Parasite (2019)
Koreaโs modern masterpiece.
Presentation:
Korean attention to detail flexes and puts acclaimed Hollywood productions to shame. People to this day are still dissecting this film's rhythm, structure, sequence, Fibonacci golden ratio framing, lighting, this film visually has it all. Many of these techniques (such as each framing having the same duration creating musical pacing) will go well over most peoples heads. You may consider such perfection to be cold and clinical, but it actually perfectly suits the story. This could be considered a technically perfect film and can be a reference and masterclass in cinematography.
Conclusion:
Like most modern Korean films, the Bong once again obsesses over class inequality with crafted specificity. This film has unfortunately started a trend with Korean productions which imitate these themes in hopes to follow in award winning footsteps. However, you don't need to have a degree in literature to appreciate the metaphors as you could easily view the film from a layman's point of view and still have a great thriller experience. This film rewards multiple viewings but the first one will undoubtedly be the most impactful as Koreans always have dramatic twists. Because there's so much precisely jammed into this art project, the film sort of loses a bit of an organic soul as there is no negative space allowing little space to breathe. The film is almost too perfect and perhaps by design. There are many layers to this film as the social commentary masquerades as a psychological thriller, seamlessly integrated. However, the experience you get may feel intellectually pretentious.
Recommendations
Diamonds are not your best friend.