Heart-breaking is how it feels, to truly absorb what it feels like to struggle to keep food on the table, a roof over your head and survive each day. Kim and Park as families illustrate the dichotomy between having too much money and not nearly enough to get by. However, the gems of polished script writing are in the dark humor that offers comic relief.
Each scene has a silent and subtle commentary through visuals of how the rich are above the poor while they keep those less fortunate out of sight and literally beneath them. In one aspect, this is shown by the Kim family living in a confined basement and the Parks high up on a hill in a gorgeously spacious home.
Characters that make you fight for them to overcome their challenges are built on being good people who deserve happiness or an escape from hard times, and this everyone in the Kim family. While they are not always following a strong moral compass, a real expression of love and support between one another draws the audience onto their team.
Money does not corrupt everyone; however, it can make life too easy for some, and therefore superficial in fulfillment. The Parks are emotionally absent, and oftentimes, physically distant. Although they have every material item and luxury, they could ever desire, their internal joy is non-existent.
It is so fascinating to watch how these two polar opposite groups are juxtaposed, interact and to what extent it makes you want them to switch places in order to understand the world. Bong Joon-Ho could make this film about any culture in any part of the world and it would resonate with the viewers, which shows his natural talent.
To avoid spoiling the best parts of Parasite, the takeaway I can share that the entire cast fills their role with effortless ease, and I enjoyed watching this great act of storytelling come to life.
Rating: 8.0
Through the Looking Glass 