In a nutshell, the film is about the Kims, an unemployed family whose canny members methodically maneuver their way into gainful employment with the fabulously wealthy Park family. Parasite's main strength is the Kims, who are incredibly sympathetic protagonists. It's hard not to root for them. The parents have a familiar bickering dynamic and the children roll their eyes at the antics, but their sub-basement home is full of affection and kind words. Once they engage with the Parks, their individual talents and determination to get ahead come into sharp relief.
There are a lot of laughs during this part of the plot, thanks to the chutzpah of the Kims as well as the strong locations. The sprawling, ultramodern Park manse contrasts sharply with the cramped Kim quarters, and both provide excellent comedic effect, as the Kims scrabble frantically around the large set or lounge comfortably on their elevated toilet (!) at home. Even mobile phones are sources of much amusement.
But since this is a Bong film (c.f. Snowpiercer, Okja, The Host, Mother), a sharp left turn comes out of nowhere and turns everyone into The Scream emoji. The perfect soundtrack underscores the merriment, the celebrations, and the dread and anticipation once things go off the rails. I spent the first hour of the film wondering what the director's main message was--the blissful ignorance of the wealthy? The cycle of poverty that can only end with extreme action?--and spent the next hour clenched into a trembling ball of sweat and fear. And when the ending came, I shed a tear, for everyone. As doge would say, such bittersweet.
In conclusion, Parasite has it all: comedy! Action! Thrills! Romance! Bad weather! Scenes of Korean people eating! Lee Sun-kyun's sexy dad voice! And so much more!!!
TL;DR: Nuts, in a good way! Highly recommended!
---
This post brought to you by Thai food!
No comments:
Post a Comment