[Shocking Truth Revealed!] Why Parasite Shook the World: Everything You Need to Know About the Film

[Shocking Truth Revealed!] Why Parasite Shook the World: Everything You Need to Know About the Film

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1. Basic Information About Parasite

• Title: Parasite
• Director: Bong Joon-ho - A master of blending genres, delivering a unique cinematic experience.
• Main Cast:
  • Song Kang-ho as Ki-taek, the father, a symbol of resilience and despair.
  • Lee Sun-kyun as Mr. Park, the wealthy CEO.
  • Cho Yeo-jeong as Yeon-kyo, Mr. Park’s naïve wife.
  • Choi Woo-shik as Ki-woo, the hopeful son.
  • Park So-dam as Ki-jung, the cunning daughter.
  • Jang Hye-jin as Chung-sook, the determined mother.
• Release Date: May 30, 2019
• Genres: Black Comedy, Drama, Thriller
• Runtime: 131 minutes
• Country: South Korea
• Rating: 15+
• Budget: Approximately $11 million
• Global Box Office Revenue: Over $263 million (as of 2024)
• Filming Locations: The iconic house was a custom-built set designed to highlight social divisions.

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2. Plot: A Deadly Clash of Classes

Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho) and his family live in a semi-basement apartment, struggling to make ends meet. Their lives take a dramatic turn when the son, Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik), lands a job as a tutor for the wealthy Park family. Gradually, the entire Ki-taek family infiltrates the Parks' household, each taking on roles as employees.

• Step 1: Infiltration Begins
  Ki-woo secures a job as a tutor for the Parks' daughter, Da-hye.
• Step 2: A Family Plan
  Ki-jung becomes the art therapist for the Parks’ youngest son, Da-song.
• Step 3: Displacing the Old Staff
  Ki-taek replaces the family chauffeur, while Chung-sook takes over as the housekeeper.

But the dream turns into a nightmare when they discover a secret bunker beneath the Park family home, leading to chaos, tragedy, and a devastating confrontation between the classes.

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3. Iconic Scenes: Moments That Defined Parasite

① The Rainstorm Escape

As the Parks return unexpectedly, the Ki-taek family scrambles to hide. The intense escape sequence, paired with their descent back to the flooded semi-basement home, symbolizes the stark divide between the rich and poor.

② The "Smell" Conversation

Mr. Park's offhand remark about Ki-taek’s "smell," likened to a subway stench, highlights the invisible yet palpable discrimination that separates the classes.

③ The Party Showdown

The film’s climax during a birthday party erupts into chaos as Ki-taek’s suppressed rage leads to a violent and symbolic act, tearing apart the facade of civility.

④ The Basement Revelation

The hidden basement beneath the Parks' house reveals another family living in isolation, adding a chilling layer to the film's exploration of societal oppression.

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4. Memorable Quotes: Lines That Resonate

1. "With no plan, nothing can go wrong."
   • Ki-taek’s fatalistic philosophy reflects the despair of the underprivileged.
2. "The smell is different."
   • Mr. Park’s comment about Ki-taek’s odor encapsulates class-based prejudice.
3. "Dad, I have a plan."
   • Ki-woo’s final words echo with irony, highlighting the gap between dreams and reality.

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5. Ratings: A Masterpiece Loved Worldwide

• Naver Movies: 9.1/10 (Audience Rating)
• IMDb: 8.5/10 (Rated by over 750,000 users)
• Rotten Tomatoes: 99% (Critics) / 90% (Audience Score)
• Metacritic: 96/100 (Universal Acclaim)

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6. Major Issues Surrounding Parasite

① The First Non-English Film to Win Best Picture at the Oscars

Parasite made history at the 92nd Academy Awards, sweeping four major categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature.

② Global Relevance of Class Struggle

The film’s portrayal of wealth disparity and social injustice struck a chord with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural barriers.

③ Bong Joon-ho’s Vision

Bong’s meticulous direction combined humor, horror, and drama to create a multi-layered masterpiece that redefined global cinema.

④ Box Office Triumph

Earning over $263 million globally, Parasite broke records for a South Korean film in international markets.

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7. Reactions: Praise from Critics and Audiences

① Domestic Response

• Korean audiences applauded the film for its bold critique of social inequalities and its relatable themes.
• The performances, especially by Song Kang-ho, received unanimous praise.

② International Acclaim

• "Not just a movie, but a profound social commentary." – RogerEbert.com
• "Bong Joon-ho is a genius. This film will change the course of global cinema." – The Guardian

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8. Awards and Achievements: Setting New Standards

Academy Awards (2020)

• Best Picture (First Non-English Winner)
• Best Director (Bong Joon-ho)
• Best Original Screenplay
• Best International Feature

Cannes Film Festival (2019)

• Palme d’Or (First South Korean Winner)

Golden Globes (2020)

• Best Foreign Language Film

BAFTA Awards

• Best Original Screenplay
• Best Film Not in the English Language

Other Achievements

• Recognized by over 200 critics’ groups and film institutions globally.