Parasite (2019) (Korean: 기생충, or Gisaengchung) is a black comedy thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam. It's probably the best 2019 movie I've seen. It's highly entertaining all the way through, and everything that makes it what it is, all of its components, are polished and in perfect place, from the writing, characters, actor's performances, settings and cinematography to the timing and editing and details.
So much in the plot surfaces unexpectedly that even a basic synopsis could cause spoilage. But very basically, it's about a family struggling to make ends meet who get themselves hired by a wealthy family. The poor four trick the rich four into believing they're well qualified to carry out the jobs for which they've been hired. Here's the trailer.
Hilarious when it wants to be, horrific at other times, sometimes sexual, or suspenseful, or violent, or melodramatic, and sad in parts too, Parasite seamlessly switches between themes and genres for a completely compelling show. It's already won this year's Palme d'Or, the first Korean film to do so and, just as notably, the first in several years to win by unanimous vote, and it'll no doubt win Golden Globes and Oscars. Definitely a must-see that could be watched a second or third time with equal enjoyment.
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