The Film That Shocked the World
In 2019, Parasite became the first non-English language film in history to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was a moment that redefined how global cinema could be received by Western audiences—and how far a modestly budgeted South Korean thriller could go.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite tells the story of the Kim family, who scheme their way into the lives of the wealthy Park family, only to discover that the mansion holds more secrets than they bargained for.
But now that the dust has settled, it’s time to ask: Is Parasite truly a masterpiece, or did it ride a wave of social hype and critical exaggeration?
The Case for Masterpiece
- Flawless Narrative Structure
From a screenwriting perspective, Parasite is near perfect. The setup is lean. The inciting incident is clean. And the midpoint twist—the hidden basement—is so well-executed it reshapes the entire narrative without feeling forced.
Every single plot point reinforces the film’s themes: invisibility, desperation, and the illusion of mobility between classes.
This isn’t just tight storytelling—it’s thematically engineered cinema.
- Class Conflict Without Preaching
One of Parasite’s most celebrated qualities is how it handles wealth disparity. Bong Joon-ho doesn’t villainize the Park family, nor does he fully excuse the actions of the Kim family.
Instead, the film presents a parasitic cycle: the rich feed off the poor’s labor and silence, while the poor feed off opportunities granted by the rich. Both families are trapped in a system neither controls.
The nuance here is rare, especially in politically charged films. There are no speeches. Just results—and consequences.
- Technical Precision and Cinematography
From the very first shot—showing the Kim family’s tiny basement window peering up at street level—the camera tells the story of status.
As the Kims ascend the stairs to the Park mansion, we track their literal rise through society. Later, after a brutal rainstorm, we watch them descend back into their flooded home—down endless steps, one after the other. It’s a metaphor executed visually, not verbally.
Hong Kyung-pyo’s cinematography and Lee Ha-jun’s production design work in perfect sync. Every object in the frame has meaning. Every shadow has weight.
The Case for Disappointment
Despite the acclaim, Parasite isn’t immune to criticism. A few filmgoers (especially those less attuned to metaphor-heavy storytelling) felt the film was too tidy, too symbolic, or too culturally specific to resonate as a “universal” story.
- Heavy Symbolism Can Alienate Casual Viewers
Some audiences found the metaphors too on-the-nose. The literal ascent/descent, the storm as a symbol of status collapse, and the recurring motif of “smell” as a class identifier—all brilliant, but arguably too polished.
For viewers seeking raw, unpredictable chaos in their thrillers, Parasite may feel too calculated.
- Third Act Tonal Shift
While the basement discovery is one of the film’s strongest moments, the tone shift that follows—into horror, violence, and chaos—can feel jarring to some. The realism suddenly breaks into genre territory.
That tonal pivot, though intentional, is where Parasite sometimes loses those who were drawn in by its first-act subtlety.
- Cultural Distance for Western Audiences
While the class commentary is universal, the film’s cultural nuances—like the respect hierarchy, honor, and hospitality expectations in Korean society—may not fully register with all international viewers. This isn’t a flaw, but it can impact emotional resonance.
So… Masterpiece or Overrated?
Ultimately, Parasite earns its status as a modern masterpiece—not just because of its awards, but because of how it balances entertainment and social commentary without sacrificing either.
It’s the kind of film that rewards rewatches. That’s always a sign of lasting power.
But it’s also not for everyone. It’s slow-burning, thematic, and layered. Those expecting a traditional thriller or a conventional character arc may find themselves underwhelmed.
Final Verdict
If you go into Parasite expecting a perfect genre film, you might leave disappointed. But if you watch it as a layered exploration of economic inequality, family dynamics, and quiet desperation—all told through one of the most creative narratives of the 21st century—it just might blow your mind.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A cinematic achievement that deserves every ounce of praise—if you’re willing to look beneath the surface.