Parasite - a captivating epic worthy of the hype

Bong Joon-Ho continues his run of spectacular films with stunning visuals and jaw dropping plot twists in this Oscar dominating triumph.

I will be cautious with what I reveal, reiterating the director’s own advice that this film is best experienced with as little insight into the story as possible.

Cho Yeo-jeong played the role of the wealthy unsuspecting Mother

Having now seen the film for the third time this week, I feel confident in expressing what was my very first opinion of Bong Joon-Ho’s Oscar winning Parasite, this is quite simply a masterpiece. A perfect example of what cinema should be. You’re left feeling baffled yet overjoyed, but simultaneously somber at the incredible story you have seen unfold before you.

This genre fluid epic centres around two families of contrasting social class - whose lives are cunningly brought together after Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) is offered the job of tutor to a rich family’s daughter. The Kim’s, headed by Bong’s star man, Song Kang-Ho, are a struggling household crammed together in their mundane semi-basement. The Park’s however, live a life of luxury in their picturesque, spacious mansion that sits high above the hustle and bustle of South Korea’s slums. The topic of wealth versus poverty and the extreme measures those in desperation will go to is one that Bong has successfully portrayed on screen before with his 2013 dystopian thriller Snowpiercer, which starred popular Avengers actor Chris Evans.

What makes Parasite perfect for me is the effortless switch in the details and genre which makes every side of the story even more captivating and metaphorical. You can escape into the story, but it will pull you right back into the gritty reality of what you’re actually watching. The comedy will have you in stitches, the drama will leave you in shock and one scene will scare you enough to put you off birthday cake forever.

This is a must watch and if you’ve seen it already, you’ll be eager to watch it again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xH0HfJHsaY