Over the years, I have reviewed every caliber of movie their is. Everything from made-for-YouTube indie slashers and gore flicks to blockbuster horror, action, comedy, and even animated films. I have never, however, reviewed anything that has won major academy awards. I can finally say that has now changed, as I share my thoughts on Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite.
The Plot
Looking for a way to get wealthy themselves, Ki-taek and his family weasel their way into the lives of the rich Park family, one service position at a time. All is going accordingly, until an unexpected turn of events turns their plans, or lack thereof, spiraling out of control.
My Thoughts
I find it pretty amazing that I am sitting here with a copy of the home release of Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite in my hands, while it is still actively playing in movie theaters across the country. This alone should show you the magnitude of the reception this film has garnered.
Parasite is not the typical film I would review here. Sure, it shares certain traits with other genre pictures, but it is surely a beast all its own.
I never pretend to be one of these moviegoers who watches a film and finds inspiration, is touched, or interprets every hidden meaning the director has planted into their work. For whatever reason, my brain just doesn’t process things that deeply; I tend to stick to what is occurring on the surface level, and I’ve accepted that.
Even still, there is plenty to be said about this award-winning feature.
Parasite features a tremendously talented cast of individuals, most fresh faces to me, with some familiar ones sprinkled in, as well. I’ve been lucky enough to have seen a number of other films by talented writer and director, Bong Joon Ho, so I am acquainted with a few actors he seems to re-cast again and again.
None of these performers stands out more to me than Kang-ho Song, of course. After seeing his work in 2006’s The Host and 2009’s Thirst, years ago, I immediately knew that I would not be disappointed this time around.
His portrayal of the patriarch of the Kim family is both comedic, at times, and endearing. He does a fantastic job of making the audience feel for him in many ways throughout the film’s 2 hours and 12 minutes.
Ki-taek Kim manages to stealthily fit into his new role as private driver to the high class Park family, but he is still very much affected when overhearing the family speak poorly of him. He is a loving father, but still feels like less of a man when his wife scolds him for being a coward. These feelings will ultimately lead to the rather shocking end to the film, which I will not spoil here for everyone’s sake.
Most films that are over 2 hours really take their toll on my ever-shrinking attention span these days. Parasite, however, is such a superbly crafted motion picture, however, that the run time had absolutely no negative effect on me, whatsoever. Quite frankly, I would have loved to see even more of it, just to learn where these characters, whom I now have strong feelings for, end up.
Parasite at Home
As I stated, you can still catch Parasite in a movie theater near you. It has won more awards than I can count and it is clear why.
Can’t make it to the theater? Don’t fret because this film is also available now on 4K Ultra HD Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Neon.
The Blu-ray home release contains the movie in a 1080p HD Widescreen 2:39.1 format, Korean DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and English SDH subtitles.
There aren’t very many bonus features, but a Q&A with the genius behind the film, Bong Joon Ho, himself, is available, allowing audiences to get a further look into his thought process and the meaning behind the film.
The Verdict
Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite is not a horror film, but it does contain some ghastly imagery from time to time. It is funny when it needs to be, dramatic when necessary, and all together enjoyable the whole way through.
Parasite shows families from different walks of life, sharing intimate moments, most of which are never normally shared in the real world. Families of poverty do not get to live among the upper class CEOs and housewives. Parasite is just one example of how a situation like this may come to a head, no matter how realistic or unrealistic it may seem.
Parasite is definitely a film you will want to experience for yourself, whether you are a hardcore horror fan or just simply a lover of all cinema.
Be sure to grab yourself a copy as I give this one 5 blinking lightbulbs out of 5.
