Parasite

Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a South Korean film released on 30 May 2019, which delves into themes of class disparity and social inequality. It gained international acclaim and earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture, making it the first non-English language film to win this honor during the 92nd Academy Awards.

The movie revolves around the impoverished Kim family, who cunningly infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Park family. The story is a captivating blend of dark humor and thriller elements, revealing the harsh realities of social stratification.

Filming began in May 2018 and concluded by September of the same year. The screenplay was co-written by Bong and Han Jin-won, drawing inspiration from a play Bong wrote in 2013. The film's narrative is influenced by the 1960 Korean classic The Housemaid and the historical case of the Papin sisters, two French maids involved in a shocking crime.

Parasite premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2019, where it won the Palme d'Or. Upon its release in South Korea, the film was praised for its direction, editing, and performances, grossing over $262 million worldwide against a budget of about $11.4 million.

The film explores the Kims' deceptive schemes to secure employment within the Park household while hiding their true identities. Ki-woo, the son, is hired as an English tutor for Da-hye, the Parks' daughter, after a friend gives him a "scholar's rock" symbolizing wealth. This sets off a chain of events that lead to a thrilling climax, exposing the dark underbelly of both families' lives.

As the plot unfolds, the disparity between rich and poor becomes increasingly evident. The Kims’ struggle to survive leads them to exploit the Parks' vulnerabilities, illustrating the systemic issues that create such divides. The film culminates in a shocking climax that highlights the consequences of their actions and the ever-widening gap between classes.

Parasite has been critically acclaimed, holding an impressive 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 97 out of 100 on Metacritic. It has been recognized not just for its storytelling but also for its cinematography and social commentary, addressing the complexities of modern capitalism and class conflict.

Following its success, a television series inspired by Parasite was announced, set to explore stories from the film's universe. As of 2023, details on the series remain limited, but it has generated significant interest due to the film's impact and popularity.

Overall, Parasite serves as both an entertaining thriller and a poignant social critique, making it a landmark film in contemporary cinema.