Korean Drama "Parasite"

Korean dramas are one of the most popular and most watched drama in the world.

"Parasite" is a South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho that premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d'Or, the festival's highest prize. The movie is a suspenseful and darkly humorous commentary on social inequality, depicting the lives of two families from opposite ends of the economic spectrum.

The film follows the Kim family, who live in a cramped basement apartment and struggle to make ends meet by doing odd jobs. Their luck changes when their son, Ki-woo, is offered a job tutoring the daughter of the wealthy Park family. Ki-woo sees this as an opportunity to improve his family's fortunes and starts scheming to get his relatives hired as well.

What ensues is a tense and unpredictable series of events that explores the complex dynamics of class and power in contemporary South Korean society. The film is a masterful blend of genres, combining elements of social satire, black comedy, and thriller to create a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Parasite" is its visual storytelling. Bong Joon-ho and his cinematographer, Hong Kyung-pyo, use a variety of techniques to convey the stark contrast between the two families. The Kims' basement apartment is shot in a claustrophobic and dimly lit style, while the Parks' modernist mansion is bathed in natural light and framed in wide shots that emphasize its opulence.

The film also makes great use of symbolism and metaphor. The title "Parasite" refers not only to the Kims' attempts to infiltrate the Park household but also to the parasitic relationship between the rich and poor in society. The film's climactic scene, which takes place during a torrential rainstorm, serves as a metaphor for the violent upheavals that can occur when social inequality reaches a breaking point.

The acting in "Parasite" is superb across the board. Song Kang-ho, who has appeared in several of Bong Joon-ho's previous films, gives a nuanced and sympathetic performance as the Kim family patriarch. Cho Yeo-jeong is equally impressive as Mrs. Park, the oblivious and self-absorbed matriarch of the Park family.

But it is the film's younger cast members who truly shine. Jang Hye-jin delivers a powerful performance as the Kim family's stoic matriarch, while Park So-dam is excellent as Ki-woo's cunning sister, Ki-jung. Choi Woo-shik rounds out the cast as the affable but bumbling Kim son, Ki-taek.

"Parasite" is a film that rewards repeat viewings. On first watch, the film's twists and turns are sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. However, subsequent viewings reveal the film's deeper themes and the subtle foreshadowing that runs throughout the narrative.

In addition to its critical acclaim, "Parasite" has also been a commercial success. The film has grossed over $250 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing South Korean film of all time. Its success has also helped to raise the profile of South Korean cinema on the global stage.

"Parasite" is a film that defies easy categorization. It is a social commentary, a black comedy, a thriller, and a family drama all rolled into one.