Parasite has been making waves across the film industry since its debut in 2019. With its unique blend of satire, horror, and social commentary, Bong Joon-ho’s film has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including four Oscars. In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes Parasite such an exceptional film, from its cast and plot to its cinematography and directing. We will also explore where you can watch this masterpiece, its pricing and available formats, as well as some important warnings and recommendations.
Overview
Parasite is a South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The movie tells the story of two families—the wealthy Parks and the impoverished Kims—and the consequences of their intersection. The Kims slowly integrate themselves into the Parks’ lives as they take over various services, until they find themselves completely enmeshed. However, the Kims’ illusion of stability is shattered when unexpected events unfold and their schemes are exposed.
Casts
The cast of Parasite is top-notch, with each actor delivering an incredible performance. The Kims are played by Song Kang-ho as father Ki-taek, Jang Hye-jin as mother Chung-sook, Choi Woo-sik as son Ki-woo, and Park So-dam as daughter Ki-jung. Meanwhile, the Parks are portrayed by Lee Sun-kyun as father Dong-ik, Cho Yeo-jeong as mother Yeon-kyo, Jung Ji-so as daughter Da-hye, and Jung Hyun-joon as son Da-song. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making the film feel all the more real.
Synopsis
Parasite follows the Kims, a family living in poverty in a crowded basement apartment, struggling to survive in a world that seems rigged against them. When the son, Ki-woo, lands a job with the wealthy Parks, the Kims begin plotting and scheming to get the rest of their family hired as well. Soon, they are working for the Parks in various roles, but their lives become more complicated as their deception gets more dangerous. The film takes a turn when the former housekeeper returns, revealing a dark secret that unravels everything the Kims have worked for, leading to a tense, heartbreaking conclusion.
Plot
One of the most impressive aspects of Parasite is its expertly crafted plot. The film seamlessly weaves elements of suspense, humor, tragedy, and social commentary in a way that captivates audiences from start to finish. The story is a poignant commentary on economic inequality, pitting the wealthy against the poor in a way that exposes the flaws in the class system. The film also delves into the psycho-social dynamics of deceit and betrayal. It is a movie that explores the dark side of human nature and forces us to ask ourselves, “What would I do in their situation?”
Characters & Performance
The characters in Parasite are intriguing and complex. The Kims are likable and relatable, which makes it easy for the audience to root for them. The Parks, on the other hand, are reserved and elitist, making it hard to connect with them. The performances are outstanding across the board, with each actor bringing their character to life in a unique and authentic way.
Effects
Parasite doesn’t rely on over-the-top special effects or flashy visuals. Instead, the movie’s power comes from its storytelling. The filmmakers expertly use camera movements, lighting, and sound to create a sense of unease and suspense. The film’s minimalistic approach to special effects highlights the strength of the writing and acting.
Soundtrack
The music in Parasite is hauntingly beautiful, created by South Korean composer Jung Jae-il. The score is minimalistic but effective, with each piece adding to the film’s atmosphere of tension and suspense.
Cinematography
The cinematography in Parasite is breathtakingly beautiful. The film’s use of natural light and shadows is particularly impressive, with many scenes taking place in Kim’s dark and cramped basement apartment or in the luxurious, sunlit house of the Parks. The contrast between the two is striking, highlighting the divide between the haves and have-nots.
Directing
Bong Joon-ho’s direction is masterful, with each shot expertly crafted to create a sense of tension and unease. The film’s pacing is perfect, with each scene building on the last, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The movie’s visceral ending is a testament to Joon-ho’s skills as a storyteller.
Popular Streaming Platforms
If you want to watch Parasite online, several popular streaming platforms offer it in different regions. In the US, Hulu has exclusive streaming rights to the movie. If you’re in the UK, you can watch it on Amazon Prime Video. The film is also available on YouTube Movies, Google Play, and Vudu in the US, but it comes at a price. In Canada, you can watch the movie on Netflix but the movie is only available through premium subscription services
How to Watch
If you have a Hulu subscription, you can watch it online via the Hulu app or on their website. If you prefer Amazon Prime Video, you can rent or buy the movie on their platform. If you’re in the US, you can also rent or buy it online from platforms like YouTube Movies, Google Play, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. In the UK, Amazon Prime Video is your go to destination for renting or buying the movie. The easiest way to watch the movie will depend on your location, device, and streaming preferences.
Rental and Purchase Options, Pricing and Available Formats
The pricing and availability of Parasite varies depending on the platform and country you’re in. In the US, the movie can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $14.99 on platforms like Google Play, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. On Amazon Prime Video, renting the movie is only $0.99 or $3.99 and purchasing is $14.99. The pricing and formats vary greatly in different regions for example in South Korea, Parasite is available for streaming on IPTV. For users who are in the region, the movie is free to watch if they subscribe to the service for premiums
Free Streaming Options
At the moment there are no legal ways to watch Parasite for free. However, some streaming platforms offer free trials which viewers can use to watch the movie. You may also be able to watch it for free if you have a premium subscription to a South Korean IPTV. However, there is a risk of viruses and other malware in pirated sites, which is why we don’t recommend it. Try taking advantage of free trials offered by the streaming platforms as an alternative.
Torrenting and Piracy Warning
Torrenting Parasite or streaming the movie from illegal websites is not recommended. These sites are often riddled with viruses and malware, which can harm your device and your data. Furthermore, piracy is a crime and therefore punishable by law. It is essential to use only legal streaming platforms for watching the movie.
VPNs for Geo-Restrictions
If you’re in a country where Parasite is not available or if it’s blocked, you can use a VPN (virtual private network) to access it. VPNs are software that allows you to mask your IP address and change your location. This way, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world. However, it’s important to remember that using a VPN to access geographically restricted material is still illegal and can lead to legal consequences.
Recommendations
If you haven’t seen Parasite yet, go watch it! It’s a film that will make you think twice about society, class structures, and the lengths people will go to in order to survive. The movie is a work of art that deserves its critical acclaim and numerous awards. With exceptional performances, well-crafted dialogue, and skillful direction, Parasite is truly a masterpiece that should not be missed.
