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The concept of a “perfect” movie is subjective and would of course vary from person to person. However, there are certain elements that many people consider when determining whether a film can be deemed to be flawless. For instance, most horror fans have used the word “perfect” to define the movie Scream.
Scream was a 1996 horror film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. It followed a group of high school students who are targeted by a mysterious killer known as Ghostface. The movie was a significant departure from the typical slasher films of the 1980s, and it revitalized the horror genre with its clever and self-referential approach.
Both those elements — as well as standout performances from the cast — contributed to fans’ reverence of the picture, to the extent that they called it perfect. The unique definition can also be used in a more generic sense, to refer to movies that fit a certain occasion well. As an example, Crazy Rich Asians, Set It Up, Five Feet Apart and A Star Is Born have been described as “perfect” for the Valentine’s mood of February.
The 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film Parasite is another that has been said to be perfect. We take a look at why.
What Was The Movie Parasite About?
The movie Parasite was written and directed by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, previously best known for the 2013 post-apocalyptic science fiction movie Snowpiercer. It is from that film that the Netflix series by Josh Friedman and Graeme Manson was adapted. Parasite tells the story of the poor Kim family, who live in a cramped, semi-basement apartment. The father, Ki-taek, is unemployed and the family is struggling to make ends meet.
Things change for the Kims when their son, Ki-woo, is offered a job as an English tutor for the wealthy Park family. Ki-woo sees this as an opportunity for his family to improve their situation and begins to infiltrate the Park household with the help of his family members, each posing as a tutor or an art therapist for the Parks’.
As the Kims become increasingly entrenched in the Parks’ lives, they begin to take advantage of their newfound wealth and status. They start to live a life of luxury and comfort, enjoying the Parks’ lavish home and expensive possessions. However, the Kims’ deception is soon discovered, and the film takes a dark turn as the true nature of their relationship is revealed.
Why Is Parasite Considered A “Perfect” Film?
There was general consensus among critics and fans alike that Parasite practically got everything right.
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The film depicted the stark contrast between the impoverished Kim family and the wealthy Park family, highlighting the vast gap between the rich and the poor in South Korean society.
Parasite also explored the theme contained within its title, contemplating those who cling to the wealthy in order to survive. It was also made to stand out because of its genre-defying nature.
The picture seamlessly blended comedy, drama and thriller elements to create a unique and captivating story. It was also marked by its unexpected twists and turns, as the audience is kept guessing until the very end.
The entire cast also delivered strong performances, Song Kang-ho particularly standing out as the father, Ki-taek. The actor’s portrayal of the character came across as both humorous and heartbreaking, as he skillfully captured the character’s desperation and determination.
What Did Reviews Say About Parasite?
Perhaps the strongest proof of just how “perfect” Parasite was, was its unprecedented levels of success at the 2020 Academy Awards. It became the first non-English language film to win the Oscar for “Best Picture,” while also bagging the awards for “Best Director,” “Best Original Screenplay,” and “Best International Feature Film.”
The critical reaction was just as overwhelming, with most reviews offering gushing praise for the barrier-breaking production.
Victor Pineyro of Seventh Art Studio wrote: “Delicate directing and immaculate production design make Parasite the masterpiece it is. Its social-study script belongs in a lab, as it comes with storytelling lessons that transcend language. Reason why it became universal.”
The Roger Ebert review struggled to capture the transcendence of the film. “It’s so clichéd at this point in the critical conversation during the hot take season of festivals to say, ‘You’ve never seen a movie quite like X,” Brian Tallerico of the respected critical outlet opined.
“So what do we do when we see an actual ‘masterpiece’ in this era of critics crying wolf? Especially one with so many twists and turns that the best writing about it will be long after spoiler warnings aren’t needed? I’ll do my best because Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is unquestionably one of the best films of the year,” the homage concluded.
