Forget to pack your car panties and meet me at the bean flicking couch. Join us fellow bong hive as we deliver an episode long verbal ovation to the multi layered exemplification of the universal and specific Korean struggle in social status with the film Parasite.  

Patreon shout out to Paul & Griff, LogoSmith Media and Home Video Hustle!

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Director: Bong Joon Ho

Screenplay: Bong Joon Ho and Jin-won Han

Budget: $11,400,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross: $258,821,552

 

Breakdown and Analysis

  • Oti had qualms that were not addressed. By the end he felt frustrated and angry. Rewatches improved his watching experiences. He does sustain that he loves it.
  • KT references watching Succession as a new sex position. She further extends that Parasite is a new sex position. When you’re doing it the first time, you are still figuring out the mechanics of it. You are feeling pleasure but not sure where it is coming from. So when you do the position (The Parasite) again, you start to figure out what is bringing you pleasure or what Oti kinks don’t work.
  • Do not trivialise art. We love the idea of being able to reference but some films go beyond that and deserve more than the sensationalised part of it.
  • The characters are representative of specific South Korean themes as well as broader general society.
  • Oti references the 1960 The Housemaid by Kim Ki Young and how Bong mentioned as an inspiration for the portrayal of social class with the use of stairs. It helped provide context watching The Housemaid before rewatching Parasite.
  • There was a difference in the classes, even visually. The Kim’s had a grittier feel compared to the bright natural lighting with the Park’s mansion. Sunlight further plays this part between the two families.
  • Credit to Bong because a lot of social commentary happens during casual conversations between characters.
  • The economics is set up for everyone to participate but only a very select few can succeed. KT references Chaebol’s that benefit from this very model and the disproportionate where not everyone will be able to make a livelihood.
  • When introduced to a film, even seemingly in the real world, once the premise is set successfully KT is all the way in. In regards to Parasite, once we realise that it is impossible for the Kim’s to succeed, KT was right beside ready to burn it all the ground.
  • Oti was not convinced to raise arms to join the Kim’s and went as far as using the word Greedy.
  • Mrs Park was aloof and it was taken advantage of. Oti was not comfortable with this as she was such a nice person.
  • Rich people know how to keep their fucking money because they spend others. Ki-jung was able to maneuver and convince the Park’s she knew what she was talking about.
  • Even if you are talented and qualified, there is a system in place where you will never be able to succeed.

Unrelated but vital points

  • Peninsula is Voldemort in Korean. Please send us legal tender to learn more.
  • For other Korean produced episodes: Burning and Itaewon Class.
  • Oti and KT watched it as part of the Sydney Film Festival. A rare cherished and thrilling opportunity for the household.
  • Oti still refuses to recognise KT as his one and only Hokage.
  • We have the luxury of covering stuff when we feel compelled to, unless people would like to pay to hear it.
  • Social commentary doesn’t have to hit you over the head, it can flick you in the bean instead.