The cinematography of this movie is so good That shot where Park So Dam sits on top of the toilet seat smoking a cigarette with the dirty water flowing out of the seat , that shot stuck to me
CultureDTCTV my favorite part about this scene that I noticed on second watch is that it’s intercut with a shot of the old housekeeper throwing up into the toilet
Even after Ki woo follows the madam as they walk up the stair with the dog in arms; once they get to the top and start walking, the dog is positioned where its snout is just over the line. Not his whole head and not enough to draw too much attention. Foreshadowing to the bedroom scene??
There's a scene in the movie where everyone is figuring out how to get the old housekeeper fired, in that scene the entire family is drinking beer, but notice that the mother's beer is the cheap one they were drinking before and rest everyone's beer is a more expensive one, showing how the mother is the only one who doesn't have a job in the park family household, even though we already knew that it's a nice subtle moment.
Thank you for confusing me and wasting so much of my time, just kidding, what you're talking about is for real! It's just not where you said it was, it is not when they are planning to get the housekeeper fired, but when she is already fired and they are talking about the smell after the child notices it that day. The other member of the family are drinking another brand of beer whereas the mother is drinking this drink called 'filite', I read somewhere that it is actually the cheapest one. It unfortunately does not tie into your theory of her not being in the same status quo as the rest of them though, maybe you could argue that she has just begun and is not making as much money and that;s why the divide, but I think that's a long stretch for a such a small conclusion. However, with the attention given to every small detail, maybe you're not wrong but it's a really small and subtle thing as you said. I originally thought it doesn't matter and the mother just likes the other beer, but I guess making this small insignificant extension doesn't harm anything. You've got a sharp eye though!
I went to the movies, bought a ticket for Dark Waters, and accidentally walked into this show instead. About 5 minutes in, I realized I was at the completely wrong movie, but I decided to stay because the theater was packed and I figured it must be a good film. Needless to say, this was the best movie I have seen in theaters since I can remember. Going into the movie knowing nothing about it, I was absolutely mind blown by the end. And this breakdown only adds to my appreciation for this movie
The point you raise about the son crossing the line is great, but I'll also add something: he crosses the line because the camera frames it that way, not because the son moves forward. That's the intended illusion of class incompatibility: he thinks a working-class person can rise to the level of the rich, and he maintains the delusion that he can, even till the ending.
People that said he can never be rich enough to buy the house were too pessimistic, it really depends on how many people you're willing to screw over. He can develop apps, hell even cook meth or whatever shady shit, when there's a will.
It's the correct reading of the film's own text, though. His dad warns him not to make plans, as they're always bound to fail. He then promptly plans to solve the situation at the basement, and it backfires immensely. You'd think the lesson would be learned, but he still phrases his intent to become rich and buy the house as a "plan", and we get to see the payoff only to be bluntly cut back to his harsh reality. That's the whole point of parasite. Class mobility is a perverse illusion, a dream, a trap. And the movie's right at that, I mean, show me a self-proclaimed self-made man and I'll show you someone with some amount of inherited wealth.
@@loveislove2359 right, but then it just becomes a question of luck: how long til you get caught. Jail or worse, depending on who you screwed. As for apps, its the lottery.
Love is Love yep, but Bong wanted to leave the audience feeling hella fucked up, i feel like the movie wouldn’t have had the magnitude it has if he ended it with that utopian fantasy. the song playing during the end credits scene was about how he spent the rest of his life slaving at part time jobs, and it would take 564 years for him to be able to save enough money to buy that house. it’s cruel, but Bong felt that it was a necessary evil that just highlights the cruel reality
@@loveislove2359 The correct word is realistic. His odds were tremendously against him, even more so if he had to do this before his father dies of old age regardless of if you include illegal means. Let's see you build a fortune in just a few decades. It's all just pessimism anyway, surely you'll succeed?
The line feels so obvious now that you mention it, but it never even crossed my mind beyond just "Oh that's some cool shot composition." It's nice to see the cinematography complimenting the story and themes of the film, beyond just getting us from point A to B
Years ago, Bong was interviewed by a Korean culture magazine about his fascination with the 1960 classic The Housemaid. He pinpointed director Kim Kiyoung's use of the stairs as an additional "actor". In The Housemaid, the stairs symbolizes the family's newly-adopted class status. With bad things happening in or near the stairs, Kim shows the family's difficulties (the husband's affair, the wife's health, etc) through it. Much of the set in Parasite is inspired by The Housemaid if we look at how Bong divided each area of the house and the way the transitions are shot.
@undertakersarmpit as a korean who can speak both languages fluently, I approve this comment! You made the pronunciation much easier for other foreigners. Thank you.
Parasite is one of those Gems in the Film Industry that gives the viewers a meaningful Emotional and Intellectual experience that sticks to them for a long time.
@Danny Dolan hmmm Every frame a painting. A previous comment thread with this guy (uploader) indicates he admires EFAP Nevertheless i extend my admiration to other youtubers who analyze films and stories but my comment is truly for AC, and EFAP.
I think this is clearly what he meant... as much of an MCU fan as I am, I think the true passion for film only shows from projects like Parasite or The Lighthouse where the filmmaker actually challenges the viewer and is able to offer their own voice and rely on intellect rather than spoonfeeding the audience everything
Guess what? There's space for all kinds of films, it's not bloody finite. Marvel clearly hasn't killed or detracted from what snobs refer to as "cinema". I'm fucking fed up of this stupid, banal conversation that reeks of elitism and little else.
There's another scene where Min gives the family the scholar rock I think, where the dad tries to rise out of his seat but there's a shelf above his head that knocks him back down. Literally putting him back in his place.
It's like foreshadowing to his fate in the basement.. he tried to overpower the rich by killing the rich man but he ended up lower than he was.. shut and hidden by the cabinet
Who noticed the little boy Da- Song throwing arrows at Ki-woo just after his English lesson and right in the middle of being introduced to the housekeeper. I interpret this as the little boy seeing Ki - woo as the invader, someone who is trying to enter his home, his class status; just like how the native Americans fought against the colonisers in order to preserve their territory.
I think it's more of an irony that the rich family's child is playing with Native Americans culture like a game, who were also perceived as "uncivilized" by White Americans.
Tiny cultural detail : not only beers are wayyyy cheaper than scotch, the specific brand of beer they’re chugging down, Filite, happens to be one of the cheapest brand of beer, nay, beverage you could possibly find in Korea, about 60 cents USD a can. Bottled waters sometimes come up with higher price tag than that.
The detail of Ki-Jung's clarity during the flood is so good, and highlights something really crucial to her character... apathy. She uses apathy as a tool to keep herself sane, whether its to keep a clear mind during tragedy, or distancing herself from the notion of guilt. It's a common self-preservation trait, to dissociate from your empathy while in poverty.
I never really notice 'the line' until I watched this. The stone that was supposed to bring them good luck was not mention in this analysis though. We kept seeing the stone throughout the film. We even saw it floating in the flood.
@@glycerole4319 The stone is a fortune charm, a gift from a friend, the same friend who recommended the family to work for the rich. As we realize these work opportunities aren't as fortunate as they seem, the main character also realizes this stone is not really a stone. It's a fake, it floats.
Gotta give credit where credit's due, Tony Zhou started some kind of a TH-cam movement with these video essays about movies. All started with a Bong Joon-ho movie too, five years ago. RIP Every Frame a Painting
i love Every Frame a Painting but i've to say that i want more of these video ; i've learn so much and thanks to the explanation , i see films differently now . Parasite is not an exeption with that video , so i'm happy to discover this channel .
Really appreciate you going into this. As someone far more familiar with the culture of Asian cinema I now am going to go seek this out as it sounds like a film that will make you think and that is NEVER a bad thing.
This is an extraordinary cinema review you did for the Parasite...as a film maker and constant student of cinema, I learned something today by watching your video
The Native American reference also forms a meta-imagery on the parasitic relationship omnipresent in the film; perhaps the filmmaker is trying to draw a parallel to the parasite that is America in relation to Native Americans. There's also one part where the mother ironically mentions that the tepee was made the US, emphasizing the fact that America, is, in some sense, parasitically extracting value from the Native American legacy. However, the fact that the child is in the tepee and the characters are wearing Native American gear suggest that they are all victims, to some extent, of the societal structure that, in fact, promotes this parasitic relationship.
I actually think the obsession of American culture and history amongst elitist Koreans is what was being portrayed almost in a satirical way when the rich husband and wife would say English phrases.
@@0yy944 Nailed it. South Korea is obsessed with American culture and has 'parasited' them to a degree. You can clearly see the influences in their music and movies. Bong has created a film, where many elements introduced are done with an awareness that is in harmony with the greater themes.
Love your insight regarding "Natives" and the US, but I disagree with the other commenter @Ash Nair that there is an "obsession" with the US, it is also "forced" upon the people. Often Western values, or even learning English, are all "forced" exercises as a by-product of being an occupied country. Korea has had this relationship before with Japan and China before, and it seems it is the romanticization of the attacker to believe that the sufferer "wanted it". @Sharp Tongue is the one that nailed it, @Ash Nair, you are simply identifying with the attacker.
@@AshNair26 I think you do not understand correctly, or you are espousing your own Western propaganda here. The US has a military base in Korea, that have committed rapes and murders on the South Korean people, sometimes on children. Imagine having a foreign base in the US, like in Chicago, forcing their values, and language. Imagine a foreign country deciding for you if your people will go to war with your own people, for example with N Korea as Trump threatened. The relationship between the US and Korea, no matter how sugar-coated, is between occupier and occupied. And when you look at the music and movies in Korea you are being blind to the fact that the influences are from many many places, not just the US. What makes the Korean approach unique is that they learn. They learn from everywhere and they master it. The dedication toward an art is unparalleled, even to the point of physical exhaustion. They are not mere imitators but they are open to learning what is of value, and yes that includes the US but they are not exclusive. You should culture yourself then you might see more. Sorry but you just sound like an ignorant American.
It's easy to see that you have massive patience to build such a detailed analysis of every intended angle and film frame. My favourite is that you pointed out the filmers did not let their consistency limit their various shots of creativity. Thank you for showing us how to appreciate the movie even more in an artistic, poetic way.
This video makes me miss my uni years where movie analyzing is a thing, throwing opinions and perceptions on what we can deeply observe beyond cinematic view
Wonderful! Could not agree more. Something that I've always admired about Bong Joon Ho, and that you really nailed with this piece, is how his clear framing, direction of actors, and use of visual shorthand allows you to understand his stories and heroes without needing to understand the dialogue. I watched The Host without subtitles, and yet I completely understood who each of the main family members were. That's a sign of excellent directing right there, when the filmmaking literally transcends linguistic barriers.
I wish I spoke Korean so I could understand the jokes in the native tongue but even with subs, this was still a very funny movie. The way it changes tone an hour in was so jarring and then transforms into a thriller. I definitely enjoyed this one.
I was floored when I saw that a Bong Joon-Ho film would be playing in the USA. I believe I saw it four times in theatres once it was released, twice alone and then taking more people to see it. His first work I ever encountered was The Host on a blockbuster dvd in probably 7th grade (around 13 years old, 2007) and I knew he was an amazing director. His genre mixing is unrivaled. The bluntness is great like you said but it’s just the extreme attention to detail. I know the actors commented on repeating lines and he almost reminds me of Kubrick without going over the edge it shows how you can really be great without breaking down your cast. I’ll always love rewatching his films and catching any details or themes I missed and can’t wait for whatever else he works on in the future. I hope you do a plot analysis!
Wow, I am just in complete awe over this entire video (and channel)! Honestly, what struck me the most is the complete analysis of the camera angles- which I already understand the basic importance of- but specifically "the line". Definitely something no one really notices when watching a movie for the first time. However, I did want to point out another possibly symbolic shot, that in which is also shown in this video. The scene where Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Park are sitting at the dinner table. I love how the camera pans this with a very leveled pov and just so fits the whole table to the entire frame of the shot. Almost in quite a deliberate manner. Leaving the two women at the very far left and everything else is isolated/untouched. What I personally found interesting at second glance about this shot is how there are 10 equally fitted chairs. Well, first of all, it's already eye-catching enough bc what went through my mind was, "Why would a small family of four need such a huge table and with this amount of chairs?" And despite an opportunity to "share" when they hosted an event (the son's birthday party) everyone and everything is outside in the backyard, no one was actually inside at all actually. This piece of information actually falls underneath my entire ideology and even connects to the table: no matter how much "we" have, it is all ours. Notice how the chairs are aligned 4/4, 1/1. This makes me want to associate it with the two families of four, and the husband and wife whose chairs are distanced apart (Moonkwang and Geunsae), just as reflective irl. I simply want to point out the seemingly blatant coincidence that all the main characters add up to ten, just like the amount of chairs there are. But as you can see, with this small family and the lower class family, even if there is a seat for them they aren't "invited" therefore all the empty seats... relatively comparable to how it is for their life situations as well and will always be that way in this society. That they (the lower-class) will never be a part of nor seen as one with the upper-class, no matter how "close" they are between each other. Interestingly enough, within the scenes of this particular shot, the Kim family are hiding away from view- knowing how they're unallowed to all be in the house despite enjoying it just some minutes ago. Maybe an over-analysis but just something that sounded fascinating in my head. I probably didn't explain this so well but if you get the general gist of what i'm -pretentiously- saying it kinda seems to make sense in a way
Ina film that has been analysed so many times and so many things restated and regurgitated, you added a new perspective and more things I hadn't realized. Thank you for that.
my dude. i believe right now you're my favourite movie critic video essayist. keep doing this yt shit ma dude, its gonna be real downer if i dont see you in my homepage or whatever. i just love the way you explain about them films
Extremely insightful. Thanks, I learned a lot about the filmmakers techniques. My overwhelming feeling while watching this film was how good the acting in it is. Now I can appreciate how the director crafted the scenes to tell the story so effectively.
Wow I love that you highlighted that line at 10:02, never really noticed the significance of it until I saw this. Just shows that this film is literally filled to the brim with smart writing, camerawork and editing. A true masterpiece imo
The talk of dialogue echoes my first, favorite video essay channel, Every Frame A Painting, which stated how you can distinguish filmmakers and directors not by their most exciting action setpieces that only occur in a short fraction of the film, but by their most common and longest segments - the dialogue. Finding ways to make it creative, interesting, yet consistent, separates great directors from ...just directors.
This was a fantastic analysis/essay. You made it simple and straightforward to follow, without dumbing anything down at all. Saving it to my favourites to remind myself of those bullet points when creating things. Great job man!
I'm going to say this. The movie hasn't been show in Argentina yet. So, i won't watch your video now. But when it is rolled in the theater, i'll watch it first. Just to see what you say here.
Argentino soy. Vos crees que la iran a estrenar fuera de algun circuito cerrado en bs as? Soy de Tucuman asi que me rendi y la vi descargada, es excelente
I love this film & Bong Joon-Ho I really recommend you to watch this will parasite Make History at Oscars 2020? I know it will be difficult but you never know thanks
yeah and you do that by using the same lame expressions that everybody else on the net uses, just like the totally bland cinema style of today where everything looks the same and is built after the same plan. Quite ironic, isn't it?
i don't know anything about this movie aside from what you're talking about. but when i see the shot compositions of the clips you show, i can't help but love how clear every geometry and landscape are in most of the shots they have.
“Let’s all make good movies.” The perfect way to end this video. Could even be considered part of the analysis. Because as an aspiring filmmaker myself, that’s the exact feeling I had at the end of Parasite (and at the end of a much needed good year in cinema) I wanted to make a good movie.
I saw this last night and loved it. This video is great timing since the movie is still fresh in my mind. I did love that it had a more nuanced story, but compared to Snowpiercer, a grenade going off two feet away is subtle.
Brilliant video! Especially the use of lines was an eye-opener! I feel like you touched mostly on the visuals, and that the music and editing deserves some recognition as well! But then there's so many great things to appreciate about great works of cinema. Thank you for a good essay.
I also love the fact you feel an emotional attachment to the former housekeeper when they drover her off the house even without establishing her character and with very less screentime. They only described her entire background in a dialogue and yet you'd fell sympathetic for her.
I'm just wowed by the film. It's an entertaining arthouse film that let audiences experience a variety of kinds of emotions during its screening. This satirical dark thriller talks about a sensitive issue about our society faced with inequality of wealth and class warfare through a poor family infiltrating into a rich household in the manner of what the audiences can easily get the point.
Gosh... Ever since I saw Parasite in the theater, I've been obsessed with the movie and I swear each time I see someone analyze it I'm even more gobsmacked each time, including this video. Please do a video on the story !! Also I've been slowly but surely going through your channel and I wanted to thank you for your insight. I genuinely love asian cinema but fall short in fully understanding it because of cultural differences. You've been a great help in my journey into discovering new storytelling technique.
the symbolism and cinematography is strong on this one..i like how the growing resentment of poor vs rich explodes into shocking scene...the far fetched hope of freedom,both from self imposed imprisonement and social status was left to one's imagination..sublime movie making.
I've seen this movie recommended a few times already, but I assumed it was yet another artsy piece, which film students will fawn over, but for someone like me would provide little of interest. Before watching your video though, I finally gave it a chance and I have to say, I greatly enjoyed it. And what you say here I think is exactly the reason. It has very artsy and deliberate cinematography, but in a simple and clear style that anyone watching can appreciate. Combined with the interesting story and great writing, it really is an excellent movie.
Watching this was one of the best cinema experiences I've ever had, literally screaming into my hand at one point. I want to make films like this. This is cinema.
What I find fascinating about the movie is that - I haven't seen anyone be completely neutral about it. Everyone seems to be feeling strongly about it or the themes/symbolism within it, regardless if they liked the movie in itself or not. I think that's a pretty good achievement in these days, when it feels like we've seen it all and nothing is moving anymore.
this movie is rewatchable. knowing the plot twist(s) is going to enrich the viewing experience because after the first viewing, you can pay closer attention to the cinematography, the themes, all other subtle details and even the landscape and all the sets. i don't speak korean, so when focusing on the subtitles, sometimes it's easy to miss things that are only briefly shown.
Wow, this is a great video! I've already seen it twice and am planning to see it again this weekend, and I'll for sure be looking out for the line. Great job!
First of all YOUR VOICE IS SO CALMING I LOVE IT. I have no real/actual knowledge on cinematography or directing but in these two shots 3:03 when i watched the movie i thought the director wanted us to know that the character is being compared to the place he is entering, as in the character is way too small (very weak) compared to the environment he is trying to be in
It's things like what is explained in this video, that are why _Parasite_ had won the Best Picture Oscar (which I myself am glad that it did), it is a very beautiful film to watch, one that is both an art film and also an entertaining one, as well. The heavy amount of symbolism, metaphors, and commentary is both subtle and literal, that is makes re-watching the film a treat for people like me who are studying film. Whoever loved this film also needs to check out Bong's other films, especially _Memories of Murder_ or _The Host_ or even _Mother._
Good ending to the essay. We need the art movies to balance out the superhero franchise box office hits that studios prefer to put out these days. Hopefully Parasite gets an Oscar nomination at least, which didn’t happen with Park Chan Wok’s Handmaiden. Parasite is also my favorite film of Bong Joon-Ho now, and I really like how he portrays the characters as being realistic yet ultimately naive in their understanding other class. Tragedy and comedy being crossed so effortlessly in the film.
Parasite is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. I haven't felt so many emotions from one movie in a while! Thank you for this video to highlight the line that I didn't even notice my first time watching it!!
i started this video 1 month ago. didn't watch it because i didn't see the movie yet. I saw it yesterday and got this video in my recommended. thank you youtube lol
Great analysis. Big fan of this director (and Korean in general) having seen quite a few of both. I haven't seen this one yet, but it's on my radar and the things you've highlighted will undoubtedly make my experience more enlightened.
I think it's very important to note that these shots were done, not just for the sake of being different from the standard, but the fact that there was intent with each shot, to communicate/accentuate key ideas or themes that the movie would maybe portray in some other means, sometimes unnecessary means. Which is why good cinematography takes that job instead of needless exposition.
The cinematography of this movie is so good
That shot where Park So Dam sits on top of the toilet seat smoking a cigarette with the dirty water flowing out of the seat , that shot stuck to me
It's almost like karma
Me too! Amazing visual metaphor!
CultureDTCTV my favorite part about this scene that I noticed on second watch is that it’s intercut with a shot of the old housekeeper throwing up into the toilet
@@crystalthieves I noticed this too! The contrast in shots is amazing.
@@crystalthieves the entire scene is a contrast to the rich family house. You will also notice the flickering lights and other stuff too.
You got a real eye for this. I didn't even notice the line, but you're right it's very obviously there.
This line thing is mind blowing. I wasn't sure I was feeling as hype as this movie is getting, but this just did it. He crossed the line, man.
Right? I would never notice something as small as that but now I will never be able to unsee it.
Even after Ki woo follows the madam as they walk up the stair with the dog in arms; once they get to the top and start walking, the dog is positioned where its snout is just over the line. Not his whole head and not enough to draw too much attention.
Foreshadowing to the bedroom scene??
It's okay to not notice these things at first glance, I didn't. 1st watch is to be consumed by the story. 2nd is to analyze the picture =P
if our conscious mind didn't notice it mean it was great cinematography.
There's a scene in the movie where everyone is figuring out how to get the old housekeeper fired, in that scene the entire family is drinking beer, but notice that the mother's beer is the cheap one they were drinking before and rest everyone's beer is a more expensive one, showing how the mother is the only one who doesn't have a job in the park family household, even though we already knew that it's a nice subtle moment.
we all know how great the movie is no need to put logic into everything 😂
@@ShubhamPatil-rl4jk actually it's intended. I read that it express that mother is the one who always eat leftover.
Thank you for confusing me and wasting so much of my time, just kidding, what you're talking about is for real! It's just not where you said it was, it is not when they are planning to get the housekeeper fired, but when she is already fired and they are talking about the smell after the child notices it that day. The other member of the family are drinking another brand of beer whereas the mother is drinking this drink called 'filite', I read somewhere that it is actually the cheapest one. It unfortunately does not tie into your theory of her not being in the same status quo as the rest of them though, maybe you could argue that she has just begun and is not making as much money and that;s why the divide, but I think that's a long stretch for a such a small conclusion. However, with the attention given to every small detail, maybe you're not wrong but it's a really small and subtle thing as you said. I originally thought it doesn't matter and the mother just likes the other beer, but I guess making this small insignificant extension doesn't harm anything. You've got a sharp eye though!
I went to the movies, bought a ticket for Dark Waters, and accidentally walked into this show instead. About 5 minutes in, I realized I was at the completely wrong movie, but I decided to stay because the theater was packed and I figured it must be a good film. Needless to say, this was the best movie I have seen in theaters since I can remember. Going into the movie knowing nothing about it, I was absolutely mind blown by the end. And this breakdown only adds to my appreciation for this movie
Coincidence. An artist just referred me to the film soundtrack to _Dark Waters_ and asked me to set her artwork to the music.
Wow!
What a good mistake.
"there are no accidents" - oogway
Whaat? Is that mean u watch this movie illegally? Lol
The point you raise about the son crossing the line is great, but I'll also add something: he crosses the line because the camera frames it that way, not because the son moves forward. That's the intended illusion of class incompatibility: he thinks a working-class person can rise to the level of the rich, and he maintains the delusion that he can, even till the ending.
People that said he can never be rich enough to buy the house were too pessimistic, it really depends on how many people you're willing to screw over. He can develop apps, hell even cook meth or whatever shady shit, when there's a will.
It's the correct reading of the film's own text, though. His dad warns him not to make plans, as they're always bound to fail. He then promptly plans to solve the situation at the basement, and it backfires immensely. You'd think the lesson would be learned, but he still phrases his intent to become rich and buy the house as a "plan", and we get to see the payoff only to be bluntly cut back to his harsh reality. That's the whole point of parasite. Class mobility is a perverse illusion, a dream, a trap. And the movie's right at that, I mean, show me a self-proclaimed self-made man and I'll show you someone with some amount of inherited wealth.
@@loveislove2359 right, but then it just becomes a question of luck: how long til you get caught. Jail or worse, depending on who you screwed. As for apps, its the lottery.
Love is Love yep, but Bong wanted to leave the audience feeling hella fucked up, i feel like the movie wouldn’t have had the magnitude it has if he ended it with that utopian fantasy. the song playing during the end credits scene was about how he spent the rest of his life slaving at part time jobs, and it would take 564 years for him to be able to save enough money to buy that house. it’s cruel, but Bong felt that it was a necessary evil that just highlights the cruel reality
@@loveislove2359 The correct word is realistic. His odds were tremendously against him, even more so if he had to do this before his father dies of old age regardless of if you include illegal means. Let's see you build a fortune in just a few decades. It's all just pessimism anyway, surely you'll succeed?
The line feels so obvious now that you mention it, but it never even crossed my mind beyond just "Oh that's some cool shot composition."
It's nice to see the cinematography complimenting the story and themes of the film, beyond just getting us from point A to B
TheLocalMaxTax he constantly mixes cinematography with direction
Years ago, Bong was interviewed by a Korean culture magazine about his fascination with the 1960 classic The Housemaid. He pinpointed director Kim Kiyoung's use of the stairs as an additional "actor". In The Housemaid, the stairs symbolizes the family's newly-adopted class status. With bad things happening in or near the stairs, Kim shows the family's difficulties (the husband's affair, the wife's health, etc) through it. Much of the set in Parasite is inspired by The Housemaid if we look at how Bong divided each area of the house and the way the transitions are shot.
Housemaid was definitely one of my first thoughts while watching this movie, including that damned staircase in it.
Oh god, and the woman was killed by being kicked down the stairs.
Stairs make all scenes more interesting.
_The Housemaid_ is on TH-cam. th-cam.com/video/-J_HTZFC32s/w-d-xo.html
great analysis. you should include the cinematographer's name which is Hong Kyungpyo by the way.
I should. But I didn't because I can't for the life of me say that name without butchering the pronunciation lol.
@undertakersarmpit as a korean who can speak both languages fluently, I approve this comment! You made the pronunciation much easier for other foreigners. Thank you.
The cinematographer was awesome ❤️❤️❤️❤️
@@sincerelysilvia at least capitalize the K in Korean if you think you are a bilingual...
@@baekdutiger631 that's such a small detail and this is just a comment section on youtube not an MLA format essay
Nicely observed and well edited. This is a nice lesson on some of the reasons why "Parasite" is, hands down, the best film of 2019.
Put jisoo from blackpink in top 10
Is this mean u will put Park So Damn in your top 100?
@@zakral1 "Damn"? 😂 Damn autocorrect
@@zakral1 lol
@@JythanONG thats intended. because you know Park is So Damn Beautiful.
Parasite is one of those Gems in the Film Industry
that gives the viewers a meaningful Emotional and Intellectual experience that sticks to them for a long time.
never expected to see you here from mobile legends videos, nice to see you here ❤️
Holy moly the set design for the line to separate the rich and the poor is so freaking clever this film is a masterpiece
You people bring us deep into movies we never knew possible.
@Danny Dolan hmmm
Every frame a painting.
A previous comment thread with this guy (uploader) indicates he admires EFAP
Nevertheless i extend my admiration to other youtubers who analyze films and stories but my comment is truly for AC, and EFAP.
@Danny Dolan ok.
I did not know that movie 😂😂😂
@Danny Dolan Irishman?😂
@Danny Dolan what do YOU mean, you people?
😎
This is what Martin Scorsese is referring to. This is cinema compared to as you have said, the mass produced entertainment films.
Who's Martin?
Sid Michael Fajardo look it up
I think this is clearly what he meant... as much of an MCU fan as I am, I think the true passion for film only shows from projects like Parasite or The Lighthouse where the filmmaker actually challenges the viewer and is able to offer their own voice and rely on intellect rather than spoonfeeding the audience everything
Guess what? There's space for all kinds of films, it's not bloody finite. Marvel clearly hasn't killed or detracted from what snobs refer to as "cinema". I'm fucking fed up of this stupid, banal conversation that reeks of elitism and little else.
@@JudeNiro Guess what? No one said mass entertainment films are killing artful movies. You're just making yourself look like a ass.
That thing with the line is crazy. It's so obvious in retrospect but I'd never notice them without it being pointed out
There's another scene where Min gives the family the scholar rock I think, where the dad tries to rise out of his seat but there's a shelf above his head that knocks him back down. Literally putting him back in his place.
I always thought about that too
It's like foreshadowing to his fate in the basement.. he tried to overpower the rich by killing the rich man but he ended up lower than he was.. shut and hidden by the cabinet
Who noticed the little boy Da- Song throwing arrows at Ki-woo just after his English lesson and right in the middle of being introduced to the housekeeper. I interpret this as the little boy seeing Ki - woo as the invader, someone who is trying to enter his home, his class status; just like how the native Americans fought against the colonisers in order to preserve their territory.
Maybe its just a kid playing with arrows
..0
@@eltonjohntubola3212 nah this is Boon Joon Ho here. Every scene is carefully painted masterpiece
that is such an awesome detail
I think it's more of an irony that the rich family's child is playing with Native Americans culture like a game, who were also perceived as "uncivilized" by White Americans.
Tiny cultural detail : not only beers are wayyyy cheaper than scotch, the specific brand of beer they’re chugging down, Filite, happens to be one of the cheapest brand of beer, nay, beverage you could possibly find in Korea, about 60 cents USD a can. Bottled waters sometimes come up with higher price tag than that.
Yeah, Filite is dirt cheap. And with import markups in mind that liquor is so much more expensive for a Korean family.
i couldn't really see but the bottle that the sister got drunk on looked to be a patron tequila bottle. tequila can get someone fkd up real good lol
If I remember correctly, they also upgraded to imported Sapporo when celebrating the success of their scams.
Love that breakdown of the line. Ugh I need to see this film again
Yes, definitely see it again - there was so much to take in, a second watch revealed so much more
So glad see this film keep bringing up by TH-cam film essayist. This is, without a doubt, the best film and a closing chapter for 2019 film
The detail of Ki-Jung's clarity during the flood is so good, and highlights something really crucial to her character... apathy. She uses apathy as a tool to keep herself sane, whether its to keep a clear mind during tragedy, or distancing herself from the notion of guilt. It's a common self-preservation trait, to dissociate from your empathy while in poverty.
holy shit... the "line" part gives me goosebumps
What a masterpiece!
and also this video! thx
I never really notice 'the line' until I watched this. The stone that was supposed to bring them good luck was not mention in this analysis though. We kept seeing the stone throughout the film. We even saw it floating in the flood.
I feel like that moment of realization (that the rock floats) is a bit too good to be spoiled. I did do a double take the moment I saw that.
@@AccentedCinema damn nice of you
What does the stone floating symbolise?
@@glycerole4319 The stone is a fortune charm, a gift from a friend, the same friend who recommended the family to work for the rich.
As we realize these work opportunities aren't as fortunate as they seem, the main character also realizes this stone is not really a stone. It's a fake, it floats.
@@AccentedCinema i see... i just cldnt grasp how it can float though... the characters were lugging it around like it was really heavy :P
Gotta give credit where credit's due, Tony Zhou started some kind of a TH-cam movement with these video essays about movies. All started with a Bong Joon-ho movie too, five years ago. RIP Every Frame a Painting
ShaZan1011 he died?
@@maryemerald9907 Just the channel...
so, by that logic, every react channel must give credit to the first channel that uploaded a reaction video?
frutanegra yes pay your respects to two girls one cup
i love Every Frame a Painting but i've to say that i want more of these video ; i've learn so much and thanks to the explanation , i see films differently now . Parasite is not an exeption with that video , so i'm happy to discover this channel .
Really appreciate you going into this. As someone far more familiar with the culture of Asian cinema I now am going to go seek this out as it sounds like a film that will make you think and that is NEVER a bad thing.
I've read about the line before, but it's my first time noticing the relevance of the son's reflection! Amazing!
This is an extraordinary cinema review you did for the Parasite...as a film maker and constant student of cinema, I learned something today by watching your video
The Native American reference also forms a meta-imagery on the parasitic relationship omnipresent in the film; perhaps the filmmaker is trying to draw a parallel to the parasite that is America in relation to Native Americans. There's also one part where the mother ironically mentions that the tepee was made the US, emphasizing the fact that America, is, in some sense, parasitically extracting value from the Native American legacy. However, the fact that the child is in the tepee and the characters are wearing Native American gear suggest that they are all victims, to some extent, of the societal structure that, in fact, promotes this parasitic relationship.
I actually think the obsession of American culture and history amongst elitist Koreans is what was being portrayed almost in a satirical way when the rich husband and wife would say English phrases.
@@0yy944 actually i think both your comment and the upper comment are true. Bong probably layered it.
@@0yy944 Nailed it. South Korea is obsessed with American culture and has 'parasited' them to a degree. You can clearly see the influences in their music and movies. Bong has created a film, where many elements introduced are done with an awareness that is in harmony with the greater themes.
Love your insight regarding "Natives" and the US, but I disagree with the other commenter @Ash Nair that there is an "obsession" with the US, it is also "forced" upon the people. Often Western values, or even learning English, are all "forced" exercises as a by-product of being an occupied country. Korea has had this relationship before with Japan and China before, and it seems it is the romanticization of the attacker to believe that the sufferer "wanted it". @Sharp Tongue is the one that nailed it, @Ash Nair, you are simply identifying with the attacker.
@@AshNair26 I think you do not understand correctly, or you are espousing your own Western propaganda here. The US has a military base in Korea, that have committed rapes and murders on the South Korean people, sometimes on children. Imagine having a foreign base in the US, like in Chicago, forcing their values, and language. Imagine a foreign country deciding for you if your people will go to war with your own people, for example with N Korea as Trump threatened. The relationship between the US and Korea, no matter how sugar-coated, is between occupier and occupied. And when you look at the music and movies in Korea you are being blind to the fact that the influences are from many many places, not just the US. What makes the Korean approach unique is that they learn. They learn from everywhere and they master it. The dedication toward an art is unparalleled, even to the point of physical exhaustion. They are not mere imitators but they are open to learning what is of value, and yes that includes the US but they are not exclusive. You should culture yourself then you might see more. Sorry but you just sound like an ignorant American.
It's easy to see that you have massive patience to build such a detailed analysis of every intended angle and film frame. My favourite is that you pointed out the filmers did not let their consistency limit their various shots of creativity. Thank you for showing us how to appreciate the movie even more in an artistic, poetic way.
This video makes me miss my uni years where movie analyzing is a thing, throwing opinions and perceptions on what we can deeply observe beyond cinematic view
Man, I never noticed "the line" because I was so focused on the characters! I'm glad these channels exist to shed a different light
作为一个中国人，我是如此喜爱奉俊昊和朴赞郁两位导演，我反复观看他们的影片并惊讶于他们的才华。韩国不干涉电影的政策以及完整的电影分级制度是对的，祝福，希望能看到更多这样的艺术，祝韩国能在国际上斩获更多大奖。
The line breakdown is an eye opener. Good eye
You are by far
my favorite Video Essayist in TH-cam
Wonderful! Could not agree more. Something that I've always admired about Bong Joon Ho, and that you really nailed with this piece, is how his clear framing, direction of actors, and use of visual shorthand allows you to understand his stories and heroes without needing to understand the dialogue. I watched The Host without subtitles, and yet I completely understood who each of the main family members were. That's a sign of excellent directing right there, when the filmmaking literally transcends linguistic barriers.
I wish I spoke Korean so I could understand the jokes in the native tongue but even with subs, this was still a very funny movie. The way it changes tone an hour in was so jarring and then transforms into a thriller. I definitely enjoyed this one.
4 years later I watched your video and the conclusion was the following: What a good video. Congratulations on the work!
I was floored when I saw that a Bong Joon-Ho film would be playing in the USA. I believe I saw it four times in theatres once it was released, twice alone and then taking more people to see it. His first work I ever encountered was The Host on a blockbuster dvd in probably 7th grade (around 13 years old, 2007) and I knew he was an amazing director. His genre mixing is unrivaled.
The bluntness is great like you said but it’s just the extreme attention to detail. I know the actors commented on repeating lines and he almost reminds me of Kubrick without going over the edge it shows how you can really be great without breaking down your cast. I’ll always love rewatching his films and catching any details or themes I missed and can’t wait for whatever else he works on in the future. I hope you do a plot analysis!
Wow, I am just in complete awe over this entire video (and channel)! Honestly, what struck me the most is the complete analysis of the camera angles- which I already understand the basic importance of- but specifically "the line". Definitely something no one really notices when watching a movie for the first time. However, I did want to point out another possibly symbolic shot, that in which is also shown in this video. The scene where Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Park are sitting at the dinner table. I love how the camera pans this with a very leveled pov and just so fits the whole table to the entire frame of the shot. Almost in quite a deliberate manner. Leaving the two women at the very far left and everything else is isolated/untouched. What I personally found interesting at second glance about this shot is how there are 10 equally fitted chairs. Well, first of all, it's already eye-catching enough bc what went through my mind was, "Why would a small family of four need such a huge table and with this amount of chairs?" And despite an opportunity to "share" when they hosted an event (the son's birthday party) everyone and everything is outside in the backyard, no one was actually inside at all actually. This piece of information actually falls underneath my entire ideology and even connects to the table: no matter how much "we" have, it is all ours. Notice how the chairs are aligned 4/4, 1/1. This makes me want to associate it with the two families of four, and the husband and wife whose chairs are distanced apart (Moonkwang and Geunsae), just as reflective irl. I simply want to point out the seemingly blatant coincidence that all the main characters add up to ten, just like the amount of chairs there are. But as you can see, with this small family and the lower class family, even if there is a seat for them they aren't "invited" therefore all the empty seats... relatively comparable to how it is for their life situations as well and will always be that way in this society. That they (the lower-class) will never be a part of nor seen as one with the upper-class, no matter how "close" they are between each other. Interestingly enough, within the scenes of this particular shot, the Kim family are hiding away from view- knowing how they're unallowed to all be in the house despite enjoying it just some minutes ago.
Maybe an over-analysis but just something that sounded fascinating in my head. I probably didn't explain this so well but if you get the general gist of what i'm -pretentiously- saying it kinda seems to make sense in a way
Ina film that has been analysed so many times and so many things restated and regurgitated, you added a new perspective and more things I hadn't realized. Thank you for that.
my dude. i believe right now you're my favourite movie critic video essayist. keep doing this yt shit ma dude, its gonna be real downer if i dont see you in my homepage or whatever. i just love the way you explain about them films
Extremely insightful. Thanks, I learned a lot about the filmmakers techniques. My overwhelming feeling while watching this film was how good the acting in it is. Now I can appreciate how the director crafted the scenes to tell the story so effectively.
Omg, this line thing changes everything. I've watched like 15 analyses of this film now and no one has even mentioned it.
Wow I love that you highlighted that line at 10:02, never really noticed the significance of it until I saw this. Just shows that this film is literally filled to the brim with smart writing, camerawork and editing. A true masterpiece imo
The talk of dialogue echoes my first, favorite video essay channel, Every Frame A Painting, which stated how you can distinguish filmmakers and directors not by their most exciting action setpieces that only occur in a short fraction of the film, but by their most common and longest segments - the dialogue. Finding ways to make it creative, interesting, yet consistent, separates great directors from ...just directors.
The line part blew my mind. I need to do some freelance studying on filming and movies to enjoy what I watch more. Thanks!
This was a fantastic analysis/essay. You made it simple and straightforward to follow, without dumbing anything down at all. Saving it to my favourites to remind myself of those bullet points when creating things. Great job man!
This is the best analysis on youtube ...respect !
Excellent video , thanks ... I loved that scene when they left the luxurious house in the rain storm ... so good ..
I'm going to say this.
The movie hasn't been show in Argentina yet.
So, i won't watch your video now.
But when it is rolled in the theater, i'll watch it first. Just to see what you say here.
You should watch this movie in the cinema. you won't regret!
Argentino soy. Vos crees que la iran a estrenar fuera de algun circuito cerrado en bs as? Soy de Tucuman asi que me rendi y la vi descargada, es excelente
@@coilcitu Ni idea. No pierdo la fe );
@@coilcitu está en cuevana, ya sé no es lo mismo que verla en el cine, pero algoes algo
I love this film & Bong Joon-Ho
I really recommend you to watch this
will parasite Make History at Oscars 2020?
I know it will be difficult but you never know
thanks
I cried a little in the 'let's make good movies.'
Its okay.
yeah and you do that by using the same lame expressions that everybody else on the net uses, just like the totally bland cinema style of today where everything looks the same and is built after the same plan. Quite ironic, isn't it?
ngl that got me too...
BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR
i watched it 5 times in theater and enjoyed it every time!!!!
My favorite film of the year. Excellent breakdown.
the line technique separating the two classes absolutely blew me away, that's genius!
i don't know anything about this movie aside from what you're talking about. but when i see the shot compositions of the clips you show, i can't help but love how clear every geometry and landscape are in most of the shots they have.
“Let’s all make good movies.”
The perfect way to end this video. Could even be considered part of the analysis. Because as an aspiring filmmaker myself, that’s the exact feeling I had at the end of Parasite (and at the end of a much needed good year in cinema) I wanted to make a good movie.
The line bit is genius! I would’ve never picked that up if you hadn’t mentioned it.
WOW that line stuff is incredible, I am blown away by your eye for detail.
These are so well written - loving this channel
I saw this last night and loved it. This video is great timing since the movie is still fresh in my mind. I did love that it had a more nuanced story, but compared to Snowpiercer, a grenade going off two feet away is subtle.
this is the best essay analysis of Parasite so far, i applaud👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Brilliant video! Especially the use of lines was an eye-opener!
I feel like you touched mostly on the visuals, and that the music and editing deserves some recognition as well! But then there's so many great things to appreciate about great works of cinema. Thank you for a good essay.
I also love the fact you feel an emotional attachment to the former housekeeper when they drover her off the house even without establishing her character and with very less screentime. They only described her entire background in a dialogue and yet you'd fell sympathetic for her.
I really loved that sinking shot showing the wires. Just beautiful
This is genius. So crazy I never noticed the lines, but only when the former maid woke the rich wife.
I agree - the only time.
I'm just wowed by the film. It's an entertaining arthouse film that let audiences experience a variety of kinds of emotions during its screening. This satirical dark thriller talks about a sensitive issue about our society faced with inequality of wealth and class warfare through a poor family infiltrating into a rich household in the manner of what the audiences can easily get the point.
Gosh... Ever since I saw Parasite in the theater, I've been obsessed with the movie and I swear each time I see someone analyze it I'm even more gobsmacked each time, including this video. Please do a video on the story !!
Also I've been slowly but surely going through your channel and I wanted to thank you for your insight. I genuinely love asian cinema but fall short in fully understanding it because of cultural differences. You've been a great help in my journey into discovering new storytelling technique.
The line... Gosh, The line! Once you notice it, it cannot be unseen.
Thanks for that ;)
Oh my GOD i can't tell you how much I loved this video. As an inspiring filmmaker I felt like crying by the end notes. Jesus.
I cant stop watching analysis videos 😭😭 i am obsessed with this movie
I never knew making a film could take paying this much attention to detail.
That "line" detail is such a great bumping the lamp technique. Thanks for pointing it out.
this film is such a masterpiece .. it will stand on its own for many decades to come
Great analysis of the film, I particularly enjoyed your analysis of the lines and the set up of the shots (low to high, and zoomed-in to zoomed-out)
the symbolism and cinematography is strong on this one..i like how the growing resentment of poor vs rich explodes into shocking scene...the far fetched hope of freedom,both from self imposed imprisonement and social status was left to one's imagination..sublime movie making.
I've seen this movie recommended a few times already, but I assumed it was yet another artsy piece, which film students will fawn over, but for someone like me would provide little of interest. Before watching your video though, I finally gave it a chance and I have to say, I greatly enjoyed it.
And what you say here I think is exactly the reason. It has very artsy and deliberate cinematography, but in a simple and clear style that anyone watching can appreciate. Combined with the interesting story and great writing, it really is an excellent movie.
Thank you for your video. I finally watched Parasite and really enjoy your analysis and lesson.
Watching this was one of the best cinema experiences I've ever had, literally screaming into my hand at one point. I want to make films like this. This is cinema.
I’m proud of myself for catching a lot of this stuff but you do really well to illustrate little nuances I missed. Great video!
What I find fascinating about the movie is that - I haven't seen anyone be completely neutral about it. Everyone seems to be feeling strongly about it or the themes/symbolism within it, regardless if they liked the movie in itself or not. I think that's a pretty good achievement in these days, when it feels like we've seen it all and nothing is moving anymore.
this movie is rewatchable. knowing the plot twist(s) is going to enrich the viewing experience because after the first viewing, you can pay closer attention to the cinematography, the themes, all other subtle details and even the landscape and all the sets.
i don't speak korean, so when focusing on the subtitles, sometimes it's easy to miss things that are only briefly shown.
Wow, this is a great video! I've already seen it twice and am planning to see it again this weekend, and I'll for sure be looking out for the line. Great job!
Another fantastic video! Your commentary really adds to my appreciation of this film👏💕
You have a knack for explaining this simply and concisely! Well done 👏🏻
This film just got 10 thousand times better, which I didn't think was possible. Hands down one of my favorite movies ever
I love this video, thanks for your detailed visual analysis
Incredible video. First time I’ve seen a video essay be so emotional and informative. You’ve got a new sub here buddy keep up the fantastic work
I think even Bong himself can learn a few filming strategies from your analysis of his video.
First of all YOUR VOICE IS SO CALMING I LOVE IT.
I have no real/actual knowledge on cinematography or directing but in these two shots 3:03 when i watched the movie i thought the director wanted us to know that the character is being compared to the place he is entering, as in the character is way too small (very weak) compared to the environment he is trying to be in
It's things like what is explained in this video, that are why _Parasite_ had won the Best Picture Oscar (which I myself am glad that it did), it is a very beautiful film to watch, one that is both an art film and also an entertaining one, as well. The heavy amount of symbolism, metaphors, and commentary is both subtle and literal, that is makes re-watching the film a treat for people like me who are studying film. Whoever loved this film also needs to check out Bong's other films, especially _Memories of Murder_ or _The Host_ or even _Mother._
Good ending to the essay. We need the art movies to balance out the superhero franchise box office hits that studios prefer to put out these days. Hopefully Parasite gets an Oscar nomination at least, which didn’t happen with Park Chan Wok’s Handmaiden. Parasite is also my favorite film of Bong Joon-Ho now, and I really like how he portrays the characters as being realistic yet ultimately naive in their understanding other class. Tragedy and comedy being crossed so effortlessly in the film.
alvinkuo777 he literally made a sci-fi action movie starring Chris Evans. I loved it but still
Parasite is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. I haven't felt so many emotions from one movie in a while! Thank you for this video to highlight the line that I didn't even notice my first time watching it!!
The line was brilliant. Great video. Surprised this doesn't have more views.
i started this video 1 month ago. didn't watch it because i didn't see the movie yet.
I saw it yesterday and got this video in my recommended.
thank you youtube lol
Great analysis. Big fan of this director (and Korean in general) having seen quite a few of both. I haven't seen this one yet, but it's on my radar and the things you've highlighted will undoubtedly make my experience more enlightened.
I think it's very important to note that these shots were done, not just for the sake of being different from the standard, but the fact that there was intent with each shot, to communicate/accentuate key ideas or themes that the movie would maybe portray in some other means, sometimes unnecessary means. Which is why good cinematography takes that job instead of needless exposition.
My god your videos are quality. You deserve so many more subs.
lovely work on this essay, the points about poetry of filmmaking were especially good.
I love this essay. Your point about the line blew my mind!
Thank you for this! I didnt notice the visual "line" but noticed its effect on me. Beautiful film and beautiful essay ;)
This analysis is the cherry 🍒 on top of my obsession and appreciation of this movie since watching it 3 months ago!!