Parasite [Blu-ray]

The first copy that came was damaged in the mail. They were quick to send a replacement. The copy I kept was in perfect condition. The movie itself is fantastic!

Just watched it. Awesome movie, I can definitely see why it won so many awards.

This movie was interesting to watch. Would definitely watch it again. It was funny at times.

Let me start by saying I'm a fan of director Bong Joon Ho. That doesn't mean I blindly accept all his films are great works of art, but this one is definitely worthy of all its accolades. If you go in knowing the premise of the story, it doesn't hit the same way as if you go in blind and unprepared for what you're about to see. It's thought-provoking and tragic in nature as it examines the depths of humanity and the very defined line in between classes. If you're unfamiliar with Korean cinema, it does what Korean cinema has become famous for- blending film genres and transitioning seamlessly from one genre to the next. There are comedic moments (though black humor at best), tragic ones, heartbreaking ones, discouraging ones, and moments that leave you unsure of who to root for- because at the heart of the matter are any of us heroes? or are we all just selfish beings that can easily turn into the villain. It's storytelling at its finest because it's a story about life and humanity- all of us no matter our class are inherently messed up. That truth is especially driven home by a scene where the rich couple allows viewers into their private moment of lovemaking and we see that their own turn-ons and desires for a darker lifestyle are just one small step away if they would let themselves go.To those who rate the film as trash or give it one star, I hate to say but they're either very immature or simply not intelligent enough to enjoy a truly artful film that requires thinking and retrospection. Theyre most likely the ones who rave over superhero movies or think frighteningly childish films deserve an Oscar. Meanwhile, others I've seen are just racist, sadly. Refusing to admit that anything done by non-English speaking people is worthy of consideration or accolades. That was driven home once more when this film won Best Picture at the Oscars tonight and I was reading through netizens' reactions online. Patronizing at best and horrendously racist at worst, their "reviews" shouldn't be taken into consideration at all.Granted, this isn't a film for everyone. If you like simple stories that are told in big, glaring letters across a screen where heroes are clearly markes and villains get their pay day in the end, this isn't the film for you. If you like action-packed and clever dialogue, this isn't it either. But if you like seeing a complex storyabout a seemingly simple family told through the eyes of a truly gifted director and producer, this film is a winner. I've watched it a couple of times now and it still appears fresh with each viewing.Masterfully acted by some of Korea's finest actors, the cast also gave a stellar performances.

𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆: 𝑨𝒏 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕.Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho, who co-wrote the screenplay with Han Jin-won. The film, starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin, and Lee Jung-eun, follows a poor family who scheme to become employed by a wealthy family and infiltrate their household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals.To begin with I want to give more of a heads up than anything else for my followers who can empathize when I say: foreign films can be conceptually intimidating.I've never been very good at giving a movie in my full intention (This applies to even the ones that I like. I know. Shame on me.).That said: Joon-ho’s Adoration for he Coen Brothers is in full effect here with ‘Parasite’ being filled with exceptionally heavy dialogue. What's important to note, however, is that this isn't to a detriment, and is instead 𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒅 to escort viewers through a maze of tonal shifts and significant points of Discord or chaos.If I might indulge I would say that it is difficult to neglect commenting on the pacing and which ‘Parasite’s exposition is developed. Conflicts and their subsequent solutions emerge inconsistently and at times makes the narration seem mildly distracted by the bigger purpose it obviously has in mind. A large amount of deception must be fulfilled in order to force ‘Parasite’s hand, and as a consequence of this it becomes naturally filled with plot holes that are not easily filled or ignored outright. This is only excavated by the extent in which some overwhelming convenience and detached coincidences are to carry much of ‘Parasite’ through its first half. Regardless, expertly crafted tension makes this one point that is easily forgiven and temporarily stifles this complaint.What might come as a surprise to viewers is that Joon-ho originally conceptualized ‘Parasite’ as a play; with a clear understanding of the advantage specific vantage points can play in addition to the intricate set design the chance to make this a feature film is seamlessly unparalleled. Voyurist motifs are integrated as a way of instigating a “predator versus prey” dynamic between the Kim and park family with certain features (like stairs) literally elevating the sharp contrast between the complacently wealthy and the begrudgingly impoverished. Equal parts forthcoming and mysterious: Hong Kyung-pyo executes Joon-ho’s vision with the use of visual disparities that are endlessly stunning.(Fun fact: The set design of the affluent Park family house was made completely from scratch in addition to the view of the environment just immediately outside of the Kim’s family home).I have yet to know if any film has claimed an official monopoly on plot twists - but if so ‘Parasite’ is a more than worthy contender. From the first moment of climatic surprise Joon-ho and Jin-won put their foot on the accelerator with no intention of laying off of the metaphorical gas that keeps viewers guessing. This isn't just to say that some conclusions are completely unexpected - because in hindsight some seem unavoidable in the grander context - but the delivery throughout remains hauntingly engaging. Over time its viewers become a piñata with ‘Parasite’ acting as a fustigating stick: with each of its devastating blows any sense of optimism (and quite literally some jaws) are forced into a state of submission that mimics the ground underneath them.Ushered along by a class act of ‘Chameleon-aires’: ‘Parasite’ transcends above what would otherwise be mundane and monotonous commentary as it relates to fiscal and social stratification. Taking away ( but not completely removing) avenues of sympathy while remaining ambiguously hopeful - the gaps between what someone is, what someone aspires to be, and what someone is capable of a coming are violently exploited, meticulously explored, and proficiently examined.An archaic reminder transformed by an excess of cruel originality: ‘Parasite’ stresses the importance of being careful what you wish for... because in the end you just might get it (and more).I would recommend.Side note: In watching this my 'favorite first watch of 2021' has been officially dethroned.

I thought it was going one way, and then it went another way entirely. I didn't see it coming.