‘Parasite’ becomes the first foreign film to win Best Picture at the Oscars

By MIA ARANDA

The South Korean thriller “Parasite” made history on Feb. 9 when the film won Best Picture at the Oscars, making it the first foreign film to win the Best Picture accolade. Director Bong Joon-ho also accepted awards when the film won for Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay. 

Joon-ho’s victory of winning Best Picture for “Parasite” shocked many as Sam Mendes’ “1917» was predicted to win. “1917” was anticipated to achieve the award particularly because of its unique cinematography and film score. Prior to the event, Time published statistics that predicted which film would take home the most prestigious award of the night; they gave “1917” a 39.6 percent chance of winning while “Parasite” and “The Irishman» were both given a 16.9 percent chance.

United States President Donald Trump blasted his discontent with “Parasite”’s win on Feb. 20 during a rally in Colorado Springs. 

“By the way, how bad were the Academy Awards this year? Did you see it? And the winner is a movie from South Korea. What the hell was that all about?” said Trump. “We’ve got enough problems with South Korea with trade. On top of it, they gave them the best movie of the year. I don’t know. I’m looking for, like, let’s get ‘Gone With The Wind.’ Can we get ‘Gone With The Wind’ back, please?”

Despite the dissatisfaction with the film’s Oscar win, “Parasite” truly deserved the win with its extraordinary screenplay, talented cast and genius director. 

Joon-ho’s “Parasite” embodies social commentary in which they show how the poor live off the upper classes’ benefits. In the film, each member of the impoverished Kim family seeks ways to advance their social status. The family uses deceptive techniques as they adroitly manipulate a wealthy family to surmount their financial difficulties in a low class neighborhood. Along the way, many secretive truths are revealed making the film a thriller, and keeping audiences at the edge of their seats. This drama/mystery film is rated R for language, violence and sexual content. 

Being as the film was made in South Korea with an all Asian cast, the film’s dialogues are all in Korean with English subtitles. Hopefully, the success of “Parasite” influences a transition from English-langauge films to include more languages for more diverse films. 

When accepting one of the many awards for his film, Joon-Ho said, “Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

A few foreign-language films that have earned Oscar awards in the past include “Roma” for Cinematography, Director and Best Foreign Language film in 2019, “La Vie en Rose” for Role, Makeup and Actress in a Leading Role in 2007 and “Life is Beautiful” for Actor in a Leading Role, Music and Best Foreign Language film in 1998. 

According to Variety, “Parasite” has sold more than $109 million in tickets globally and grossed $12.5 million from the United States alone, to exhibit the film’s overall success. 

Redlands East Valley sophomore Joshua Masangcay said, “It’s such a hard movie to describe because it doesn’t really fit into any genre. I would call it a meta take on human society that just incorporates horror and thriller aspects into the movie to make it interesting.”

“Parasite” is definitely a film worth watching particularly for its complexity, dark comedy, gripping plot and mystery. The film is available for rent and purchase on Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play and Youtube.

Lea este artículo en español aquí: https://laplaza.press/2020/03/10/parasite-se-convierte-en-la-primera-pelicula-extranjera-en-obtener-mejor-pelicula-en-los-oscars/