Subject: CBM-122 Title: Parasite (2019): Rich and the Poor Year Level: Code: 5252 Time Schedule: 6:30-8:00 PARASITE (2019): Rich and the Poor Delivering a new perspective about longstanding dilemma, widespread topic of social class well portrayed in a movie with unusual developments and narrative. Upon the release, “Parasite” garnered numerous awards and made a history as the first ever South Korean film who won the top prize Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival 2019. While watching, there is one phrase that got me, "모두가 함께 양탄자 위에 올라갈 순 없다" (moduga hamkke yangtanjawi olaghal sun eobda), which in english translates to "Not everyone can climb up together on a folding screen". This phrase is used in the movie during a conversation between the characters Ki-taek and Ki-woo. Somehow, as I see this merely symbolizes the social hierarchy and the idea that in society, there are limitations and barriers that prevent everyone from achieving the life and comfort they yearning. In Parasite, the contrast between the rich and the poor is vividly depicted, showcasing the blunt inequalities that exist within society. The rich, represented by the Park family, are portrayed as being oblivious to the scent of poverty, living in a luxurious space, away from the nuisance and harsh realities of life. They reside in an architecturally exquisite mansion located in a well-off neighborhood. The Park family's home is filled with all the things that speaks their wealth and the privileges they have. On the other hand, the poor, represented by the Kim family, who live in a semibasement and struggle financially, are depicted as having a distinct smell due to their cramped, and dingy condition. They display a sense of unity and resilience within their own family unit, but are also depicted as being willing to exploit others in order to make a living. The film delves into the theme of social standing and the conflicts that may come from it. The film presents how social status affects the lives and relationships of the characters and highlights the tensions that arise when people of different upbringing interact with each other. It displays the struggles faced by the lower class and the things they do to improve their status in life. Moreover, it explores the individual greed, desires and aspirations exposing the gray areas of human behavior and even the complexities of family relationships and the lengths each member will go to protect and provide for their loved ones, for their upward mobility and survival. Indeed, this movie serves as an eye-opener, it will make you wonder of what might be the reason behind all of this. Is it a result of societal structures or is it the system itself that divides our society into various divisions and rankings that put those marginalized people in disadvantage. In this contemporary period, may we examine our surroundings and altogether reflect with all of the flaws our society have.
