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Parasite

Parasite

20198133 min
DrammaCommediaThriller
Uscita
30 mag 2019
Paese
South Korea
Produzione
Barunson E&A
Tutta la famiglia di Ki-taek è senza lavoro. Ki-taek è particolarmente interessata allo stile di vita della ricchissima famiglia Park. Un giorno, suo figlio riesce a farsi assumere dai Park e le due famiglie si ritrovano così intrecciate da una serie di eventi incontrollabili.

About

Quick guide

Director Bong‑Ho’s 2019 film blends dark humor and thriller elements, following a low‑income family infiltrating a wealthy household.

Released in 2019, Parasite is a South Korean film that combines elements of dark comedy, thriller, and drama. Directed by Bong Joon‑Ho, it follows the Kim family—a struggling household that ingeniously infiltrates the affluent Park family’s home. The narrative is a tense, layered exploration of class disparity, featuring sharp social commentary and unexpected twists. With a runtime of 133 minutes, the film is shot in Korean and carries an R rating for violence and thematic content. Its blend of suspense, humor, and psychological tension engages viewers while prompting reflection on socioeconomic inequality and the limits of upward mobility. Parasite’s success at Cannes and the Oscars has elevated it to a landmark in contemporary cinema.

What to know

  • Runtime: 133 minutes
  • Language: Korean
  • Budget: $11.4 million
  • Box office: $263 million worldwide
  • Rating: R for violence and thematic content
  • Director: Bong Joon‑Ho
  • Awards: Palme d'Or at Cannes and four Oscars
  • Critical acclaim for sharp social commentary

Watch if

If you appreciate sharp social satire, tension‑driven storytelling, and nuanced character dynamics, Parasite offers a compelling, thought‑provoking experience that blends humor with thriller elements.

Skip if

If intense violence, psychological tension, or dark themes unsettle you, Parasite may not be suitable; the film’s escalating stakes and mature content could be challenging for some viewers.

dark tonedialogue heavyintense actionpsychological elementsmature themespolitical themessuspensefulsome gore
Premise Overview
Director Bong Joon‑Ho’s 2019 feature follows a low‑income family who, through deception and skill, infiltrates a wealthy household. The narrative unfolds in a tense, layered fashion, blending social commentary with moments of dark humor. The story focuses on themes of economic disparity, family loyalty, and the lengths people will go to escape poverty, all while maintaining a tight, suspenseful pace.
Genre Blend and Tone
The film straddles several genres, blending comedy, thriller, and drama into a cohesive whole. Its tonal shifts—from subtle dark humor to tense, almost thriller‑like sequences—serve to underscore the fragility of class boundaries. The narrative structure allows the audience to engage with the characters’ plight while gradually escalating tension, creating a dynamic viewing experience that defies simple categorization.
Character Dynamics and Family Ties
Central to the story is the Kim family, whose members skillfully assume new identities within the Park household. Their interactions showcase a complex web of trust, ambition, and vulnerability. The film examines how familial bonds evolve under pressure, revealing the delicate balance between solidarity and individual aspirations amid escalating stakes and growing moral ambiguity.
Themes of Class and Inequality
The narrative foregrounds stark class distinctions, portraying wealth as both a privilege and a trap. Through juxtaposition of the Kims' cramped semi‑basement and the Parks' lavish home, the film critiques economic structures that perpetuate inequality. Themes of survival, exploitation, and the illusion of social mobility intersect, prompting viewers to reflect on the broader societal forces that shape opportunity and marginalization.
Visual Style and Symbolism
The film’s visual composition relies on a restrained color palette and meticulous set design, emphasizing contrasts between light and shadow. Symbolic motifs—such as the bamboo garden, the scholar’s rock, and the hidden bunker—serve as visual metaphors for growth, aspiration, and underground realities. These elements reinforce the narrative’s exploration of social stratification while maintaining an atmospheric tension that engages the viewer visually.
Soundtrack and Audio Design
The score, composed by Jung Jae‑il, blends minimal piano motifs with subtle percussion, enhancing the film’s tense atmosphere. Sound design juxtaposes domestic sounds with abrupt, jarring noises, heightening psychological impact. The auditory experience mirrors the narrative’s oscillation between calm domesticity and sudden violence, supporting the film’s thematic depth and creating an immersive sensory layer for the audience.
Critical Reception and Awards
Parasite received universal critical acclaim, earning praise for its sharp social commentary and suspenseful pacing. Critics highlighted its layered storytelling and effective blending of genres. The film's achievements include a Palme d'Or at Cannes and four Oscars—including Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay, and International Feature Film—making it the first non‑English‑language film to win the latter. It has also topped numerous best‑film lists worldwide.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Parasite's success sparked global discussions about class, inequality, and the reach of cinema across language barriers. It has become a benchmark for social realism and genre innovation, inspiring filmmakers worldwide. The film's influence extends beyond awards, shaping public discourse on socioeconomic disparities and influencing how stories of marginalized communities are told in mainstream media.

FAQ

50 Q&A
What is the genre of Parasite?
Parasite is a movie that blends several genres, including dark comedy, thriller, and drama. It tells a story with unexpected twists and turns that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Who lives in the secret basement?
The secret basement of the Park family's house is inhabited by Geun-sae, the husband of the former housekeeper, Moon-gwang. He has been living there in hiding for years.
What is the relationship between Moon-gwang and Geun-sae?
Moon-gwang and Geun-sae are a married couple. Moon-gwang was the former housekeeper for the Park family, and she secretly let her husband live in a hidden bunker beneath the house.
What is Ki-woo's first job with the Park family?
Ki-woo's first job with the Park family is as a tutor for their teenage daughter, Park Da-hye. He poses as a university student named Kevin to get the job.
What is the Kim family's situation at the start?
At the beginning of the movie, the Kim family is very poor and struggling to make ends meet. They live in a cramped semi-basement apartment and often search for ways to earn money.
How does the Kim family infiltrate the Park household?
The Kim family cleverly infiltrates the Park household one by one. They each get hired by the Parks for different jobs, pretending to be unrelated professionals, through a series of deceptions.
What is Parasite about?
Parasite is a film about a poor family, the Kims, who scheme to become employed by a wealthy family, the Parks, by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. Their plan unravels when they discover a secret in the Parks' home.
When was Parasite released?
Parasite was released in South Korea on May 30, 2019. Its international release dates followed later that year.
Did Parasite win Best Picture at the Oscars?
Yes, Parasite made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 92nd Oscars ceremony in 2020. It was the first non-English language film to win this top award.
Who are the main characters in Parasite?
The main characters in Parasite are the members of the Kim family: father Ki-taek, mother Chung-sook, son Ki-woo, and daughter Ki-jung. They are also central to the story are the members of the wealthy Park family and the former housekeeper Moon-gwang and her husband Geun-sae.
What is the secret the Kim family discovers in the house?
The Kim family discovers that the former housekeeper, Moon-gwang, has been hiding her husband, Geun-sae, in a secret bunker beneath the house. He has been living there for years to avoid debt collectors.
How does the flood affect the Kim family?
A severe flood devastates the Kim family's poor neighborhood, destroying their apartment and possessions. They are forced to seek shelter in a gymnasium with many other displaced people.
How do the Kim family and the basement dwellers clash?
The Kim family and the basement dwellers, Moon-gwang and Geun-sae, clash when they both try to control the Park house. Their struggle escalates into a violent confrontation, especially when the Parks return unexpectedly.
What is the social commentary in Parasite?
Parasite offers sharp social commentary on class inequality and the vast differences between the rich and the poor. It highlights how a person's social standing can impact their opportunities and lives.
What awards did Parasite win?
Parasite won numerous awards, including the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Picture. It also secured Oscars for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
What happens during the Park family's camping trip?
During the Park family's camping trip, the Kim family members who have infiltrated the household are left to enjoy the house. However, the former housekeeper Moon-gwang returns, leading to a dramatic confrontation and the discovery of the secret basement dweller.
What is the significance of the scholar's rock?
The scholar's rock, given to the Kim family by Ki-woo's friend, symbolizes aspirations for wealth and a better life. It represents a heavy burden and a false hope, ultimately playing a role in the film's tragic events.
What tragic events occur at the birthday party?
The birthday party for Park Da-song erupts into chaos and violence. Geun-sae, enraged from the bunker, emerges and attacks, leading to a series of tragic events including multiple deaths.
What is Ki-jung's role in the plan?
Ki-jung is instrumental in the Kim family's plan to infiltrate the Park household. She skillfully poses as a professional art therapist named Jessica to get hired by the Parks to help their son, Da-song.
Is Parasite based on a true story?
No, Parasite is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay written by Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won.
What is the birthday party setting?
The birthday party is set in the luxurious backyard of the Park family's modern mansion. It is intended to be a lavish outdoor celebration for their son, Da-song.
What is the director's name for Parasite?
The director of the movie Parasite is Bong Joon-ho.
What does the title 'Parasite' refer to?
The title 'Parasite' refers to both the Kim family, who attach themselves to the wealthy Parks for survival, and potentially the Parks themselves, who exploit the labor of others. It highlights the symbiotic and often destructive relationships between different social classes.
How does the Kim family get involved with the Park family?
The Kim family gets involved with the Park family when Ki-woo is recommended by a friend to take over his tutoring job for the Parks' daughter. This initial connection allows the Kims to gradually insert themselves into the household.
How does the ending of the movie resolve the story?
The ending of the movie shows Ki-woo discovering his father, Ki-taek, is hiding in the secret bunker. Ki-woo dreams of one day earning enough money to buy the house and free his father, but the reality of his impoverished situation makes this unlikely, suggesting a cyclical nature of poverty.
Who is the father of the Kim family?
The father of the Kim family is Kim Ki-taek.
What is the symbolism of the rain in Parasite?
The rain shows how the poor are hurt more by bad weather than the rich.
How does the Kim family manipulate their way into jobs?
They lie and pretend to be unrelated, skilled workers to get hired by the Park family.
What is the job of the Kim family's mother?
The mother of the Kim family becomes the housekeeper for the Park family.
What is the job of the Park family's daughter?
The daughter of the Park family is a student who needs an art tutor.
Who is the daughter of the Park family?
The daughter of the Park family is named Park Da-hye.
What is the role of the house in Parasite?
The big, fancy house of the Park family highlights the difference between the rich and the poor.
What is the job of the Park family's father?
The father of the Park family is a successful businessman.
What is the name of the Kim family's neighborhood?
The Kim family lives in a poor neighborhood called "Bong Joon-ho's neighborhood."
Who is the daughter of the Kim family?
The daughter of the Kim family is Kim Ki-jung.
What is the main message of Parasite?
The movie shows how unfair society is because of rich and poor differences.
Who is the son of the Kim family?
The son of the Kim family is Kim Ki-woo.
What are the key themes in Parasite?
The movie is about social class, inequality, and desperation.
Who is the father of the Park family?
The father of the Park family is Mr. Park.
Who is the mother of the Kim family?
The mother of the Kim family is named Chung-sook.
What is the job of the Park family's son?
The son of the Park family is a student who needs an English tutor.
Who is the mother of the Park family?
The mother of the Park family is named Yeon-kyo.
How does the movie portray the class divide?
It shows the huge gap between the lives of the rich Park family and the poor Kim family.
What is the job of the Kim family's son?
The son of the Kim family pretends to be a college student and works as an English tutor for the Park family's son.
What is the name of the Park family's house?
The Park family's house is a modern, minimalist mansion.
What is the climax of the story?
The climax is a chaotic garden party where violence erupts.
What is the job of the Kim family's father?
The father of the Kim family becomes the chauffeur for the Park family.
What is the job of the Kim family's daughter?
The daughter of the Kim family pretends to be an art therapist for the Park family's son.
Who is the son of the Park family?
The son of the Park family is Park Da-song.
What is the job of the Park family's mother?
The mother of the Park family is a housewife who manages the household.

Attori

Song Kang-ho
Song Kang-ho
Kim Ki-taek
Lee Sun-kyun
Lee Sun-kyun
Park Dong-ik
Cho Yeo-jeong
Cho Yeo-jeong
Yeon-kyo
Choi Woo-shik
Choi Woo-shik
Ki-woo
Park So-dam
Park So-dam
Ki-jung
Lee Jung-eun
Lee Jung-eun
Moon-gwang
Chang Hyae-jin
Chang Hyae-jin
Chung-sook
Park Myung-hoon
Park Myung-hoon
Geun-se
Jung Ji-so
Jung Ji-so
Da-hye
Jung Hyeon-jun
Jung Hyeon-jun
Da-song
Park Keun-rok
Park Keun-rok
Driver Yoon
Jung Yi-seo
Jung Yi-seo
Pizza Manager