H3 What is the deeper meaning behind the stone given to Ki-woo?
The scholar’s rock, given to Ki-woo by Min, symbolizes the false hope and illusion of upward mobility. Min claims it brings good luck, but it ultimately becomes a burden and a source of misfortune for Ki-woo. The rock represents the unattainable dreams and aspirations that are dangled before the poor, only to be snatched away by the harsh realities of their circumstances.
H3 How does Parasite critique capitalism?
Parasite offers a scathing critique of capitalism by showcasing the vast inequalities it generates and the exploitation it fosters. The film depicts a system where the wealthy thrive at the expense of the poor, who are forced to compete for limited resources and resort to desperate measures to survive. The Parks, representing the privileged elite, are depicted as naive and self-absorbed, oblivious to the suffering of those below them.
H3 Who is the “real” parasite in the film?
The film cleverly blurs the lines between victim and perpetrator, making it difficult to identify the “real” parasite. While the Kims initially appear to be the parasites, exploiting the Parks’ wealth, the Parks are arguably parasitic in their reliance on the labor of the Kims and their indifference to their plight. Ultimately, the film suggests that the entire system is parasitic, with individuals feeding off each other in a constant struggle for survival.
H3 What are some other movies similar to Parasite in theme?
Movies that explore similar themes of class inequality, social satire, and the dynamics of power include: Snowpiercer (also directed by Bong Joon-ho), Us, Sorry to Bother You, Triangle of Sadness, and Roma. These films offer different perspectives on the same societal issues, making them worthwhile companions to Parasite.
H3 Why did Ki-taek kill Mr. Park?
Ki-taek’s murder of Mr. Park is a moment of impulsive rebellion fueled by years of suppressed resentment and humiliation. The final straw is witnessing Mr. Park’s disgust at Geun-sae’s smell and his callous disregard for Ki-jung’s death. This act is not premeditated but rather a spontaneous eruption of anger and frustration at the systemic inequality that has plagued his life.
H3 How does the film use humor to address serious issues?
Parasite employs dark humor and satire to make its commentary on class inequality more palatable and engaging. The comedic moments, such as the Kims’ elaborate schemes and the Parks’ naive obliviousness, serve to highlight the absurdity of the social hierarchy and the characters’ flawed behaviors. This comedic approach allows the film to address serious issues without becoming overly didactic or preachy.
H3 What is the significance of the final shot of the film?
The final shot, showing Ki-woo writing a letter outlining his plan to buy the Park’s house, is both hopeful and tragic. It reveals his unwavering determination to reunite his family and free his father. However, the dilapidated state of his semi-basement apartment and the enormous amount of money required suggest that his dream is likely unattainable, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of despair. The shot emphasizes the cyclical nature of poverty and the challenges of escaping its grip.