Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho's Parasite quickly became a landmark in global cinema, blending social commentary, suspense, and genre-bending storytelling to create a film that resonated deeply with audiences around the world. With its groundbreaking success, particularly winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, Parasite shattered expectations about the reach and appeal of foreign films. By exploring class inequality through a uniquely South Korean lens, the film achieved both critical and commercial success, breaking cultural and linguistic barriers and setting new standards for global cinema.

A New Era for Non-English Language Films

Before Parasite, foreign-language films had often been seen as niche offerings, mostly appreciated by arthouse audiences or those with a particular interest in international cinema. The film’s success marked a seismic shift in the global film landscape. As the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, the film proved that films with subtitles could appeal to mainstream audiences. This momentous win highlighted that audiences are open to stories told from different cultural perspectives, setting the stage for more foreign films to gain recognition outside their country of origin.

Parasite's success expanded South Korean cinema's visibility and positioned it on the global stage, showcasing its unique ability to blend compelling narratives with universal themes. The recognition of Parasite as Best Picture also signaled a move away from the notion that American films were the sole standard-bearers of cinematic excellence. This breakthrough opened the door for future international films to be seen by larger audiences, encouraging them to seek out more diverse and culturally specific stories.

Genre-Bending Mastery and Unpredictable Tone

One of the film's defining features is its ability to blend genres, creating a narrative that is as hard to pin down as it is captivating. At its core, the film is a social thriller exploring the divide between the rich and the poor, but it incorporates elements of dark comedy, heist thriller, family drama, and suspense. This fusion of genres is particularly appealing because it defies the typical conventions that audiences might expect from each individual genre.

In the first act, the Kims, a poor family, begin infiltrating the wealthy Park household under false pretenses, setting the stage for a suspenseful heist narrative. The situation soon escalates into moments of horror and tragedy as the consequences of the Kims’ deception unfold. The film's unpredictable shifts in tone keep audiences on their toes, never knowing whether the next scene will be comedic, dramatic, or intense.

An iconic scene exemplifying this unpredictability occurs when the Kims, desperate for phone service in their basement apartment, stretch across a toilet to catch a signal. This moment, both humorous and relatable, underscores the desperation of their situation while showcasing Bong Joon-ho’s skill at blending the mundane with the absurd. It is a poignant reminder of the Kims' lower-class struggle while simultaneously drawing out laughs, exemplifying the film's mastery in balancing humor with social commentary.

A Global Commentary on Class Divide

At the heart of Parasite is a profound social critique of class divide and economic inequality. The film paints a stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy Parks and the impoverished Kims. Through its narrative, Parasite explores how class inequality perpetuates systemic oppression, not only affecting the lives of individuals but also shaping their identities and relationships. The movie’s portrayal of the divide between the rich and the poor, shown through the Parks’ pristine mansion and the Kims' cramped basement apartment, highlights the dehumanizing effects of this inequality.

The architectural contrast between the two families’ homes is a key visual element throughout the film. The Parks live in a luxurious home designed with sleek, modern lines and open spaces, symbolizing their wealth and societal status. In contrast, the Kims live in a small, cluttered basement apartment, a constant reminder of their social and economic limitations. These physical spaces serve as metaphors for the broader systemic issues at play. The visual and spatial storytelling reinforces the idea that no matter how hard the Kims work or how much they assimilate into the world of the Parks, they remain trapped in their lower status.

Despite being grounded in South Korean culture, Parasite's themes resonate universally. Class inequality is a global issue, and Bong Joon-ho’s exploration of it appeals to audiences in many different countries. The film’s sharp commentary on capitalism and the unattainable dream of upward mobility speaks to people across cultural boundaries, making Parasite a universally understood critique of societal structures.

The Appeal of South Korean Cinema on the Global Stage

Before Parasite, South Korean cinema had already gained recognition with directors like Park Chan-wook and Kim Ki-duk, who made waves with films like Oldboy and Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring. However, the film catapulted South Korean cinema to an entirely new level, proving that films from this region could engage with global audiences on a mass scale. The movie’s international success—grossing over $250 million worldwide—demonstrated that audiences are increasingly open to films from different cultures, especially when they address universal themes that transcend language and geography.

The film’s recognition has encouraged a global audience to appreciate South Korean storytelling and filmmaking techniques. This has had a ripple effect on the industry, prompting other filmmakers worldwide to explore how they can infuse their own cultural contexts into stories relevant to a broader audience.

Cultural Relevance and the Breaking Down of Barriers

Parasite has also helped to break down the barriers between foreign and mainstream cinema, showing that films from different cultures can connect with a global audience. The film’s success has set the stage for greater appreciation of foreign films in Western markets, as it has proven that stories told in different languages can resonate deeply with people of all backgrounds. While Parasite is rooted in the specific cultural context of South Korea, it appeals to a universal human experience, allowing it to transcend borders.

The film’s success proves that audiences are ready for more diverse storytelling that does not solely rely on the conventions of Hollywood cinema. Parasite has paved the way for other international films to achieve recognition beyond niche arthouse circles by breaking through the dominance of English-language films.