Found Flicks Host: Discusses the surprising win of "Parasite" at the 2019 Oscars, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Original Screenplay, and International Film.
Initial Thoughts: The host expected "1917" to win, given America's love for war films, and expressed surprise at a Korean movie about capitalism winning.
Praise for the Film: Despite no acting nominations, particularly for Kang Ho-Sung, the film's wins were viewed as deserved.
Film Overview
Plot Summary: Follows the Kim family who infiltrates the wealthy Park family, leading to class conflict and unraveling.
Themes: Explores capitalism, class discrimination, and social structures through a tragicomedy lens.
Comparison to Other Films: Unlike "Knives Out," "Parasite" offers complex characters with moral ambiguity.
Storytelling Techniques
Genre Blending: Described as a "tragic comedy," the film mixes suspense, wit, and humor.
Director's Vision: Bong Joon-Ho's meticulous control over the film's environment, exemplified by constructing the Park's home as a set.
Detailed Plot Breakdown
Kim Family's Struggles: Introduced in their semi-subterranean apartment, depicting their low societal status.
Kevin's Job Opportunity: Gets a tutoring job at the Park family’s house with his sister's forged credentials.
Infiltration of the Park Family: The Kim family systematically replaces Park family’s staff using deceit.
The Smell of Poverty: The film uses smell as a metaphor for class differences, noted by the Park's son and father.
Conflict and Climax
Discovery of the Bunker: Reveals Moon Gwang’s husband hiding in the Park’s secret basement.
Power Shift: Moon Gwang gains temporary control over the Kims with video evidence of their scheme.
Parks’ Return: Forces the Kims to hide and clean up the house quickly.
Tragic Ending
Kevin's Assault: Gwen Say attacks Kevin; chaos ensues during a birthday party, resulting in violence.
Mr. Park’s Death: Kitek kills Mr. Park after realizing the latter's disdain for the poor.
Final Outcomes: Jessica dies, Kevin undergoes surgery, and Kitek hides in the bunker.
Themes and Analysis
Class Conflict: The film portrays both rich and poor as "parasites" in a capitalist society.
Unrealized Dreams: Kevin dreams of rescuing his father, but the reality suggests an unlikely future.
Capitalism Critique: Both families exploit each other, highlighting societal inequalities.
Conclusion and Future
Impact of the Film: Critically acclaimed for addressing universal social issues.
Parasite TV Series: Bong Joon-Ho to expand the story with an HBO series; concerns about American adaptation.
Final Thoughts
Host Reflection: Optimistic about the film’s impact on cinema and looks forward to the TV series. Encourages viewers to watch Bong Joon-Ho's other works.