“Parasite,” the South Korean film by Bong Joon-ho, offers a powerful lens to examine deep social inequalities and class conflicts in our world. Viewers are immediately drawn into the lives of the Kim family as they boldly infiltrate the opulent home of the Park family, exposing the raw and often unsettling realities of class disparity. Its near-perfect 99% Rotten Tomatoes score underscores its critical acclaim, as the film seamlessly transitions between comedy, drama, thriller, and horror, delivering a captivating viewing experience.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Invisible Boundaries
Initially, the Kim family’s entry into the Park household creates the illusion that they are overcoming the seemingly insurmountable barrier between the rich and the poor. However, their elaborate deception ultimately underscores how difficult—if not impossible—it is to truly transcend class divisions in a capitalist society. Even as they imitate the behavior and appearance of the wealthy, they cannot escape the marks of their original background. A striking example is Mr. Kim (Song Kang-ho)’s humiliation over his smell, a persistent reminder of his lower-class status.
Trapped by Capitalism: Mutual Exploitation in “Parasite”
The title “Parasite” immediately hints at the unhealthy connection between the two families in the movie. Their relationship is one of mutual dependence: the Kims seek financial gain, while the Parks rely on the Kims’ labor to maintain their privileged lifestyle. Despite their wealth, the Parks struggle with basic tasks like cooking, cleaning, or driving, underscoring how privilege often depends on the exploitation of others’ labor. This dynamic reflects broader issues within capitalism, where inequality thrives on exploitation.
Beyond the dynamics of these two families, “Parasite” delves deeper into class inequality as a systemic issue. The capitalist system encourages this kind of competition and exploitation, creating a cycle where both the rich and the poor are trapped in relationships of mutual exploitation. While the Parks’ insatiable desire for wealth keeps them trapped in a cycle of dependence, the Kims’ ambition to climb the social ladder leads them into conflict with others, like Moon-gwang (Lee Jeong-eun) and her husband.
The Fight for Survival
The Kim family’s elaborate lies reveal how marginalized individuals often view deception as their only means of survival. This manipulation stems not from inherent malice but from the necessity to endure within a harsh economic system.
“Parasite” also delves into how survival-driven deceit fosters conflict among those facing shared struggles. The fight between the Kims and Moon-gwang’s family in the basement is a perfect example. Both families are desperate to hold onto their place in the Park’s house, which leads to betrayal and violence. This ‘poor versus poor’ dynamic highlights how capitalist systems divert attention from systemic inequalities by pitting marginalized groups against one another.
The Illusion of Social Mobility
“Parasite” offers a sharp critique of capitalist society, exposing the fallacy that survival is a level playing field. Ki-woo (Choi Woo-sik)’s unlikely goal of buying the Parks’ luxurious home and freeing his father perfectly captures this false hope. The Kim family’s constant struggle just emphasizes how impossible it is for them to escape poverty. The film’s bleak ending suggests that trying to survive through deception isn’t a real solution and actually ends up reinforcing the existing class differences.
The Unequal Impact of Crisis
“Parasite” employs striking imagery to illustrate how inequality operates, consolidating wealth and power for the rich while leaving the poor exposed. The Parks’ mansion, perched high above, sharply contrasts with the Kims’ semi-basement home, perpetually vulnerable to flooding—a potent symbol of societal stratification and vulnerability. The rainstorm that devastates the Kims’ home but leaves the Parks unaffected serves as a powerful metaphor, highlighting how crises disproportionately impact those at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
What Sets “Parasite” Apart
What distinguishes “Parasite” is its masterful fusion of genres and deeply insightful social commentary. Rather than offering a simplistic depiction of class conflict, the film presents a nuanced exploration of inequality. It resists characterizing the affluent Parks as purely malicious or the impoverished Kims as solely innocent, instead revealing how systemic structures create divisions among marginalized communities while preserving the privileges of the wealthy.
Furthermore, the film’s unpredictable narrative turns and intricate storytelling ensure a captivating and intellectually engaging experience. Its universally relevant themes transcend cultural boundaries, making it essential viewing for audiences seeking both emotional resonance and intellectual depth.