“Review Parasite 2019” refers to a critical analysis of the 2019 South Korean film Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film won the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
A review of Parasite 2019 provides an in-depth examination of the film’s themes, characters, cinematography, and cultural significance. It offers insights into the film’s social commentary on class inequality, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the struggle for survival in a capitalist society.
Review Parasite 2019 is an important tool for film enthusiasts, critics, and moviegoers alike. It helps them understand the film’s artistic achievements, its cultural impact, and its relevance to contemporary society.
Review Parasite 2019
A review of Parasite 2019 offers a critical analysis of the film’s various aspects, providing insights into its artistic achievements, cultural impact, and relevance to contemporary society.
- Themes: Social inequality, class struggle, family dynamics
- Characters: Complex, relatable, morally ambiguous
- Cinematography: Visually stunning, immersive, symbolic
- Cultural significance: Reflects South Korean society, critiques capitalism
- Critical reception: Widespread acclaim, Palme d’Or, Academy Award for Best Picture
- Social commentary: Explores issues of poverty, wealth disparity, social mobility
- Genre: Blends elements of thriller, comedy, drama, horror
- Historical context: Reflects growing economic inequality in South Korea and globally
- Symbolism: Uses imagery and objects to convey deeper meanings
- Legacy: Likely to be remembered as a cinematic masterpiece
These aspects are interconnected and contribute to the overall impact of the film. For instance, the complex characters and immersive cinematography enhance the film’s social commentary, making it both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. Parasite 2019 is a film that transcends its genre and cultural context, offering a powerful and universal critique of societal inequality.
Themes
The themes of social inequality, class struggle, and family dynamics are central to the 2019 South Korean film Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film explores these themes through the story of the Kim family, a poor family who infiltrates the wealthy Park family’s home by posing as employees.
The Kim family’s struggle to survive in a society that is deeply divided along class lines is a powerful indictment of the widening gap between the rich and the poor. The film shows how the Kims are forced to live in a cramped basement apartment, while the Parks live in a luxurious mansion. The Kims are desperate for money, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means lying, cheating, and stealing.
The film also explores the complex dynamics of family relationships. The Kims are a close-knit family, but they are also deeply divided by their different aspirations. The father, Ki-taek, is a dreamer who believes that his family deserves a better life. The mother, Chung-sook, is more pragmatic and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her family together. The children, Ki-woo and Ki-jung, are both intelligent and ambitious, but they are also aware of the limitations that their social class imposes on them.
Parasite is a powerful and moving film that explores the dark side of the human condition. The film’s themes of social inequality, class struggle, and family dynamics are more relevant than ever in today’s world.
Characters
The characters in Parasite are complex, relatable, and morally ambiguous. They are not simply good or evil, but rather flawed and human. This makes them more realistic and engaging, and it allows the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.
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Poverty and Desperation:
The Kim family is poor and desperate. They live in a cramped basement apartment and are struggling to make ends meet. This desperation drives them to take extreme measures, such as infiltrating the Park family’s home.
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Ambition and Cunning:
The Kim family is also ambitious and cunning. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means lying, cheating, and stealing. This ambition is both admirable and dangerous.
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Moral Complexity:
The characters in Parasite are not simply good or evil. They are all capable of both good and bad deeds. This moral complexity makes them more realistic and relatable.
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Social Commentary:
The characters in Parasite are also a reflection of the social inequality that exists in South Korea. The Kim family represents the poor and working class, while the Park family represents the wealthy elite. The film explores the tensions between these two groups and the ways in which poverty and desperation can lead to crime.
The complex, relatable, and morally ambiguous characters in Parasite are one of the film’s greatest strengths. They make the film more engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant to contemporary society.
Cinematography
The cinematography of Parasite is visually stunning, immersive, and symbolic. It plays a vital role in creating the film’s atmosphere, mood, and themes.
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Composition and Framing:
The film’s composition and framing are carefully crafted to create a sense of unease and tension. The camera often lingers on objects and spaces, creating a sense of foreboding. For example, the opening scene of the film shows the Kim family living in a cramped basement apartment. The camera focuses on the narrow staircase leading down to the apartment, creating a sense of claustrophobia and entrapment. -
Lighting:
The film’s lighting is also used to create atmosphere and mood. The Kim family’s apartment is often lit with a harsh, fluorescent light, which creates a sense of coldness and sterility. In contrast, the Park family’s mansion is often lit with a warm, golden light, which creates a sense of comfort and luxury. -
Color:
Color is also used symbolically in the film. The Kim family is often associated with the color red, which is the color of blood and violence. The Park family, on the other hand, is often associated with the color blue, which is the color of water and wealth. -
Camera Movement:
The film’s camera movement is also used to create a sense of immersion. The camera often follows the characters closely, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. For example, the camera follows Ki-woo as he infiltrates the Park family’s home. The audience is able to see the world through Ki-woo’s eyes, which creates a sense of suspense and danger.
The cinematography of Parasite is a masterpiece of filmmaking. It is visually stunning, immersive, and symbolic. It plays a vital role in creating the film’s atmosphere, mood, and themes.
Cultural significance
The cultural significance of Parasite 2019 lies in its ability to reflect South Korean society and critique capitalism. The film’s depiction of the Kim family’s struggle to survive in a society that is deeply divided along class lines resonated with many South Koreans, who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives.
The film’s critique of capitalism is also timely and relevant. In recent years, there has been growing inequality in South Korea, and many people feel that the system is rigged against them. Parasite 2019 gives voice to these frustrations, and it offers a powerful indictment of the ways in which capitalism can exploit and dehumanize people.
One of the most striking examples of the film’s cultural significance is its use of symbolism. The Kim family’s basement apartment represents the cramped and suffocating conditions in which many poor South Koreans live. The Park family’s mansion, on the other hand, represents the wealth and privilege that is enjoyed by a small elite. The film’s use of these symbols highlights the vast between the rich and the poor in South Korea, and it critiques the system that allows this to persist.
Parasite 2019 is a powerful and moving film that has resonated with audiences around the world. Its cultural significance lies in its ability to reflect South Korean society and critique capitalism. The film’s insights into the human condition are both timeless and timely, and it is sure to be remembered as a classic of world cinema.
Critical reception
The critical reception of Parasite 2019 was overwhelmingly positive, with the film receiving widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. This critical acclaim is reflected in the film’s numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020.
- Critical consensus: Parasite 2019 was praised by critics for its originality, social commentary, and technical brilliance.
- Palme d’Or: The Palme d’Or is the highest award given at the Cannes Film Festival. Parasite 2019 was the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or, and its victory was seen as a major breakthrough for Asian cinema.
- Academy Award for Best Picture: The Academy Award for Best Picture is the most prestigious award in the film industry. Parasite 2019 was the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, and its victory was seen as a major milestone for international cinema.
The critical acclaim for Parasite 2019 is a testament to the film’s quality and its impact on audiences around the world. The film’s success is a major victory for South Korean cinema and for international cinema as a whole.
Social commentary
The social commentary in Parasite 2019 is a critical component of the film’s overall message and meaning. The film explores the issues of poverty, wealth disparity, and social mobility in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. This social commentary is not simply a backdrop for the story, but rather it is an integral part of the film’s plot, character development, and themes.
One of the most striking examples of the film’s social commentary is the way in which it depicts the Kim family’s living conditions. The Kims live in a cramped and squalid basement apartment, while the Park family lives in a luxurious mansion. This stark contrast highlights the vast wealth gap between the two families, and it serves as a powerful indictment of the social inequality that exists in South Korea.
The film also explores the issue of social mobility through the character of Ki-woo. Ki-woo is a bright and ambitious young man, but he is unable to find a job because he does not have the right connections. This shows how difficult it is for people from poor backgrounds to move up in society, even if they have the talent and the drive.
Genre
Parasite 2019 defies easy categorization, as it deftly blends elements of thriller, comedy, drama, and horror. This genre-bending approach enhances the film’s social commentary and emotional impact, creating a truly unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
- Suspenseful Thriller: Parasite keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot and unpredictable twists. The film’s exploration of class warfare and social inequality creates a palpable sense of tension and dread.
- Dark Comedy: Parasite’s sharp wit and satirical humor provide moments of levity amidst the film’s darker themes. The film’s characters are often both sympathetic and ridiculous, creating a complex and nuanced portrait of human nature.
- Poignant Drama: At its core, Parasite is a deeply moving drama about family, love, and loss. The film’s characters are fully realized and relatable, and their struggles and triumphs resonate with audiences on a profound level.
- Psychological Horror: Parasite’s exploration of class warfare and social inequality takes on a sinister and disturbing dimension at times. The film’s depiction of the Kim family’s desperate struggle for survival is both horrifying and heartbreaking.
The combination of these diverse genres creates a truly unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Parasite 2019 is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll, challenging their assumptions about society, class, and the human condition.
Historical context
The historical context of Parasite 2019 is crucial for understanding its social commentary and critique of capitalism. The film reflects the growing economic inequality in South Korea and globally, a trend that has intensified in recent decades.
- Income Disparity: The gap between the rich and the poor has widened significantly in South Korea and around the world. In South Korea, the top 10% of earners take home over 40% of the national income, while the bottom 50% earn less than 20%. This income disparity is reflected in the film’s depiction of the Kim family’s poverty and the Park family’s wealth.
- Job Polarization: Technological advancements and globalization have led to job polarization, with high-paying jobs becoming increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few highly skilled workers, while low-paying jobs have become more common. This is reflected in Ki-woo’s struggle to find a stable job despite his qualifications.
- Housing Crisis: The rising cost of housing has made it increasingly difficult for people to afford a decent place to live. In South Korea, housing prices have skyrocketed in recent years, making it difficult for many people to buy a home or even rent an apartment. This is reflected in the Kim family’s cramped and squalid living conditions.
- Social Immobility: Economic inequality has led to decreased social mobility, making it more difficult for people to move up the economic ladder. In South Korea, there is a strong correlation between parents’ income and their children’s future earnings. This is reflected in the film’s depiction of the Kim family’s struggle to break free from their poverty.
The historical context of Parasite 2019 provides a understanding of the film’s critique of capitalism and its exploration of the human costs of economic inequality. The film’s insights into the struggles of the working class and the widening gap between the rich and the poor are more relevant than ever in today’s world.
Symbolism
Parasite (2019) deftly employs symbolism to enhance its social commentary and explore the complex dynamics between characters and their surroundings. Through a meticulous selection of imagery and objects, the film delves into deeper meanings, inviting viewers to contemplate the hidden layers beneath the surface.
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The Peach: Poverty and Desperation
The peach, a recurring motif throughout the film, symbolizes the Kim family’s poverty and desperation. Its bruised and decaying state reflects their struggle to survive in a society that devalues them.
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The Basement Apartment: Entrapment and Aspiration
The Kim family’s cramped basement apartment represents their entrapment in poverty. It also serves as a metaphor for their aspirations, as they strive to rise above their circumstances.
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The Rain: Cleansing and Renewal
The torrential rain in the film symbolizes both cleansing and renewal. It washes away the dirt and grime of the Kim family’s past, offering a chance for a new beginning.
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The Stone: Nature’s Indifference
The large stone that blocks the Kim family’s escape route represents nature’s indifference to their plight. It symbolizes the harsh reality that their struggles may not always be met with compassion or understanding.
These symbolic elements work together to create a rich and nuanced tapestry, enriching the film’s exploration of class inequality, social mobility, and the human condition. Through its masterful use of symbolism, Parasite invites viewers to delve into the hidden meanings that lie beneath the surface, enhancing their understanding of the film’s underlying themes and messages.
Legacy
The legacy of Parasite (2019) as a cinematic masterpiece is closely intertwined with its critical acclaim and cultural impact. Positive reviews from renowned film critics and prestigious awards like the Palme d’Or and Academy Award for Best Picture have solidified its status as an exceptional work of art.
Reviews play a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of a film. Favorable reviews not only generate buzz and attract audiences but also influence critical discourse and historical assessments of a film’s significance. In the case of Parasite, its widespread critical praise has contributed to its recognition as a cinematic masterpiece. The film’s nuanced social commentary, masterful storytelling, and technical brilliance have been widely lauded, ensuring its place among the greatest films of its era.
Beyond critical acclaim, the film’s cultural impact is another testament to its lasting legacy. Parasite has sparked numerous discussions, analyses, and interpretations, both within academic circles and among general audiences. Its themes of class inequality, social mobility, and family dynamics have resonated with viewers worldwide, solidifying its position as a culturally significant film.
The legacy of Parasite as a cinematic masterpiece serves as a reminder of the power of film to transcend entertainment and become a catalyst for social dialogue and reflection. Its critical and cultural success demonstrates that films can both captivate audiences and provoke meaningful conversations about important issues, leaving a lasting impact on our collective consciousness.
FAQs on “Review Parasite 2019”
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about “Review Parasite 2019.” These FAQs aim to clarify common misconceptions, address concerns, and provide additional insights into the review.
Question 1: What is the main focus of the review?
Answer: The review primarily focuses on analyzing the film’s themes, characters, cinematography, social commentary, critical reception, historical context, symbolism, and legacy.
Question 2: What are the key themes explored in the film?
Answer: The film delves into themes of social inequality, class struggle, family dynamics, poverty, wealth disparity, and social mobility.
Question 3: How is the film’s cinematography significant?
Answer: The cinematography plays a vital role in creating atmosphere, mood, and symbolism through its use of composition, framing, lighting, color, and camera movement.
Question 4: What is the cultural significance of the film?
Answer: The film’s depiction of social inequality and its critique of capitalism resonate deeply with South Korean society and have broader implications for understanding global economic disparities.
Question 5: How has the film been received by critics?
Answer: Parasite received widespread critical acclaim, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Picture, recognizing its artistic achievements and social relevance.
Question 6: What is the film’s legacy likely to be?
Answer: Parasite is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece due to its exceptional storytelling, technical brilliance, and ability to provoke meaningful dialogue on important social issues.
These FAQs provide a glimpse into the depth and significance of “Review Parasite 2019.” By addressing common questions and offering insights, this section enhances the reader’s understanding of the review and the film it examines.
The next section will delve into the impact of Parasite on contemporary cinema and its broader cultural implications.
Tips for Understanding and Analyzing “Review Parasite 2019”
To enhance your comprehension and analysis of “Review Parasite 2019,” consider these practical tips:
Tip 1: Read the Review Thoroughly: Read the review attentively, taking note of the main arguments, supporting evidence, and critical insights.
Tip 2: Identify Key Themes: Pay attention to the central themes explored in the review, such as social inequality, class struggle, and family dynamics.
Tip 3: Analyze Character Development: Examine how the review discusses the development and motivations of the characters in the film.
Tip 4: Consider Cinematography: Review the analysis of the film’s cinematography, including its use of composition, lighting, and symbolism.
Tip 5: Explore Cultural Significance: Understand the review’s perspective on the film’s cultural relevance and social commentary.
Tip 6: Engage with Critical Reception: Read the review’s discussion of the film’s critical reception, including awards and accolades.
Tip 7: Examine Historical Context: Consider how the review contextualizes the film within its historical and social setting.
Tip 8: Appreciate Symbolism: Analyze the review’s interpretation of the film’s symbols and their deeper meanings.
These tips will help you grasp the nuances of the review and deepen your understanding of the film itself. By following these recommendations, you can engage more critically with the review and appreciate its insights into “Parasite 2019.”
The following section will explore the broader impact of “Review Parasite 2019” on contemporary cinema and its cultural legacy.
Conclusion
“Review Parasite 2019” provides a multifaceted analysis of the Academy Award-winning film, exploring its themes, characters, cinematography, social commentary, cultural significance, and cinematic legacy. The review highlights the film’s exceptional storytelling, its insightful exploration of class inequality, and its masterful use of symbolism.
Three key takeaways from the review include:
- Parasite’s depiction of social inequality and class struggle resonates deeply with audiences, sparking conversations about economic disparity and social mobility.
- The film’s technical brilliance, particularly its cinematography, contributes significantly to its immersive atmosphere and emotional impact.
- Parasite’s critical and cultural success has solidified its status as a cinematic masterpiece, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking themes and exceptional execution.
“Review Parasite 2019” serves as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to reflect societal issues, provoke thoughtful discussions, and leave a lasting impression.